Israeli airstrike on school in Gaza results in over 30 casualties, as Spain joins ICJ genocide case

In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 30 people, including 23 women and children, according to local health officials. The strike, which occurred early Thursday morning, targeted the al-Sardi School, run by the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), where Palestinians who had fled Israeli offensives and bombardment in northern Gaza had sought refuge.

The Israeli military claimed that Hamas militants were operating from within the school, but has not yet provided clear evidence to support this claim. The military announced a new ground and air assault in several refugee camps in central Gaza, stating that they were pursuing Hamas militants who had regrouped in the area.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah received at least 33 dead from the strike, including 14 children and nine women. Another strike on a house overnight resulted in the deaths of six people, according to hospital records.

In response to the school airstrike, the Spanish foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, announced that Spain will be joining the case brought by South Africa in the International Court of Justice alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Several other countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinians, are also waiting for approval to join the case.

International condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is growing, with more countries speaking out against the violence and calling for peace in the region.