Gaza’s civil defense agency reports that an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Tabai’een school in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of 40 people. The agency’s spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, confirmed the casualties and additional injuries in a Telegram post. The Israeli military, however, contends that the school was being used as a Hamas command center.
According to the Israeli military, the strike targeted a Hamas command and control center within the school, claiming it hit “Hamas terrorists operating within the facility.”
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In related developments, a senior Israeli security official revealed to Channel 12 that some hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are in critical condition. The official indicated that these hostages are unlikely to survive much longer due to their deteriorating physical and mental health. This information has heightened pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement with Hamas.
The official emphasized that the dire conditions of the hostages contradict earlier statements suggesting they were in relatively good condition. This comes in contrast to a rescue operation in June that successfully freed four hostages in better condition.
As of the latest reports, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the deaths of 39 out of 111 hostages taken by Hamas since October 7.
The urgency of the situation has prompted a joint statement from the US, Egypt, and Qatar, who are mediating the ceasefire and hostage negotiations. The statement, issued by Qatari state media, calls for the immediate conclusion of a deal to provide relief to both the people of Gaza and the hostages and their families.
Key Points:
- Israeli Airstrike Casualties: An Israeli strike on the Al-Tabai’een school in Gaza City has killed 40 people, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.
- Israeli Military’s Claim: Israel’s military states that the school was used as a Hamas command centre and that the strike targeted Hamas terrorists.
- Hostage Health Concerns: A senior Israeli security official revealed that some hostages held by Hamas are in critical condition and may not survive much longer due to their severe physical and mental health issues.
- Discrepancy in Hostage Conditions: The official’s comments contradict earlier assertions that the hostages were in relatively good condition, citing the contrast with the condition of hostages released in a June rescue operation.
- Confirmed Hostage Deaths: The IDF has confirmed that 39 of the 111 hostages taken by Hamas since October 7 are dead.
- Call for Ceasefire: The US, Egypt, and Qatar have issued a joint statement urging for the swift finalization of a ceasefire and a hostage release deal to provide relief to the people of Gaza and the hostages.
