Gaza School Hit in Israeli Airstrike, Hamas Reports Civilian Deaths
An Israeli airstrike targeted a UN school in Gaza on Thursday, which Israel claims was being used by Hamas fighters. The strike, which occurred in Nuseirat in central Gaza, reportedly killed 40 people, including women and children, according to a Hamas official.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run government media office, denied Israel’s claim that the UN school housed a Hamas command post. “The occupation uses false fabricated stories to justify the brutal crime it conducted against dozens of displaced people,” Thawabta said.
The Israeli military stated that they conducted a “precise strike” after taking measures to protect civilians. Satellite photos were circulated showing the areas of the building where fighters were allegedly located. Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said, “We’re very confident in the intelligence.” He added that 20 to 30 fighters were believed to be in the compound, though he had no precise details about civilian casualties.
Juliette Touma, the communications director for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, mentioned that the school might have been hit multiple times but could not confirm the death toll. Hamas-run media earlier reported 35 to 40 deaths, including 14 children and nine women.
This incident comes as Israel announced a new military campaign in central Gaza, aimed at combating fighters using hit-and-run tactics. Despite ongoing cease-fire talks, Israel has stated that fighting will continue until Hamas is defeated. US President Joe Biden has proposed a cease-fire plan, which Israel has accepted, but Hamas insists any agreement must include a permanent end to the war.
