The Israeli Air Force said on Saturday morning it had struck a school building in Daraj Tuffah in the eastern Gaza Strip that was serving as a shelter for Hamas terrorists and commanders. According to unconfirmed Palestinian reports, the three rockets killed more than 100 people, including many internally displaced people. The “martyrs” were said to have just performed their morning prayers in a mosque next to the school.
“The air force accurately hit Hamas terrorists operating from a command center embedded in the Al-Taba’een school and located next to a mosque in Daraj Tuffah, where Gaza City residents were seeking shelter,” the Israeli military said. Numerous measures were taken before the strike to reduce the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precision munitions, aerial surveillance and intelligence information.
Hamas reports dead civilians
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that many civilians, mostly internally displaced people, were among the more than 100 dead. “The Israeli strikes targeted the displaced people performing Fajr (morning prayers), resulting in a rapid increase in the number of casualties,” a statement from the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said. The information provided by both sides could not be verified at this time.
The Israeli army: uses precision munitions
The Israeli military said that “numerous measures” had been taken in the northern coastal strip before the attack to reduce the risk to civilians. Precision munitions were used in the attack. Hamas used the building as a hideout for terrorists and commanders. From there, attacks on Israeli forces and the State of Israel were planned and prepared.
The Israeli military reiterated that Hamas systematically violates international law by operating from civilian shelters, using civilians as human shields for its terrorist activities, the report said.
The US fears an escalation of the situation
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously warned against an escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Such a thing is in no one’s interest. Against the backdrop of concerns about a retaliatory strike by Iran and its allies against Israel for the killing of two leading figures of Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, Blinken assured Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant by telephone of iron-clad support from the United States. But an escalation is “not in the interest of either side”, Blinken said.
The State Department also revealed that Washington is providing Israel with an additional $3.5 billion to purchase American weapons and military equipment. Congress was notified. According to a CNN report, the funds are part of an additional $14 billion in additional funding for Israel approved by the U.S. Congress in April.
Insisting on a ceasefire
A ceasefire in the Gaza war is seen as key to defusing the situation in the Middle East. A ceasefire in the closed-off coastal strip would ensure the release of hostages, allow more humanitarian aid to the suffering population and “create the conditions for broader regional stability,” Blinken said in the call. The US, Qatar and Egypt, which acted as mediators in the war between Israel and the Iran-allied Hamas, had previously urged both sides to reach an agreement in a joint statement.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
