Gaza: At least 10 children were killed by an Israeli airstrike as they waited for nutritional supplements and medical care outside a clinic in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on Thursday morning, according to medical sources. The attack, which targeted families lining up for essential aid, brings the total number of people killed across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours to at least 82, according to the health ministry.
The clinic, run by US-based charity ‘Project Hope’, had been providing treatment for malnutrition, infections, and illness. Following the strike, Project Hope announced the suspension of operations at the facility until further notice. Its president and CEO, Rabih Torbay, condemned the attack as “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
Among the victims was a one-year-old boy who had reportedly spoken his first words just hours before the strike, according to UNICEF. His mother was critically injured.
“No parent should have to face such tragedy,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director.
“The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror and devastation.
“Suddenly, we heard the sound of a drone approaching, and then the explosion happened,” said Yousef Al-Aydi, 30, who was waiting in line.
“The ground shook beneath our feet, and everything around us turned into blood and deafening screams,” said Muhammad Abu Ouda, 33 recounting the chaos at the clinic.
“I saw a mother hugging her child on the ground, both motionless – they were killed instantly.”
“What was our fault? What was the fault of the children?” asked Abu Ouda.
Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 67 other people, including 15 people in five separate attacks in Gaza City.
The war continues to escalate despite renewed diplomatic efforts. On Wednesday, Hamas agreed to release 10 hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, but negotiations remain stalled. A previous truce collapsed in March, when Israel resumed fighting instead of progressing toward a second phase of the deal that could have led to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israel has demanded the disarmament of Hamas and its removal from Gaza, which the group has rejected.
On the ground, Israeli military operations are expanding. On Thursday, residents reported tanks and bulldozers advancing toward displacement encampments southwest of Khan Younis, opening fire and deploying tear gas. Families fled in panic, carrying mattresses and personal belongings under the scorching summer heat.
With more than two million people trapped in Gaza under siege and facing severe humanitarian collapse, the strike on a medical aid center has drawn widespread international condemnation and further underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
