The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency reported that a targeted airstrike on Saturday morning killed 31 operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza City. The strike hit a command center located within the Taba’een school complex, which Israel claims was being used by the two militant groups as a base for operations. Initially, the IDF confirmed the deaths of 19 militants but later increased the figure to 31 after further verification.
According to Israeli military sources, the airstrike was executed with precision munitions to minimize collateral damage. However, the attack also resulted in significant civilian casualties. The Hamas-run civil defense agency in Gaza claimed that the strike killed over 90 civilians and injured dozens more, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict. The IDF has contested these numbers, stating that the casualty figures reported by Gaza’s civil defense agency do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.
The airstrike, which targeted a mosque within the school complex, occurred during dawn prayers. This has drawn widespread condemnation from international actors, including Western diplomats, Muslim countries, and humanitarian organizations. The White House expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties and reiterated the need for Israel to take measures to prevent harm to non-combatants. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett acknowledged that while Hamas has been known to use schools for military purposes, Israel has a responsibility to minimize civilian harm.
International reactions to the strike have been overwhelmingly critical. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, and UK Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned the attack, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt, both involved in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, also denounced the strike, with Qatar calling for an urgent international investigation.
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