Israeli shelling on Wednesday killed at least 17 people across the Gaza Strip, with women and children among the dead, according to hospital officials.

One of the worst-hit sites was the Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, which was struck three times, forcing the evacuation of roughly 40 young patients. In central Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital reported that an Israeli strike destroyed a home in the crowded Nuseirat refugee camp, killing three people.

Meanwhile, officials at Nasser Hospital said a family of three — two parents and their child — were killed when their tent was hit in the Muwasi area west of Khan Younis.

The civilian toll comes amid a massive displacement crisis. Nearly half a million Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent hours, according to Israeli military figures, though the UN estimates close to one million remain. Many are trapped due to congestion on the Al-Rashid coastal road, prompting Israel to announce a second evacuation corridor along Salah a-Din, the main artery linking north and south Gaza, which will reportedly remain open until Friday noon.

Still, even the designated “humanitarian zone” of Al-Mawasi has not been spared from Israeli bombardments in recent months, leaving residents with no true safe refuge. Some Palestinians have even returned to Gaza City, citing overcrowded shelters and collapsing basic services.

The ongoing Israeli offensive, launched Tuesday with the stated goal of dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure, shows no clear timeline and is expected to stretch for months.

International condemnation has intensified: the European Union unveiled its toughest measures yet, including higher tariffs on Israeli goods and sanctions targeting Hamas leaders, Israeli settlers, and two members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet. Spain and Norway also pledged financial support to the Palestinian Authority in response to Israel withholding tax revenues.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares accused Israel of “trying to annihilate the idea and possibility of a Palestinian state with bombs in Gaza in a veritable massacre.”

The Vatican added its voice, with Pope Leo XIV denouncing the bloodshed and urging Israel to respect humanitarian law. “Before the Almighty Lord who commanded ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ every person always has an inviolable dignity that must be respected and protected,” he said, drawing applause as he called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a diplomatic solution.

The latest assault underscores the spiraling humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where hospitals, homes, and shelters remain under fire and the path to peace seems more remote than ever.