The Israeli army claimed the building housed headquarters for two Palestinian terrorist organizations.
Local hospital sources reported at least 36 fatalities, including nine women and 14 children. A UNRWA (the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees) spokeswoman estimated the death toll to be between 35 and 45. UNRWA noted that schools in Gaza are currently sheltering displaced residents.
According to reports, Hamas denied having any posts or personnel in the UNRWA school building, according to Reuters. However, the Israeli army insisted that the school grounds were being used to direct terrorist attacks, leveraging its status as a civilian public building.
An IDF spokesman stated that between 20 and 30 Hamas militants were present at the school. The Associated Press, citing a witness, reported that bullets struck classrooms housing civilians.
The IDF emphasized that multiple precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties before targeting the building. They also released aerial photos purportedly showing terrorist activity points.
More than 36,500 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, when Hamas conducted its surprise attack on Israel, in which almost 1200, mostly civilians, lost their lives.
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Source: PAP, CNN, AFP, AP