On August 10, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Tabai’een school in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, resulting in a significant number of Palestinian casualties. Reports from various sources indicate between 80 to 100 people were killed, with dozens more injured. The attack occurred during morning prayers, striking a school that was housing thousands of displaced Palestinians.The Gaza Civil Defense Agency, led by Hamas, initially reported more than 40 deaths. However, as rescue efforts continued, the death toll rose, with medical sources later reporting that the number of fatalities was approaching 100, with many injuries described as severe or critical. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defense, described the scene as an ‘atrocious massacre,’ with bodies on fire and rescue teams struggling to contain the blaze and recover victims.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating they had ‘precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al Taba’een school’. The IDF claimed that multiple steps were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions, air surveillance, and intelligence gathering. However, Palestinian sources and international observers have questioned these claims, given the high civilian death toll.This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, with at least 39,699 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. The attack has sparked renewed international concern, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen calling for an immediate ceasefire. Concurrently, US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators have invited the warring parties to resume ceasefire talks on August 15.
Key points
- An Israeli airstrike on the Al-Tabai’een school in Gaza City killed between 80 to 100 Palestinians.
- The attack occurred during morning prayers at a school housing displaced civilians.
- The IDF claims the strike targeted a Hamas command center, while Palestinian sources describe it as an attack on civilians.
- International mediators are pushing for ceasefire talks to resume on August 15.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties, with estimates ranging from 80 to over 100.
👾The IDF claims to have taken measures to minimize civilian casualties, which contrasts with the high civilian death toll reported by Palestinian sources.
