DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant airstrike early Thursday morning on a United Nations-run school in central Gaza, targeting what it described as a gathering of Hamas militants. This operation is part of ongoing military efforts in the region, amidst escalating tensions and violence.
Strike on UN School
The IDF reported that the airstrike targeted a compound within a UNRWA school in Nuseirat, which was allegedly being used by 20-30 Hamas fighters, including some implicated in the October 7 attack on Israel. The school was also sheltering Palestinian civilians displaced by the conflict.
“The strike eliminated terrorists who had planned to carry out terror attacks and advance imminent terror schemes against our forces,” the IDF stated. The military emphasized that extensive precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including analyzing aerial footage and delaying the strike twice to refine their approach.
Despite these measures, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported at least 27 fatalities, referring to the incident as a “massacre.” UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, mentioned that initial reports suggest between 35 and 45 people may have been killed, but these numbers have yet to be confirmed.
Separate Incident on the Gaza Border
In a separate clash, Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib, a 34-year-old tracker from the IDF’s Gaza Division Southern Brigade, was killed while engaging with a group of armed militants attempting to infiltrate Israel from southern Gaza near Rafah. The skirmish occurred around 4 a.m., when soldiers observed suspicious movements on surveillance cameras under foggy conditions.
The IDF responded quickly, deploying troops from the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion, predominantly composed of Bedouin soldiers. During the ensuing firefight, Mazarib was fatally shot. IDF forces then eliminated two of the militants using a drone strike, and a third was killed by tank fire. The IDF is investigating the possibility of a fourth militant who might have escaped.
Broader Context and Continuing Operations
The IDF has repeatedly accused Hamas of exploiting civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, to conduct military operations. This accusation is part of a broader narrative in which Israel argues that such tactics endanger civilians and complicate military responses.
In the ongoing conflict, the IDF has reported the deaths of 295 soldiers and one civilian contractor. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims over 36,000 fatalities in Gaza, including 15,000 alleged terror operatives killed by Israeli forces. These numbers, however, are difficult to independently verify.
In other developments, the Bislamach Brigade, an IDF unit, has been withdrawn from operations in southern Gaza after discovering a tunnel entrance in a child’s bedroom and a weapons cache stored in bags marked with the United Nations logo. The brigade is now regrouping for future missions.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with ongoing military engagements and significant humanitarian concerns as both sides prepare for further conflict.
Agencies contributed to this report.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
