Gaza – At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in a deadly incident near a school sheltering displaced civilians in central Gaza, amid renewed violence that has put pressure on an already fragile ceasefire between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas.
The violence occurred in the vicinity of the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, where clashes and airstrikes were reported on Monday, according to medical officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Several of the injured are said to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Violence Near Civilian Shelter
Officials stated that the casualties followed intense shelling and armed confrontations east of the camp, close to a school being used as a shelter for displaced residents. Emergency responders from Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed the figures and rushed to the scene to evacuate victims and transport the wounded to nearby medical facilities.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Eyewitnesses have provided differing accounts of how the violence began. Some local sources suggest that the incident may have initially stemmed from an internal dispute. According to one resident, armed members of a militia opposed to Hamas entered the area with the intent of detaining certain individuals staying in the school.
Residents, along with Hamas-affiliated fighters, reportedly resisted the move, leading to an exchange of gunfire that quickly escalated into a broader confrontation.
Airstrikes Intensify Situation
The situation worsened when Israeli forces reportedly carried out airstrikes near the site shortly after the clashes began. Witnesses also described heavy gunfire in the area, contributing to the rising number of casualties.
Authorities have yet to confirm how many victims were killed due to the airstrikes and how many died in the ground clashes. The Israeli military said it is reviewing the incident but has not released a detailed statement so far.
Ceasefire Faces Mounting Pressure
The latest violence has intensified concerns over the durability of the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 with support from the United States. Although the truce significantly reduced large-scale hostilities, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations.
Israel has continued targeted operations in Gaza, stating that these are aimed at neutralizing militant threats. However, such actions have drawn criticism and raised doubts about the long-term sustainability of the ceasefire.
Rising Casualties and Uncertainty
Since the ceasefire began, Gaza’s health authorities report that at least 723 Palestinians have been killed, a figure considered credible by the United Nations. Meanwhile, Israeli officials report the deaths of five soldiers during the same period.
The incident near Al-Maghazi highlights the volatility of the region, where tensions can escalate rapidly despite diplomatic efforts. With conflicting narratives and sporadic violence continuing, the situation remains highly uncertain, and international mediators are expected to intensify efforts to prevent further civilian casualties and preserve the ceasefire.
