Deadly Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza School-Shelter Amid Ongoing Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school-turned-shelter killed 80 and wounded nearly 50. The attack, amidst prayers, was one of the deadliest in the 10-month Israel-Hamas war. The Israeli military claims it targeted militants; however, many casualties include women and children, prompting international condemnation.

An Israeli airstrike struck a school-turned-shelter in Gaza early Saturday morning, killing at least 80 people and wounding nearly 50 others, according to Palestinian health authorities. The attack, happening during prayers at a mosque in the building, is one of the deadliest in the ongoing 10-month Israel-Hamas war.

The U.N. human rights office decried the attack, labeling it one of 'systematic attacks on schools' by Israel. At least 21 schools have been targeted since July 4, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, including women and children. Many saw these schools as their last refuge from the violent conflict.

The Israeli military acknowledged targeting the Tabeen school in Gaza City but claimed it aimed at a Hamas command center in a mosque within the compound. They reported 19 militants were killed, though Hamas denied the presence of combatants in the school. The military disputed the casualty figures, arguing that the munitions used were too 'precise' to cause such extensive damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)