Israeli strikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 59 people, including women and children, according to hospital officials on Wednesday. This occurred as Israel prepared to intensify its campaign against Hamas in a conflict now entering its 20th month. Among the attacks was one on a school that was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians, where 27 people, including nine women and three children, were killed, as reported by officials from the Al-Aqsa Hospital. This marked the fifth time the school in central Gaza has been struck since the war began.
Additionally, an early morning strike on another school-turned-shelter in Gaza City resulted in 16 fatalities, according to officials at Al-Ahli Hospital. Further strikes in other areas killed at least 16 more individuals. A large column of smoke and fires were visible above the school shelter in Bureij, an urban refugee camp, as paramedics and rescuers worked to pull people from the blaze.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes. Israel attributes the civilian death toll to Hamas, which it claims operates from civilian infrastructure, such as schools.
The escalation of violence comes shortly after Israel approved a plan to intensify operations in Gaza, which includes seizing the territory, forcibly displacing Palestinians to southern Gaza, and controlling aid distribution. Israel is also mobilizing tens of thousands of reserve soldiers to implement this plan, which will proceed after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region later this month. Such actions could lead to increased casualties and extend military occupation, raising questions about governance in Gaza.
The conflict commenced when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Israel’s offensive has led to over 52,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
President Trump recently stated that only 21 of the 59 hostages in Gaza remain alive, conflicting with Israel’s claim of 24. An Israeli official expressed serious concern for three captives, whose status remains uncertain. Families of the captives have been updated, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urged the Israeli government to provide any withheld information and to cease actions in Gaza until all hostages return.
Following the end of a ceasefire with Hamas in mid-March, Israel’s intensified strikes have yielded significant fatalities and territorial gains. Humanitarian aid has been halted since the truce ended, contributing to a severe crisis.
Mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt continue, but significant differences remain between Israel and Hamas regarding the war’s resolution. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities, while Hamas proposes releasing hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and long-term truce.
In a related development, tensions have escalated between Israel and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis recently launched a ballistic missile near Israel’s main international airport, leading to Israeli airstrikes on targets in Yemen, including its capital, Sanaa. The Houthis have targeted Israel in support of the Palestinians since the conflict began. Although the U.S. reached an agreement with the Houthis to cease targeting its ships, Israel is not included in this deal, leading to concerns about ongoing hostilities.
