Israeli airstrikes kill at least 95 Palestinians in Gaza targeting cafés, schools, aid centers

Israeli airstrikes on Monday targeted a café, a school, and humanitarian aid centers across Gaza, killing at least 95 Palestinians and injuring many others. 

Among the dead were women, children, and journalist Ismail Abu Hatab.

The deadliest strike hit Al-Baqa café in northern Gaza City, where 39 people lost their lives. Witnesses said the area, which had no political or military affiliation, was crowded with displaced civilians, including children celebrating a birthday. The bombing caused massive destruction, leaving a large crater where the café once stood.

Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that the attack came without warning and struck a place considered a refuge for displaced families. Elsewhere in Gaza City, Israeli forces bombed Yafa school, which had been sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians. Witnesses said they were given just five minutes to evacuate.

In central Gaza, strikes targeted the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed chaos as tents housing displaced families were damaged. Reporter Tareq Abu Azzoum said this marked at least the tenth time Israeli forces targeted that hospital. Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the attack as a direct threat to the fragile healthcare system.

In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, at least 15 Palestinians were killed while waiting for food at aid distribution centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), with 50 others wounded.

These centers, supported by the U.S. and Israel, have seen nearly 600 deaths since GHF began managing aid in late May. The Israeli military acknowledged civilian casualties and said it is reviewing the incidents. A Haaretz report cited Israeli soldiers claiming they were ordered to shoot civilians at these sites.

The attacks occurred as Israeli officials traveled to Washington for renewed ceasefire talks, with U.S. officials reportedly pushing for a truce. Qatar, a key mediator, confirmed U.S. interest but warned about the worsening humanitarian crisis. Talks are also expected to cover broader regional issues, including Iran.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet is reviewing its Gaza strategy. Military officials claim the current operation is nearing its goals, with possible new opportunities to recover hostages held by Palestinian groups. Hamas, however, stated no new ceasefire proposals have been received and reiterated its commitment to ending Gazans’ suffering through negotiations.

SR