KHAN YOUNIS, GAZA — Israeli air strikes killed at least 69 people across Gaza on Thursday, according to Gaza rescue officials, marking one of the deadliest days in recent weeks as fighting escalated across the territory.
The strikes came amid growing pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement, days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel had accepted the conditions for a 60-day pause in fighting. Hamas says it is reviewing the proposal but maintains its position that a full Israeli withdrawal is required to end the war.
In Gaza City’s al-Rimal neighborhood, an air strike hit a school-turned-shelter housing displaced families, killing 15 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. Witness Wafaa al-Arqan told media: “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning… What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted a “key Hamas terrorist” using the site as a command center. The military did not mention the school or the civilians killed. It claimed efforts were made to avoid civilian casualties and accused Hamas of using civilians as shields an allegation the group denies.
In southern Gaza, a strike on a tent in the al-Mawasi zone an area Israel designated as a “safe zone” killed at least five people, according to survivors. Ashraf Abu Shaba, who lived nearby, said he saw children and women’s bodies wrapped in blankets. “There are no safe zones,” he said. “Every place is a target. The situation is unbearable.”
Later Thursday, Gaza Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal reported that 38 more people were killed while trying to collect food aid. He said 25 died near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, six in a nearby area, and seven in Rafah.
Separately, medics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported at least 20 deaths among people headed to an aid distribution point. The IDF did not respond directly to those reports.
Footage from Nasser Hospital showed wounded Palestinians receiving emergency treatment. Men wrapped in bandages lay on stretchers. Doctors worked quickly as relatives cried nearby.
The IDF said its forces had hit 150 targets over 24 hours, including tunnels, armed fighters, and weapon sites. Brigadier General Effie Defrin acknowledged the difficulty of minimizing civilian harm, saying Israel was “learning from every incident.” But he dismissed casualty claims near aid sites as “lies.”
Aid groups and the UN have criticized the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which runs food distribution centers in high-conflict zones. The GHF said distribution on Thursday proceeded without incident and reported delivering over one million food boxes since May 26.
However, the Gaza health ministry reported at least 408 deaths near GHF centers in the past five weeks and another 175 killed while seeking food elsewhere. UN agencies refuse to work with GHF, citing its lack of coordination with humanitarian standards.
In recent days, a former GHF contractor accused the organization of allowing armed guards to shoot at civilians waiting for food. GHF denied the claims, calling the man a “disgruntled ex-employee.” He insists he left on good terms and has provided supporting documentation.
The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry says more than 57,130 people have died, including over 15,000 children.
Despite international mediation efforts, Israel continues its military campaign while limiting humanitarian access to Gaza. Civilian deaths continue to rise, with aid corridors remaining dangerous for those in desperate need.
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