Israel’s defense for killing dozens at UN-run school in Gaza

An Israeli airstrike on a United Nations-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, according to local authorities. The school, operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), was sheltering displaced individuals when it was struck overnight.

The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, stating that it targeted a Hamas compound operating within the school. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that extensive precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including aerial surveillance and the use of precise intelligence. Despite these measures, the airstrike resulted in significant loss of life.

The Gaza government media office initially reported the casualties, with a spokesperson from Gaza’s Ministry of Health later confirming the rising death toll to CNN. This incident marks a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen heightened military activity and rising casualties.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel’s military offensive in Gaza would continue unabated, regardless of any ongoing ceasefire or hostage release negotiations with Hamas. His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and American officials in Doha to revive truce talks.

In a related development, tensions have intensified along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack in northern Israel, which left several people injured. This escalation adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, large groups of young Israeli nationalists marched through Muslim areas of the Old City during an annual flag-flying event, further inflaming tensions. This controversial march has historically been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The international community continues to watch closely as efforts to de-escalate the situation face significant challenges.