An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school, has killed more than a hundred Palestinians and injured dozens.
The school was providing shelter to displaced people
Strikes During Dawn Prayers
The airstrike happened when people sheltering at the school were performing dawn prayers.
Consequently, many people were killed in the airstrike, the Hamas media office said in a statement.
It said that medics had not yet been able to reach all the bodies.
Gaza health authorities did not give any immediate information.
Israeli Military Statement
The Israeli military said in a statement that its air force targeted a command and control centre where Hamas fighters were hiding.
The military said it had taken steps to reduce the risk of harming civilians.
Israel says the militant group embeds among Gaza’s civilians, operating from within schools, hospitals and designated humanitarian zones.
What Does Hamas Say?
Hamas denies this.
Hamas said the Israeli airstrike was a horrific crime and a serious escalation.
Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned the strike.
Fate Of Fresh Ceasefire Talks?
The strike has happened at a time the mediators are pushing to resume ceasefire talks.
The Egyptian foreign ministry said that the killing of Gaza civilians showed Israel had no intention to end the war.
Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled fresh ceasefire negotiations for Thursday, as fears are growing of a broader conflict, involving Iran and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu’s Position
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he will not end the war until Hamas ceases to pose a threat to Israelis.
He will however send a delegation for the August 15 talks.
A Hamas official told Reuters the group is studying the new offer for talks but did not elaborate.
Casualties in October 7 Assault
Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel on October 7.
In this assault, over 1,200 people, mostly civilians were killed more than 250 were held captive, according to Israeli tallies.
Since then, nearly 39,790 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry,
The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Israel’s Loss
Israel, which has lost 329 in Gaza, says at least a third of the Palestinian fatalities are fighters.
Iran-backed Hamas does not publish its casualties.
