Israel has long blamed Hamas for civilian and children deaths, arguing that the militant group uses innocent people as human shields.

Palestinian officials say Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people Monday in the Gaza Strip, including five women and four children. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses Hamas and other armed groups of endangering civilians by operating in residential areas.

Multicolored posters, white streamers and Palestinian flags made of paper decorate a tent in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. School rucksacks stuffed with clothes, small pillows and floral blankets are strewn on the floor.

Khaled Meshal, one of Hamas’s most senior officials, said in an interview that the militant group expects to play a decisive role in the enclave when the war is over.

A U.N. committee on Thursday condemned severe violations by Israel of a global treaty protecting children's rights, saying its military actions since Oct. 7 had a "catastrophic" impact on them. "The committee condemns in the strongest terms the severe violations of rights under the convention in the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories),