Tragedy struck in Gaza as at least 93 Palestinians lost their lives in an Israeli strike on a school and mosque that were serving as shelters for displaced people. The strike targeted the Al-Tabi’in compound in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City during dawn prayers, resulting in a devastating loss of innocent lives.
Gaza Civil Defense reported that the strike left many individuals torn apart and unidentified, with videos showing a grim aftermath of bodies scattered on the ground. Witnesses emphasized that the victims were civilians, including children, the elderly, and men and women, who were targeted without any prior warning.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out the strike, stating that it targeted Hamas terrorists operating within a command and control center in the building. The IDF claimed to have taken precautions to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions and intelligence information.
However, Gazan authorities disputed the IDF's account, alleging that the majority of those killed were civilians. The strike on the Al-Tabi’in compound is part of a series of attacks on schools in Gaza, drawing condemnation from the UN Human Rights Office for the escalating pattern of strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The ongoing military offensive in Gaza has resulted in a significant death toll and a high number of injuries, with thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes. The Palestinian Authority and international bodies have condemned the strikes, holding Israel accountable for the loss of innocent lives.
The strike on the school and mosque has sparked outrage and calls for justice, as families struggle to identify their loved ones among the casualties. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
