Recent airstrikes by the Israeli military on school buildings in Gaza, which have been used as civilian shelters, have reportedly resulted in over 120 deaths, raising alarms about the targeting strategy employed amidst the ongoing conflict.

Multiple sources indicate that at least six school buildings have been struck in recent months, including an incident on Monday that killed four individuals at Al-Aishiya school in Deir al-Balah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the site was used by terrorists but did not provide specific evidence regarding the targeting decisions.

The IDF has loosened its operational controls regarding attacks on Hamas operatives located in sites populated by civilians, and military sources indicate that several additional schools have been designated as potential targets.

Among these are Halawa, al-Rafaa’i, Nusiba, and Halima Sa’dia, located in or near Jabaliya in northern Gaza.

There is ongoing damage to educational infrastructure, with reports indicating that 95% of Gaza’s schools have sustained damage, and around 400 schools classified as having suffered direct hits.

On May 25, an airstrike on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school reportedly killed at least 54 individuals, including children.

The IDF asserted it had targeted key Hamas operatives at a command and control center previously associated with the school.

Over the last two months, the IDF has categorized various civilian structures, including healthcare facilities and schools, as "heavy centers" where Hamas militants allegedly operate.

Sources confirm that attacks have been authorized even with knowledge that civilians might be present.

Juliette Touma of UNRWA highlighted the necessity of safeguarding educational facilities, labeling numerous attacks on schools as violations of international law.

In response to inquiries regarding the military's operational rationale, an IDF spokesperson stated that actions were taken based on military necessity and in compliance with international law, claiming Hamas exploited schools for military purposes.

In a related incident earlier this week, Israeli forces opened fire during a food distribution in southern Gaza, killing at least three people and injuring dozens.

The military insisted that warning shots were aimed at potential threats, denying accusations of limiting access to relief efforts.

This follows another incident on Sunday where at least 31 people were reportedly killed while attempting to access a food distribution site, amidst rising concerns about an exacerbating humanitarian crisis.

The UN and several humanitarian organizations have criticized the newly established food distribution system, claiming it breaches fundamental humanitarian principles.

Critics state that the new system, supported by Israel and the US, exacerbates the pre-existing issues in Gaza, where approximately 2 million residents face severe food shortages due to an ongoing blockade.

As of now, the Israeli military has reported that its operations are focused on striking targets they claim pose security threats.

However, civilian health officials state that over 54,000 Palestinians have died since the escalation began following Hamas' incursion into Israel on October 7, including many women and children.

The toll from the military campaign, as reported by Gaza's health ministry, continues to raise scrutiny and calls for a comprehensive evaluation of civilian casualties.

Furthermore, the situation remains increasingly dire, with more than 50,000 children reported killed or injured by the ongoing violence, marking this as one of the most severe humanitarian crises faced in recent conflicts.

International leaders and UN officials have urged for immediate investigations into the humanitarian implications of military operations in Gaza.