The number of fatalities from an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school-turned-shelter has risen to 80, according to Palestinian health officials. The attack occurred early Friday morning while an estimated 6,000 displaced individuals were seeking refuge at the Tabeen school, which also housed a mosque.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their strike targeted a “Hamas control center” within the school but did not provide specific evidence to substantiate this claim. The IDF maintained that the operation was aimed at a Hamas facility, while Hamas officials denied any presence at the location.
The missile strike, which hit the school and adjacent mosque before sunrise, resulted in widespread devastation. Witnesses reported that the missiles struck without warning as people gathered for dawn prayers, leading to severe casualties among those sheltering in the building.
Abu Anas, a local rescue worker, described the scene: “There were people praying, people washing, and others sleeping, including children and elderly. The missiles hit them without any warning. We found body parts scattered around.”
Casey Harrity from Save The Children described the attack as “the worst since October,” estimating that up to 100 people may have died. Harrity also highlighted the severe impact on children, who make up nearly half of Gaza’s population. She stressed that children are disproportionately affected in such attacks, suffering higher mortality rates and severe injuries.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 80 deaths, while the Hamas-run Gaza government claimed the number exceeded 100. The discrepancy in casualty figures has led to conflicting reports on the extent of the destruction.
The IDF acknowledged that around 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants were reportedly operating from the targeted school but disputed the higher casualty numbers provided by Gaza officials. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani of the IDF said the figures from the Hamas-run media office did not align with their information regarding the precision and impact of the strike.
The Israeli army asserted that it had taken extensive measures to minimize civilian casualties, including using precise munitions and conducting aerial surveillance before the strike. They emphasized that their target was a command and control center used by Hamas militants.
In response, Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, accusing Israel of “deliberate killing” and suggesting it reflects a lack of commitment to ending the conflict in Gaza. The UN has urged restraint from both sides to prevent further escalation and loss of civilian lives.