Israeli strike on Gaza school kills 93

According to rescuers in Gaza, a tragic incident occurred on Saturday when an Israeli air strike hit a school where displaced Palestinians were seeking shelter. The strike resulted in the loss of 93 lives, leading to widespread international condemnation. Israel, however, maintains that its intended target was militants.

The toll, if confirmed, would be one of the largest from a single strike during the 10 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants since Hamas's attack on October 7.

The recent attack on the Al-Tabieen religious school and mosque has sparked widespread condemnation from the Middle East and beyond. Many are calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging the warring factions to return to the negotiating table to reach a much-needed truce and secure the release of hostages.

According to civil defense rescuers in the Hamas-ruled territory, a complex in Gaza City was struck by three Israeli missiles during the early morning prayers. The military has officially confirmed the use of "three precise munitions."

Mahmud Bassal, the spokesperson for the civil defense agency, reported that a tragic incident occurred at the school shelter, resulting in the loss of 93 lives. Among the victims were 11 children and six women, with many body parts remaining unidentified.

"A devastating tragedy unfolded as a missile struck innocent individuals amid their prayers," recounted a grieving woman, her sorrow palpable as she observed a deceased child enveloped in a sad plastic body bag.

According to Israel's military, a targeted strike was carried out on Al-Tabieen, with claims of precise accuracy. The military also stated that intelligence indicated the elimination of a significant number of individuals affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, totaling at least 19.

Hamas strongly criticized the incident as a "dangerous escalation," while Hezbollah, the Lebanese ally of the Palestinian group, described it as a "horrific massacre."

Iran condemned what it described as a "barbaric attack," accusing Israel of fuelling conflict in the Middle East. Iran, known for supporting militant groups, had previously accused Israel of seeking to escalate tensions in the region after notable assassinations in Tehran and Beirut.

According to a resident named Abu Wassim, everyone who was inside the mosque was tragically killed. "The floor above, where women and children were sleeping, was completely engulfed in flames."

Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, a staggering number of 2.4 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes. Seeking shelter, many have turned to school buildings, which unfortunately have not been spared from the violence. Shockingly, these educational institutions have been targeted a total of 14 times since the start of the conflict on July 6.

The toll is described as 'intolerable.'

Israel has previously made allegations of armed activities following strikes on school shelters, while Hamas has consistently denied utilizing civilian facilities for military purposes.

According to Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, Hamas has been using schools as operational bases. However, it is essential to note that the US has consistently emphasized the need for Israel to take steps to minimize harm to civilians.

The foreign ministry of Jordan expressed its view that the timing of the action indicated Israel's intention to hinder and impede the most recent mediation effort.

In a call for action, Qatar, one of the mediators, urged an immediate international investigation. Meanwhile, Turkey has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to disrupt the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

According to official figures from Israel, the war that was triggered by Hamas's attack on October 7 resulted in the tragic loss of 1,198 lives, with the majority of the victims being civilians.

A group of Palestinian militants has taken control of 251 individuals as hostages, with 111 of them still being held in Gaza. The Israeli military has reported that 39 of these hostages have tragically lost their lives.

According to Gaza's health ministry, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 39,790 people reported dead. However, the ministry does not provide specific information regarding the breakdown of civilian and militant casualties.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed his horror at the school strike.

France has stated that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law.

The French foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the ongoing attacks on school buildings, which have resulted in a distressing number of civilian casualties.

Objective analysis

According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, Israel has announced its intention to send negotiators to finalize the implementation of a deal following a joint invitation from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas still needs to provide an official response.

According to Hamas officials, as well as some analysts and critics in Israel, there are claims that Netanyahu has deliberately prolonged the fighting for his political advantage.

Protesters took to the streets once more on Saturday in Tel Aviv, Israel's bustling economic center, and in Haifa, a city in the north, demanding that their leaders take action to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

In a statement, Savett, the US spokesman, emphasized the gravity of the Gaza City strike, highlighting the pressing need for a ceasefire and a resolution to the hostage situation.

The mediators have invited the warring parties and urged them to resume talks on August 15. This comes after a period of intense diplomacy focused on preventing a potential region-wide conflagration in recent days.

The Gaza conflict has already involved Iran-aligned groups across the region. Still, concerns of a wider war have intensified after the deaths of two high-ranking militants, including Hamas's political leader.

Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups have made firm statements promising retaliation, but as of now, they have not followed through with any actions.

When questioned about his message to Iran, US President Joe Biden replied with a single word: "Don't." This brief response came as he exited Saturday evening mass in Delaware.

In a recent development, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for launching a series of explosive-laden drones at an army base. This action comes as a response to the killing of a Hamas commander in south Lebanon. The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has resulted in frequent exchanges of fire.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent Hamas figure, during his visit to Tehran on July 31 has significantly impacted the ongoing truce negotiations. Iran and Hamas have placed the blame on Israel, although Israel has not provided a direct comment on the matter.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations asserted on Saturday that the Islamic Republic possesses the legitimate right to self-defense, following what they described as a violation of their sovereignty.

"We anticipate that our response will be timely and conducted in a way that does not hinder the potential ceasefire," the statement expressed.