An Israeli airstrike struck a U.N.-run school compound in northern Gaza on Friday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, as reported by Palestinian emergency officials. This incident occurred a day after another airstrike on a school in Gaza killed at least 33 people in the central region. The Israeli army claimed that Hamas militants were using the schools for their operations in both instances, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Israel has released the names of 17 alleged militants it said were killed in the strike on Thursday. However, only nine of these names matched hospital morgue records of the deceased. Shockingly, one of the alleged militants was only an 8-year-old boy, according to hospital records.
International pressure is mounting on Israel to minimize civilian casualties in its Gaza war, which has now entered its eighth month. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to return to the Middle East next week in an effort to facilitate a breakthrough in the stalled cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Both Israel and Hamas are expected to be listed as violators of the rights and protection of children in armed conflict in an upcoming United Nations report. Israel expressed public outrage upon being informed of this designation.
The war in Gaza has resulted in over 36,730 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with Palestinians now facing severe hunger due to restricted access to food, medicine, and other supplies. U.N. agencies warn that over a million people in Gaza could be on the brink of starvation by mid-July.
The war was initiated by Israel in response to Hamas’ attack on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, with around 250 individuals abducted. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
For more updates on the Gaza war, follow the AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Recent events:
ISRAEL IDENTIFIES 17 ALLEGED MILITANTS KILLED IN GAZA SCHOOL STRIKE, BUT HOSPITAL RECORDS SHOW DISCREPANCIES
TEL AVIV — Israel’s military has revealed that eight additional militants were among those killed in the strike on a U.N.-run school in central Gaza on Thursday, bringing the total number of alleged militants to 17.
The army released a list of names of militants it claimed were killed in the strike, but only nine of these names matched the records of the deceased from the hospital morgue.
One of the individuals listed as a militant was an 8-year-old boy, according to hospital records. Further investigations revealed discrepancies in the identities of the casualties.
While the strike in Nuseirat refugee camp on Thursday resulted in over 33 fatalities inside the school, authorities revealed that many of the victims were women and children. The military maintained that some 30 militants were present at the school during the strike and claimed unawareness of any civilian casualties.
It was reported that around 6,000 individuals were seeking refuge in the school at the time of the attack, further complicating the casualty count.
U.N. TO CATEGORIZE ISRAEL AND HAMAS AS VIOLATORS OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN CONFLICT
NEW YORK — In an upcoming annual report to the Security Council, the U.N. secretary-general will designate both Israel and Hamas as violators of children’s rights and protection in armed conflict.
The report outlines instances of “the killing and maiming of children” as well as “attacks on schools, hospitals, and protected persons” associated with schools and hospitals. Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are among the entities identified in the upcoming report.
Following this announcement, there were varying reactions from Israel and Hamas. Israel expressed outrage over the designation, with their U.N. Ambassador responding vehemently to the news. The ongoing conflict and its impact on children in Gaza remain a pressing concern on the global stage.
ANTONY BLINKEN TO VISIT MIDDLE EAST TO ADVOCATE FOR CEASE-FIRE INITIATIVE DURING EIGHTH TRIP AMID GAZA WAR
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on his eighth diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Blinken is expected to travel from Paris to Cairo next week, with subsequent visits to Israel, Jordan, and Qatar. The aim of the trip is to bolster efforts for a three-phase cease-fire proposal, which could bring an end to the conflict and pave the way for reconstructing Gaza.
However, challenges lie ahead in promoting and implementing the proposed deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the terms and remains cautious about halting all fighting until Hamas is completely neutralized.
Meanwhile, Hamas has responded favorably to the offer and urged Israel to commit unequivocally to the agreement, which includes a prisoner exchange and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Biden, Blinken, and other U.S. officials are enlisting support from Arab nations to exert pressure on Hamas to accept the terms of the deal. However, concrete actions and responses are yet to materialize, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE HITS U.N. SCHOOL IN NORTHERN GAZA, CAUSING THREE FATALITIES, PALESTINIAN OFFICIALS REPORT
JERUSALEM — An Israeli military strike targeted a Hamas position within a U.N.-run school in northern Gaza, resulting in three deaths according to Palestinian emergency officials.
