The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a precise strike on a compound used by the Hamas terror group inside an UNRWA school in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 27, according to the Hamas-controlled government media office. The IDF stated that the strike was aimed at eliminating terrorists who planned to carry out attacks and that precautions were taken to minimize harm to civilians.
The compound was allegedly used by members of Hamas’s Nukhba force, who were involved in a terror attack on October 7 in Israel. The IDF also released an aerial photo showing where in the compound the terrorists had allegedly been staying.
The latest strike occurred amid ongoing talks between US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to secure a truce and release of hostages held by Hamas. G7 powers and Arab states have backed a three-phase Israeli plan to halt the fighting for six weeks while hostages are exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and aid is stepped up. However, sticking points remain, as Hamas insists on a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal, demands that Israel has flatly rejected.
Israel has frequently accused Hamas and its allies in Gaza of using schools, health facilities, and other civilian infrastructure as operational centers, charges the militants deny. UNRWA, which coordinates nearly all aid to Gaza, has been in crisis since January when Israel accused about a dozen of its 13,000 employees in the territory of being involved in the October 7 attack.
