Gaza School Bombed: 15 Dead, Hamas to Release US Hostage

Civilian casualties mount as conflict enters day 71; Hamas confirms US talks

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people on Saturday when they struck a school-turned-shelter in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza. Medical sources said the facility, which was housing displaced civilians, was hit during early morning attacks.

Hamas, in a parallel development, announced the planned release of Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli dual citizen who was taken captive during the October 7 attacks. The group confirmed it is engaging in direct discussions with the United States, marking a rare diplomatic channel during the ongoing conflict.

🔗 Read: India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire following deadly strikes

Israeli strikes extend to Yemen as blockade continues

The Israeli military also launched attacks on Yemen’s Hodeidah province, targeting areas controlled by the Houthis. Authorities confirmed warnings were issued to civilians in the Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif ports to evacuate ahead of the operation.

In Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 52,829, according to the Ministry of Health. The Government Media Office estimates the actual number is above 61,700, including those believed buried under rubble. Over 119,000 people have been injured since the conflict began.

🔗 Source: UN OCHA – Gaza Humanitarian Update 

Additional casualties as shelters and mosques struck

In addition to Jabalia, Israeli forces bombed a mosque in Nuseirat, also in central Gaza. Local reports say at least 17 people were killed across Gaza on Saturday alone.

Eyewitnesses and humanitarian groups have raised alarms over repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure. Critics argue that global media coverage has failed to capture the full scope of the humanitarian crisis.

October 7 aftermath and hostage development

The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,139 people and led to the capture of over 200 hostages. The announced release of Edan Alexander may signal a turning point in negotiations, though no official timeline has been given.

Israel maintains that its military campaign is aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure. However, international concern continues to rise over the impact on civilians and critical public services.