Israeli forces on Saturday carried out heavy airstrikes targeting three UNRWA schools in Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, displacing thousands of Palestinians who had sought shelter there, local media reported.

The schools struck were identified as Al-Sitt Sura, Al-Alia, and Shuheiber, which were housing thousands of displaced families who had fled Israeli bombardments in northern and southern Gaza but refused to evacuate further south.

The attacks come amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, which has killed 64,756 Palestinians and wounded more than 164,000, the majority women and children. The war has also forced mass displacement and triggered famine that has claimed the lives of 413 people, including 143 children, according to health authorities.