Israel is bracing for potential retaliatory attacks in the aftermath of an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza that resulted in the death of at least 80 Palestinians and left nearly 50 others wounded.
The Israeli military has confirmed the strike, stating that the school was being used as a Hamas command center, a claim that Hamas denies. The facility, like many other schools in Gaza, was providing shelter for Palestinians who had been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
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This attack has intensified calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire with Hamas. Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have issued a joint statement urging both parties to come to an agreement.
The current proposal is based on a previous suggestion made by the Biden administration in May. It entails a six-week cease-fire in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, and discussions on the potential exchange of hostages and prisoners.
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Reports suggest that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is in favor of a cease-fire agreement, but Netanyahu’s stance remains uncertain.
Netanyahu is under pressure from the public and families of hostages to reach a resolution and end the hostilities. However, he is also facing opposition from right-wing factions within his coalition, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who views the cease-fire proposal as a grave error.
