Israeli airstrikes kill 52 in Gaza, including 36 in school-turned-shelter

Gaza: At least 52 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on 26 May, including 36 in a school repurposed as a shelter, according to local medical authorities.

The strikes reportedly occurred as people were sleeping, igniting fires and killing entire families. One strike on a house in Jabalya killed 16 members of a single family, including women and children.

The Israeli military said it targeted a militant command centre inside the school used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for intelligence operations. It blamed civilian casualties on Hamas's use of residential areas for military purposes.

The conflict resumed in March after a ceasefire collapsed. Israel has vowed to defeat Hamas and recover remaining hostages from the 7 October 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 abductions. Some 58 hostages remain in captivity.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israel’s offensive has now killed approximately 54,000 Palestinians, over half of them believed to be women and children. Israel’s campaign has displaced roughly 90% of Gaza's population, with many living in tents or crowded shelters.

Amid growing humanitarian concerns, a new aid distribution system backed by Israel and the US — but rejected by the UN and major aid organisations — is expected to start soon. The head of this system, American Jake Wood, resigned a day before its launch, citing lack of independence.

The United Nations and international aid agencies have refused to cooperate with the initiative, criticising it for potentially increasing displacement and violating humanitarian norms. They say there is no conclusive evidence that Hamas systematically diverts aid.

Israel says it aims to eventually control Gaza and facilitate the "voluntary migration" of its population — a plan widely opposed by Palestinians and the international community. Hamas has urged residents not to cooperate with the new aid system, calling it part of Israel’s displacement strategy.
(With AP inputs)