In a devastating attack on Saturday morning, an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza resulted in over 100 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The agency reported that three Israeli rockets hit the school, which was serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. The strike ignited a massive fire, complicating rescue efforts and causing some bodies to be burned beyond recognition.
The Gaza government media office confirmed the high casualty numbers, stating that more than 100 people had been killed in the attack. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams struggling to control the fire and aid those trapped.
This incident follows a series of strikes by the Israeli military targeting schools in Gaza, with a previous attack on Thursday resulting in at least 18 deaths. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has asserted that their Saturday strike was aimed at a Hamas command and control center embedded within the school. They claimed that the strike targeted Hamas operatives using the school premises as a base of operations.
The IDF stated that efforts were made to minimize civilian casualties and that the strike was conducted with precision to avoid harming non-combatants. However, rescue teams have reported difficulties reaching those in need due to severe damage and disruptions caused by the attack.
The Israeli authorities have reportedly cut off water supplies in the area, further complicating rescue operations. The attack occurred during morning prayers, adding to the scale of the tragedy. The IDF’s assertion of targeting a Hamas base has been met with skepticism, given the high civilian toll and the nature of the shelter’s use during the ongoing conflict.
Sources By Agencies
