The Gaza Civil Defence Agency reported that Israel struck a school building sheltering displaced Palestinians on Sunday, resulting in the death of at least nine individuals. The Israeli military stated it is investigating the alleged air strike, which is the latest in a series of attacks on displacement shelters across the Gaza Strip. The army claims these actions are targeting Hamas militants.
The strike claimed the lives of nine people and injured several others at Asma school in Gaza City's Al-Shati refugee camp, according to the Civil Defence Agency. Rescue teams were searching for more victims beneath the rubble. The agency confirmed that six bodies had been identified, including that of a young girl.
Taheer al-Rantisi, who witnessed the event, described seeing a plane destroy the building, which then collapsed on the people inside, calling it 'a massacre.' The school building was sheltering 'innocent children and elderly' people, according to Rantisi. He recounted that when the strike occurred, 'all the people and children were torn apart.'
Paramedic Hussein Mohsen noted that the displaced individuals who had sought refuge at the school had come from Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza, areas where Israeli forces have been conducting a broad assault since early October. Mohsen emphasized, 'This is not the first time that the Israeli occupation has targeted schools.' In recent months, the military has attacked several schools that had been converted into shelters, with Israel alleging that Palestinian militants were operating within these facilities.
In recent days, tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled Israel's extensive ground and air assault in the northern regions of the besieged Gaza Strip. The military asserts that its aim is to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping in these areas.
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