Israel attacks Hamas militants’ school in Gaza

According to a Reuters report, about 27 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza. Israel claims that Hamas militants were hiding in this compound. However, local media said that the school compound was sheltering people displaced due to the ongoing war.

Israel claimed that a Hamas command post was hidden in the UN school in Nuseirat, central Gaza. It said the compound housed Hamas fighters who were involved in the attack on Israel on October 7, 20023, which triggered the war, which is now in its eighth month.

The Israeli military said steps had been taken to minimise civilian casualties before the fighter jets struck.

However, Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run government media office, rejected Israel’s claims.

“The occupying government is misleading public opinion through fabricated stories to justify the brutal crimes committed against dozens of displaced people,” Thwabta told Reuters.

The development comes at a time when Israel has said fighting will not stop during ceasefire talks.

On Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group would not agree to anything less than a permanent end to the war in Gaza and an Israeli withdrawal under a ceasefire plan.

“The offensive movements and factions will take seriously and positively any agreement that is based on a comprehensive end to the offensive and a full withdrawal as well as the exchange of prisoners,” Reuters quoted Haniyeh as saying.

Haniyeh’s remarks were seen as a response to US President Joe Biden’s three-step plan to end the war in Gaza. The plan includes a “permanent ceasefire” and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, provided Hamas releases all hostages.

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