Israeli airstrike hits school in Gaza, killing at least 27 people

Starting in the Middle East, amid expanded military operations by Israel in Gaza an Israeli airstrike on a former school being used as a shelter in Gaza City has resulted in significant casualties.

On Thursday local time, an Israeli airstrike hit the Dar Al-Arqam school in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, which was serving as a shelter for displaced individuals.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 27 people were killed, including 14 children and five women.

It says over 70 others were injured.

The Israeli military said that the strike targeted a "Hamas command and control center" and asserted that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm.

The incident is part of a broader escalation, with Israeli forces expanding strikes and issuing evacuation orders across Gaza.