Gaza: In a devastating escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces bombed a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 36 Palestinians, including multiple children, and injuring many more. The attack caused a major fire within the shelter, intensifying concerns from the international community about Israel’s conduct during its war on Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death toll from Israel’s military campaign now stands at 53,939 with over 122,797 injured. However, the Government Media Office in Gaza reports an even higher figure—claiming more than 61,700 have died, including thousands still trapped and presumed dead beneath the rubble.
The school that was bombed had been serving as a makeshift shelter for displaced families. Footage and images from the scene show bloodied children, shocked survivors, and widespread destruction. One image captured a wounded Palestinian man holding a child, sitting on the ground amidst the wreckage, embodying the horror of the moment.
This latest bombing coincided with a pivotal diplomatic meeting in Madrid, where Spain hosted foreign ministers from 20 European and Arab countries to discuss the crisis. Spain used the gathering to advocate for suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement—a major political and trade accord—unless Israel complies with international law. Spanish officials also called on the international community to consider broader sanctions and support a renewed push toward a two-state solution.
Speaking at the summit, Spanish representatives emphasized the urgency of international action, citing the unbearable humanitarian toll in Gaza and Israel's continued bombardment of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, shelters, and refugee camps.
The war, which erupted following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed approximately 1,139 people in Israel and led to the capture of over 200 individuals, has since escalated into one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s modern history. While Israel cites national defense and the need to dismantle Hamas as justifications, human rights organizations and UN officials have repeatedly warned of potential war crimes and called for immediate ceasefires.
As diplomatic pressure builds, particularly from European and Arab nations, the Israeli government remains defiant. Meanwhile, Gaza’s population continues to endure what aid agencies describe as "catastrophic humanitarian conditions"—marked by starvation, collapsed medical systems, and mass displacement.
The Madrid meeting marks a potential turning point in Europe’s stance toward the conflict, with several nations reportedly warming to the idea of formal diplomatic consequences against Israel. Whether these discussions translate into concrete action remains to be seen.
For now, Gaza mourns another mass casualty event, as yet another shelter meant for protection turned into a site of tragedy.
