The Israel Defense Forces continued intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The uptick in offensive operations came days after Israel marked the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 assault and as Israeli leaders planned their response to last week's Iranian ballistic missile attack.

The deadly strike on the school in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, killed one child and seven women, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Witnesses, speaking anonymously, said the strike occurred while school managers were meeting aid group representatives in a room normally used by Hamas-run police. No police were present at the time.

The Biden administration has dropped its support for an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon and is openly supporting Israel’s ground offensive, a State Department spokesman said.