Ten children were killed on Thursday morning while 19 wounded in an Israeli airstrike as they queued outside a medical facility in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, according to health officials.
The strike occurred while families were waiting to receive nutritional supplements and medical aid.
Project Hope, the NGO operating the clinic, confirmed the attack and has suspended its operations at the site indefinitely. “This morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open.
This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” said Rabih Torbay, the organisation’s chief executive.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hamas member involved in the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel. It expressed regret over civilian casualties and said the incident is under review.
Witnesses described a horrific scene. “What was our fault? What was the fault of the children?” asked 35-year-old Mohammed Abu Ouda, who survived the strike. “I saw a mother hugging her child on the ground, both motionless – they were killed instantly.”
The attack was part of a wider escalation, with at least 67 Palestinians killed across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The surge in violence comes as ceasefire negotiations intensify. On Wednesday, Hamas agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages as a gesture of flexibility.
US President Donald Trump voiced optimism, saying there is a “very good chance” of a ceasefire agreement being reached within days.
However, key differences remain. Israel insists on the right to resume military operations after a temporary truce, while Hamas demands guarantees that the ceasefire will be permanent. Mediator Qatar warned that reaching a deal will still take time due to these unresolved issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from Washington on Thursday, said Israel would consider entering permanent ceasefire talks if both parties agree to the current 60-day US-proposed truce plan.
He reiterated Israel’s conditions, including Hamas disarming and relinquishing control of Gaza.
Meanwhile, ground operations continued in southern Gaza. Residents reported Israeli tanks and bulldozers advancing near displaced persons’ encampments southwest of Khan Younis.
Witnesses said soldiers opened fire and used tear gas, prompting families to flee under extreme heat, carrying only what they could.