According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including 27 or more who were sheltering at a school. While the Israeli military claimed the attack aimed to pressure Hamas and ultimately drive out the militant group, as reported by the Associated Press.
Hamas Called Strike As 'Heinous Massacre'
The Hamas group called the airstrike on the school a heinous massacre of innocent civilians.
What Did The Israeli Military Say?
The Israeli military said it struck a "Hamas command and control centre in the Gaza City area" and said it had taken steps to minimise harm to civilians." Israel also gave the same reason for striking Hamas militants in a "command and control centre", while a day earlier a UN building that was used as a shelter was attacked, killing at least 17 people.
Israel has issued sweeping orders to evacuate parts of northern Gaza ahead of potential ground operations. The UN humanitarian office said nearly 280,000 Palestinians have been displaced since Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas last month.
What Did The Palestinian Health Ministry Say?
Health Ministry spokesman Zahel al-Wahidi stated that the bodies of 14 children and five women were recovered from the school in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, and the death toll could rise because some of the 70 wounded sustained critical injuries, AP reported.
Citing records at Ahli Hospital, Zahel said that more than 30 other Gaza residents were killed in strikes on homes in the nearby neighbourhood of Shijaiyah.
UN Security Council Condemns Israeli Airstrike In Gaza
On Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told the UN Security Council that the killing of 15 medics and emergency workers in Gaza two weeks ago raises further concerns of “war crimes by the Israeli army”.
"There must be an independent, prompt and thorough investigation into these killings," Turk added.
Israeli Airstrike In Lebanon
At least two people were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike on apartments in a multi-storey building in the Lebanese coastal city of Sidon on Friday morning, according to reports.
Meanwhile, there was no immediate statement from the Israeli military. It was the first time Lebanon's third-largest city had come under air attack since a shaky ceasefire deal was reached in late November.
Israel has continued regular airstrikes targeting facilities and officials of Hezbollah and allied groups since the ceasefire.