This incident occurred a day after an Israeli airstrike on another U.N. school in central Gaza claimed the lives of at least 33 individuals, including women and children. The Israeli military asserted that Hamas militants were using the schools as shields and for military operations.
The strike in Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza targeted the Asmaa School, a facility managed by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which caters to Palestinian refugees. While the Israeli military claimed that one militant was killed in the attack, the Palestinian Civil Defense reported three fatalities without specifying their identities.
Over 180 United Nations facilities have been affected by Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza, with schools converted into shelters for thousands of displaced individuals. The military accusations Hamas of positioning fighters and weaponry within civilian structures, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict in Gaza, which has now entered its eighth month, has claimed over 36,730 lives according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel contends that it abides by international law and places responsibility for civilian casualties on Hamas, which it accuses of operating amidst the civilian population.
For more information on the Geneva Conventions regarding the protection of civilians during war, visit here
U.S. MILITARY PIER IN GAZA RESTORED AND SET TO RESUME AID DELIVERIES FOLLOWING RECENT DAMAGE
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Central Command has announced the restoration of a military-built pier in Gaza designed to facilitate aid deliveries by boat, following damage caused by storms and rough seas.
The pier’s causeway, which connects to the Gaza beach, was reconstructed nearly two weeks after severe weather conditions damaged it, disrupting the critical aid delivery route. The restored pier is expected to resume operations soon, with plans to transport a million pounds of essential supplies into Gaza every two days.
The pier was initially operational for a brief period before being damaged by storms, impacting its delivery capabilities. The maritime route was crucial in light of challenges faced in transporting aid through land routes due to Israeli military operations in various parts of Gaza.
Central Command Vice Admiral Brad Cooper anticipates a swift ramp-up in operations at the reconnected pier, with efforts also underway to resume airdrops of food into Gaza in the near future.
ISRAELI SETTLERS VIOLENTLY ATTACK PALESTINIAN VILLAGE IN WEST BANK, MULTIPLE INJURIES REPORTED
RAMALLAH — A northern West Bank village experienced violent attacks by Israeli settlers, resulting in injuries to several individuals, as reported by a local official on Friday.
The head of Qusra’s municipality council, Hani Odeh, revealed details of the attack, which involved fires, destruction of property, and injuries inflicted on residents. Videos capturing the incidents corroborate the severity of the violence, with casualties reported among the village’s inhabitants.
Israeli authorities confirmed that Israeli civilians were responsible for setting Palestinian property on fire. A confrontation ensued, leading to mutual hostilities with rock-throwing and subsequent intervention by the military to disperse the crowds.
Violence has escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank during the Gaza conflict, with numerous casualties resulting from Israeli incursions. Palestinian attacks against Israelis have also heightened tensions in the region.
The West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem remain central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with various stakeholders navigating a complex landscape amid ongoing hostilities.
GAZA HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT AT LEAST 18 FATALITIES IN OVERNIGHT ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza — Palestinian health authorities disclosed that Israeli airstrikes overnight in Central Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including children.
The strikes targeted multiple areas, including the Nuseirat and Maghazi refugee camps, Deir al-Balah, and Zawaiyda. The bodies were transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for identification and further documentation.
Among the casualties were four children, one woman, and the mayor of the Nuseirat municipality, as confirmed by hospital records. The Israeli military maintained ongoing operations in sections of Central Gaza, focusing on eliminating militants, destroying infrastructure, and locating tunnel networks.
These incidents followed an Israeli strike on a U.N.-run school sheltering displaced Palestinians, where at least 33 lives were lost. Israel claimed the school was a Hamas compound, though civilian casualties were disputed.
