On October 10, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted a school in Deir al Balah, Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, including women and children. The school was being used as a refuge for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its teams transported 27 bodies and 54 injured individuals to local hospitals.
The Israeli military stated that it had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions and enhanced surveillance. However, this incident adds to the growing toll of the conflict, which has seen over 42,000 fatalities since hostilities escalated on October 7, following a series of attacks by Hamas against Israel.
In the wake of the airstrike, hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, with some patients being treated on the floor due to a lack of space. The situation remains dire as the conflict continues to escalate, impacting countless lives in the region.