Health and education authorities in Gaza report that a young female student was fatally shot by Israeli forces Thursday while participating in lessons conducted inside a temporary classroom tent in Beit Lahiya, located in northern Gaza.
According to the education ministry, third-grader Ritaj Rihan was struck by gunfire in the presence of her fellow students, leaving them with “a strong psychological shock.”
Health authorities confirmed that three additional Palestinians lost their lives Thursday in two distinct aerial bombardments across northern and southern regions of Gaza, raising the day’s casualty count to no fewer than four deaths.
Medical personnel reported that an Israeli air assault close to a medical facility in Jabalia, situated in the northern part of the territory, resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, while a separate strike in Khan Younis in the southern area claimed one life.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided statements regarding these incidents.
Following a ceasefire agreement implemented in October, Israel maintains control over more than half of Gaza’s territory. Nearly every structure within the Israeli-occupied zone has been demolished, forcing residents to evacuate.
This situation has resulted in almost the complete population of over two million individuals being restricted to approximately one-third of Gaza’s land area, primarily living in temporary shelters and damaged structures, where daily activities continue under Hamas-led administrative control.
Volunteer educators are conducting lessons for displaced Gaza children in overcrowded tent facilities across certain regions, as students remain determined to pursue their studies despite the extensive destruction of educational institutions.
These temporary learning environments encounter significant obstacles, including severe weather conditions, inadequate supplies, and safety concerns.
Since the October agreement became effective, more than 700 Palestinians have lost their lives, while militants have killed three Israeli military personnel. Palestinian sources claim Israeli forces have been relocating yellow concrete boundary markers westward, advancing into previously unoccupied areas. Israel disputes these allegations.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict began following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties, based on Israeli records.
