Gaza: The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out more than 200 airstrikes across the Gaza Strip over the past 48 hours, amid escalating international outrage following a deadly bombing at the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in northern Gaza, which killed at least 36 Palestinians—many of them children.
The Israeli army said the targets included what it described as “terrorists, weapons depots, sniper and anti-tank positions, tunnel shafts, and other terrorist infrastructure.” However, the growing number of civilian casualties and destruction of shelters, including schools used by displaced families, has intensified scrutiny over Israel’s conduct in the war.
Among the most harrowing evidence to emerge was verified video footage showing a terrified child trying to escape the fire and chaos triggered by the Israeli airstrike on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school. The building, meant to be a sanctuary for those fleeing previous attacks, became the latest site of mass death and trauma. The clip, widely circulated on social media and news platforms, has further galvanized calls for international accountability.
This bombing was part of Israel’s intensified offensive, which it says is aimed at dismantling Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. But aid organizations, journalists, and international observers report that civilian infrastructure is being relentlessly targeted, and the humanitarian situation is spiraling beyond control.
The school bombing came just as Spain hosted a high-level Madrid Group meeting with 20 European and Arab foreign ministers, pushing for sanctions against Israel and the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Spanish officials cited the attack on the school as a stark example of why global pressure is needed.
Israel's campaign began after the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas, in which over 1,139 people in Israel were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. Since then, Israel's military response has resulted in a staggering toll: over 53,939 Palestinians killed, with 122,797 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Government Media Office reports a higher figure of 61,700 dead, noting that thousands remain missing under the rubble.
As airstrikes continue, hospitals are overwhelmed, food and water are scarce, and entire families are being wiped out in single strikes. While Israel maintains it is targeting militant infrastructure, the loss of civilian life tells a story of indiscriminate destruction that many argue violates international humanitarian law.
The footage of the child running through flames is now emblematic of the crisis—a single moment that captures the fear, loss, and desperation facing Gaza’s people as the world debates what action, if any, will be taken to stop it.
