At least 29 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in southern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The Al-Awda school in Abasan al-Kabira was struck, where civilians were ordered to evacuate last week. The Israeli military claims the target was a “terrorist from Hamas’ military wing” involved in an attack earlier in October. Gaza City was evacuated as heavy bombardment forced the closure of medical facilities. Families called for ambulances, but Israeli operations hindered first responders from reaching affected areas.
Residents were told to head south to Deir al-Balah as Israel embarked on a new ground offensive in pursuit of Hamas militants who were regrouping in the area. Hospital closures were reported, with staff moving patients to alternative facilities. The Israeli military claimed they informed hospitals in Gaza City they did not need to evacuate, but fear of raids led to the shutdown of medical facilities. Previous occupations of hospitals by Israeli troops have led to patient and medical worker deaths, along with massive destruction.
Hamas warned that the recent raids in Gaza City could jeopardize negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Israel. With mediation from the US, Egypt, and Qatar, efforts to reach a ceasefire deal have been ongoing. CIA Director William Burns met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo to discuss negotiations. Hamas agreed to relent on its demand for Israel to commit to ending the war, but still insists that the negotiations must end with a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused by Hamas of obstructing negotiations with the ongoing operations in Gaza City. Hamas demands that mediators guarantee a permanent ceasefire as part of any agreement, which Israel has rejected. Despite attempts to bridge the gap between the two parties, obstacles remain in reaching a resolution. Only 13 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are functioning partially, according to the United Nations’ humanitarian office.
In the past nine months, Israeli military actions in Gaza have led to several hospital closures and the displacement of patients. Hospitals and medical facilities have been frequent targets of Israeli attacks, with claims that Hamas uses them for military purposes. The destruction and loss of life caused by these actions have raised concerns among humanitarian organizations. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire deal have been complicated by the ongoing violence in Gaza City and the reluctance of both sides to make concessions. The toll of the conflict continues to rise, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
