Dozens of Palestinians Killed in Israeli Airstrike Targeting School in Central Gaza

Dozens of people have been killed following an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school located in a refugee camp in central Gaza, according to representatives from hospital administrations and the government press center.

The press service of the Gaza government reported that at the time of the strike, displaced individuals were residing in the school located in Nuseirat, affiliated with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Authorities at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital announced on Thursday that at least 39 people have died, with many others injured; however, officials fear that the death toll may rise as more victims continue to be transported to hospitals.

Israeli military officials confirmed that airstrikes were conducted, which they claim targeted a Hamas complex operating inside the school. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that numerous measures were taken prior to the attack to minimize the risk of harm to non-combatants, including aerial surveillance and the use of 'additional precise intelligence data.'

According to a reporter working in the area, at least three rockets hit the school, affecting a three-story building. It is believed that approximately 20,000 displaced individuals have sought refuge in the school, its courtyard, and surrounding areas.