The US Urges Israel to Be Transparent Over Deadly Gaza School Air Strike
In a tragic turn of events, at least 35 people were reportedly killed in an air strike at a central Gaza school on Thursday morning. The school, located in the Nuseirat urban refugee camp, was packed with displaced people when it was targeted by an Israeli warplane.
Local journalists on the ground described the horrifying scene as two missiles struck classrooms on the top floor of the school. The Israeli military claimed it had conducted a “precise” strike on a “Hamas compound” within the school, but Gaza’s Hamas-run government media office denied the allegation.
The US has called on Israel to be fully transparent about the incident, urging them to publicly identify the Hamas fighters they claimed to have killed in the strike. This request comes as a rare move from the US, as Israel typically identifies militants it targets in air strikes.
Reports indicate that 14 children were among the casualties of the strike, prompting US officials to emphasize that children are not terrorists. The Israeli military later confirmed the deaths of 17 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters in the attack.
The strike at the al-Sardi school has left a devastating impact on the community, with conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 40 people killed, while Unrwa’s commissioner-general stated at least 35 fatalities.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction following the strike, with many dead and wounded rushed to nearby hospitals. The UN has condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and UN premises during conflicts.
Efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid continue, with a proposed plan that includes a temporary ceasefire, humanitarian aid surge, and eventual cessation of hostilities. Despite international support for the deal, there has been no breakthrough in negotiations.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in thousands of casualties over the past eight months, with both sides facing heavy losses. The need for peace and stability in the region remains a top priority for global leaders.
