Over 100 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza School Amid Escalating Conflict
More than 100 Palestinians lost their lives, and many others were injured after an Israeli strike on a school in central Gaza City, according to a report by Reuters, citing Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The WAFA news agency reported that the Israeli military targeted the school, which was sheltering displaced Palestinians. In contrast, the Israeli army claimed it had struck a Hamas command center.
"The Israeli strikes targeted displaced people during Fajr (dawn) prayers, leading to a rapid increase in casualties," stated the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, as reported by Reuters.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the civil defense agency, earlier reported on Telegram that "Forty martyrs and dozens wounded after the Israeli bombing of the Al-Tabai'een school in the Al-Sahaba area in Gaza City."
In other developments, Hamas announced that Yahya Sinwar would become its new political leader in Gaza, replacing the assassinated Ismail Haniyeh.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his support for a ceasefire in Gaza to free hostages, protect civilians, and deliver humanitarian aid. He discussed these goals with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to Xinhua news agency. Macron emphasized the need for a lasting solution to the crisis based on the two-state framework, working with partners in the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the international community to restore peace and security in the region.