UNEMPLOYMENT IN GAZA REACHES ALARMING LEVELS, ACCORDING TO LATEST U.N. REPORT
JERUSALEM — Gaza is grappling with an unemployment rate nearing 80% since the onset of the conflict eight months ago, according to a new report by the United Nations International Labour Organization and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
The war has severely impacted economic activities in Gaza and the West Bank, with over 85% of private sector operations in Gaza disrupted or halted during the initial phase of the conflict. The economic distress has led to a crippling unemployment rate surpassing 50% across both regions, affecting thousands of families and individuals.
The dire situation has prompted the U.N. to issue multiple reports highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, with long-term repercussions on the region’s stability and resilience.
Efforts to address the economic fallout of the conflict face numerous challenges, requiring sustained international support and diplomatic interventions to bring relief and long-term recovery to the affected populations.
CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP CALLS FOR HALT IN WEAPONS SHIPMENTS TO ISRAEL FOR USE IN GAZA
The U.S. civil rights organization NAACP has urged the Biden administration to cease the shipment of weapons to Israel intended for deployment in Gaza.
The NAACP voiced concerns over the escalating violence and civilian casualties in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive halt to military operations and weapon transfers to the conflict zone. President and CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace efforts and protecting human lives to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.
This call follows a series of international appeals for a cease-fire and humanitarian intervention in Gaza, where thousands of lives have been lost, and millions remain at risk due to ongoing hostilities.
Efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region require collaborative action, diplomacy, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the conflict.
U.S. PROPOSES GAZA CEASE-FIRE RESOLUTION AT U.N., ISRAEL OBJECTS TO TERMS
UNITED NATIONS — The United States has introduced a revised draft resolution at the Security Council, outlining a proposal for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza to be agreed upon by both Israel and Hamas.
The resolution details a three-phase plan aimed at ending the prolonged conflict in Gaza and initiating a process of reconstruction and recovery. It calls for the release of Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, contingent on a mutual commitment to a permanent cease-fire by both parties.
However, Israel has raised objections to the latest U.S. proposal, citing concerns about the wording and implications of a long-term cease-fire with Hamas. Israeli officials highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes disarmament and dismantling of militant capabilities as part of any agreement.
Efforts to reach a consensus on the terms and conditions of a cease-fire remain challenging, as both sides navigate complex political dynamics and security considerations. Regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are actively engaged in facilitating dialogue between the parties, though concrete progress is yet to be achieved.
Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer, Michael Weissenstein, and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
GAZA HOSPITAL REVISES ACCOUNT OF ISRAELI STRIKE ON SCHOOL, FEWER CASUALTIES AMONG WOMEN AND CHILDREN
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Following the Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, the hospital where the casualties were taken has updated its records to reflect fewer women and children among the fatalities.
The Israeli military targeted three classrooms in the U.N.-run school where they claim militants were operating. They confirmed the deaths of nine militants following the strike.
Initially, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported that nine women and 14 children were among the 33 individuals killed in the school attack. However, subsequent revisions now indicate that only three women, nine children, and 21 men were among the victims. The reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear.
SPAIN REQUESTS TO JOIN SOUTH AFRICA’S CASE ACCUSING ISRAEL OF GENOCIDE
MADRID — Spain has announced its intention to request permission from a United Nations court to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, as revealed by the country’s foreign minister.
Spain is set to become the first European nation to support South Africa’s lawsuit, which alleges that Israel has violated the genocide convention through its military actions in Gaza. Several other nations, including Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinians, have already sought to join the case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
The court’s ruling compelled Israel to cease its military operations in a Gaza city but fell short of enforcing a broader cease-fire across the region. Israel’s adherence to the court’s directives has been under scrutiny, with ongoing debates about the legality and morality of the conflict.
Spain’s decision to join the case signifies its commitment to upholding international law, promoting peace, and seeking justice for the victims of the conflict in Gaza.
