Israeli Airstrikes Escalate Conflict: Death Toll Rises in Gaza and West Bank

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the West Bank killed at least 24 Palestinians, including militants and civilians. A school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza was hit, resulting in 15 deaths. The situation has escalated regional tensions, especially after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, leading to concerns of a broader Middle East conflict.

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school sheltering displaced persons led to 15 Palestinian fatalities on Saturday. This event followed two earlier strikes in the occupied West Bank, claiming nine militants, including a local Hamas commander, per Hamas sources.

The Israeli military stated that the first West Bank airstrike targeted a militant vehicle en route to launch an attack, while the second struck militants firing on troops during a counter-terrorism operation. The Hamas military wing and Islamic Jihad acknowledged the deaths were among their fighters.

The Gaza Strip strike killed 15 in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, with Israel alleging the school was a Hamas command hub. Regional tensions have spiked post-assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a Hezbollah commander, stirring fears of a widespread conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)