Rescuers in Gaza reported that a school housing displaced Palestinians was struck by an Israeli air strike, resulting in the death of 93 people on Saturday. This incident has sparked international condemnation, although Israel claims they were targeting militants.
The toll of 93 casualties from a single strike during the 10-month war between Israel and Palestinian militants since Hamas’s attack on October 7 is yet to be independently verified by AFP.
The strike on the Al-Tabieen religious school and mosque has drawn criticism from various regions, prompting calls for a ceasefire and resumption of talks for a long-sought truce and hostage-release agreement.
Civil defense rescuers in Gaza confirmed that three Israeli missiles hit the complex in Gaza City while people were praying at dawn. The military stated they used “three precise munitions.”
Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defense agency, mentioned that among the 93 casualties at the school shelter, 11 children and six women lost their lives, with many body parts remaining unidentified.
The bombardment has been denounced as a “dangerous escalation” by Hamas, while Hezbollah, the Lebanese ally of the Palestinian group, called it a “horrific massacre.”
Iran, a supporter of the militant groups, condemned the attack as “barbaric.” Numerous school buildings serving as shelters in Gaza have been targeted, as nearly all of the 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once during the conflict.
– ‘Intolerable’ toll –
Israel has accused Hamas of using civilian facilities for military purposes after similar strikes on school shelters. The US has emphasized the need for Israel to minimize civilian harm, while Jordan has criticized the timing of the attack as obstructing mediation efforts.
Several countries have called for urgent international investigations, with France stating that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law.
– Measured response –
Israel has expressed willingness to negotiate details for implementing a deal following a joint invitation from the US, Egypt, and Qatar, but Hamas has not responded formally yet. Anti-government protests continue in Israel, urging leaders to secure the release of remaining hostages and reach a ceasefire agreement.
The urgency for a ceasefire and hostage deal has been underscored by the recent Gaza City strike. The mediators have invited the warring parties to resume talks, aiming to prevent a larger regional conflict.
Fears of broader war escalation have heightened following the recent killings of senior militants in the region. The Gaza conflict has already involved Iran-aligned groups, but retaliatory action has not been taken so far.
US President Joe Biden’s message to Iran was simple: “Don’t,” as tensions remain high in the region. Hezbollah claimed to have launched drones at an army base in retaliation for the killing of a Hamas commander in Lebanon.
The killing of Hamas’s Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran had disrupted truce talks, with Iran and Hamas blaming Israel for the incident. Iran has asserted its right to self-defense but hopes to respond in a manner that does not derail potential ceasefire efforts.
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