Israeli airstrikes on Monday targeted a café, a school, and humanitarian aid centers in Gaza, killing at least 95 Palestinians and injuring many others. Among the dead were women, children, and journalist Ismail Abu Hatab.
The most lethal strike occurred at Al-Baqa café in northern Gaza City, where 39 people were killed. Witnesses say the area, which had no political or military affiliation, was full of displaced civilians, including children celebrating a birthday. The bombing caused massive destruction and left a crater where the café once stood.
Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reported that the attack came without warning, hitting a place considered a haven for displaced families. Elsewhere in Gaza City, Israeli forces also bombed the Yafa school, which had been housing hundreds of displaced Palestinians. Witnesses say they were given just five minutes to evacuate.
In central Gaza, Israeli strikes hit the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed chaos as tents sheltering displaced families were damaged. Reporter Tareq Abu Azzoum said this was at least the 10th time Israeli forces targeted that hospital. Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the attack as a direct threat to the fragile healthcare system.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, at least 15 more Palestinians were killed while waiting for food at aid distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), and 50 others were wounded.
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These hubs, supported by the U.S. and Israel, have seen nearly 600 deaths since GHF began overseeing aid in late May. The Israeli military admitted civilians were harmed and said it is reviewing its actions. A Haaretz report cited Israeli soldiers claiming they were ordered to shoot civilians at these sites.
The attacks happened as Israeli officials traveled to Washington for renewed ceasefire talks, with U.S. officials reportedly pushing for a truce. Qatar, a key mediator, confirmed U.S. interest but warned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Talks are also expected to address broader regional issues, including Iran.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet is reviewing its Gaza strategy. Military officials claim the current operation is nearing its goals, and there may be new opportunities to recover hostages still held by Palestinian groups. Hamas, however, stated that no new ceasefire proposals have been received and reiterated its commitment to ending the suffering of Gazans through negotiations.
Source: Al Jazeera