At least 20 people, including children, were killed in an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Monday. Palestinian health officials reported that many of the victims were killed while taking shelter inside the building.
The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Hamas militants operating from a compound that previously served as a U.N.-run school. However, Palestinians denied the allegations, saying the compound was used to provide humanitarian aid and shelter for displaced families.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of almost 45,000 people, mostly civilians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The war began when Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
Israel launched an air and land offensive that has displaced nearly the entire population and left much of the enclave in ruins. A bid by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to reach a truce has gained momentum, but no breakthrough has been announced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had spoken with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about efforts to free hostages. The situation remains tense, with ongoing Israeli bombardment reported across Gaza, killing at least 17 people in recent strikes.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinians-mourn-dead-after-israeli-strike-gazas-khan-younis-2024-12-16