An Israeli strike early Thursday on a school-turned-shelter in central Gaza that the military said was being used as a “Hamas compound” killed at least 30 people, including five children, according to local health officials.

The strike came after the military said it was launching new air and ground operations in central Gaza and an international medical group reported soaring casualties. The latest operations appear to mark a widening of Israel’s nearly eight-month offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.