Gaza School Compound Hit by Israeli Strike, Killing 10
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, a school compound in Gaza City was struck by an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, resulting in the death of at least 10 people. The compound, known as Hamama school, was being used as a shelter for Palestinians who had been displaced from their homes due to the war.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that it had targeted a Hamas command and control center that was located inside the school compound. According to the military, the compound was being used by Hamas militants to manufacture weapons and was a “hiding place for Hamas terrorists.” However, the Palestinian group denies these allegations.
This incident highlights the ongoing accusations made by the Israeli military that Hamas is using civilian facilities as command centers or to hide their commanders and militants. Such accusations have been strongly denied by Hamas, which claims that it is the Israeli military that is targeting civilian infrastructure.
The conflict in Gaza began on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel. Since then, the violence has escalated, resulting in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Additionally, 251 people have been seized by militants, with 111 still being held hostage in Gaza. The Israeli military claims that 39 of these hostages are dead.
The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza has been devastating, with at least 39,550 people killed, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The high number of casualties, including a significant number of civilians, has raised concerns about the proportionality and legality of Israel’s military actions.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to resolve the conflict. However, both Israel and Hamas have so far rejected these calls, with each side blaming the other for the escalation of violence.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of people displaced from their homes and living in overcrowded shelters. The destruction of infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The targeting of a school compound in Gaza City is a tragic reminder of the toll that this conflict is taking on innocent civilians. It is crucial that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Gaza, there is a growing urgency to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The loss of life and the destruction of infrastructure cannot continue indefinitely. It is time for all parties to come to the negotiating table and work towards a lasting peace in the region.