Over 100 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza School, Israel Claims Target Was Hamas Command Center

In a devastating escalation of violence, more than 100 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded when an Israeli airstrike hit a school in Gaza that was sheltering displaced people. The incident occurred early Saturday morning as the victims were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers, according to the official Palestinian news agency.

The school, located in Daraj Tuffah, Gaza City, was reportedly being used as a refuge for those displaced by ongoing conflicts. The Hamas-run Gaza government’s media office stated that the airstrike led to a rapid increase in casualties, describing the event as a targeted attack on civilians.

In response, the Israeli army issued a statement saying that the airstrike targeted a Hamas command and control center that was embedded within the Al-Taba’een school and was located adjacent to a mosque. The Israeli forces emphasized that the strike was carried out with precision, using munitions and intelligence to minimize civilian harm.

“Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information,” the Israeli army added in its statement.

Despite these assurances, the attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian authorities and international observers who view it as a severe escalation in the conflict, particularly due to the high number of civilian casualties involved.