At least six Palestinians were killed after Israeli forces struck a school sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City, where families had gathered to attend a wedding, local health officials said. The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of civilians seeking refuge in schools and other public buildings amid the ongoing conflict.
School shelter hit during civilian gathering
According to medical sources, the attack targeted a school building being used as a shelter by families displaced from their homes due to sustained hostilities. At the time of the strike, a wedding ceremony was reportedly taking place inside the premises, with several civilians present.
Emergency responders said multiple people were injured in the attack, some of them seriously, and were rushed to nearby hospitals already struggling with shortages of medical supplies and staff.
Displaced families face mounting risks
Schools across Gaza have been converted into shelters as thousands of residents flee damaged or destroyed homes. However, repeated strikes on or near such locations have raised alarm among humanitarian agencies over the lack of safe spaces for civilians.
Health officials in Gaza City said women and children were among those present at the shelter when it was hit. Verification of the identities and ages of the victims is still underway.
International concern over civilian safety
Human rights groups have consistently warned that attacks on sites sheltering displaced civilians could amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law. They have urged all parties to ensure the protection of non-combatants and civilian infrastructure.
The Israeli Defense Forces have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident. Past statements from Israeli authorities have maintained that operations target militant infrastructure, while critics argue that civilian casualties continue to rise.
Calls for restraint and accountability
Medical officials and aid workers in Gaza said the latest incident underscores the urgent need for restraint and increased humanitarian access. With shelters overcrowded and winter conditions worsening, displaced families remain extremely vulnerable.
As investigations continue, the strike has added to growing international calls for accountability and renewed efforts to protect civilians caught in the conflict.