Gaza City – A devastating Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City has ignited international outrage, as truce talks between Hamas and Israel appear to falter. The attack on May 26, 2025, resulted in a massive fire and the deaths of at least 36 Palestinians, many of whom were children seeking refuge. This incident occurred amidst reports that Hamas had agreed to a US proposal for a ceasefire, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the strike.
According to sources familiar with the Al Jazeera report, the ceasefire proposal includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, during which Hamas would release ten living captives and bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The agreement stipulates an initial release of five Israeli captives, with the remaining five to be freed on the 60th day of the truce.
The deadly school bombing is just one of numerous attacks reported in recent days. Since dawn on Monday, more than 50 people have been killed in various assaults. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of at least 53,977 Palestinians and left 122,966 wounded. The Government Media Office has updated the total death toll to over 61,700, including thousands presumed dead and buried beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. The head of a US-backed Gaza aid group resigned on May 26, 2025, citing concerns over independence and impartiality. The UN has outlined a five-stage plan to ensure the effective delivery of aid, including inspection, transportation to humanitarian facilities, preparation for distribution, and delivery to those in need.
The conflict has also led to further displacement, with the UN estimating that over 599,000 people have been displaced since the collapse of the previous ceasefire. Intense Israeli Forces activities have escalated since the night of March 17-18, 2025, causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and new waves of forced displacement.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the school bombing serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. The international community is closely watching the developments of the ceasefire talks and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.