- The UN asserts that attacking or targeting its buildings is against international law.
- The US and other nations urge Tel Aviv and Hamas to swiftly finalize a truce deal.
- Ceasefire talks in Doha show no signs of progress.
- Israel conducted an airstrike on a Gaza school, claiming it targeted up to 30 Hamas fighters inside. However, a Hamas official reported that 40 people, including women and children, were killed while sheltering at the UN site.
Footage showed Palestinians removing bodies after the attack, which occurred during critical ceasefire negotiations involving prisoner exchanges between Hamas and Israel.
The US and other countries issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to make the necessary compromises to finalize a deal after eight months of conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, the director of the Hamas-run government media office, dismissed Israel’s claim that the UN school in Nuseirat housed a Hamas command post. He accused Israel of fabricating stories to justify the attack on displaced civilians.
Israel’s military stated that its jets executed a “precise strike” and provided satellite images showing two parts of a building purportedly used by fighters. Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner expressed confidence in the intelligence, accusing Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters of using UN facilities as bases.
He reported that 20-30 fighters were present in the compound, many of whom were killed, but exact details were pending further intelligence assessments.
Survivors at the school described the devastation. Huda Abu Dhaher recounted waking to the sound of rockets and finding the aftermath, including the death of her 10-year-old nephew and injuries to others.
The school, managed by the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), was sheltering 6,000 displaced people at the time, according to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini. He confirmed at least 35 deaths and numerous injuries. He noted the shocking claims that armed groups were inside but stated that UNRWA could not verify these assertions. He emphasized that using or attacking UN buildings for military purposes is a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law.
Thawabta and a medical source reported 40 deaths, including 14 children and nine women.
Ceasefire Efforts
Israel announced a new military campaign in central Gaza on Wednesday, continuing its fight against hit-and-run tactics by fighters. It stated there would be no ceasefire during ongoing talks, which have gained momentum since US President Joe Biden proposed a plan.
The White House, along with Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Britain, Canada, and others, urged Israeli and Hamas leaders to make the final compromises needed to secure a deal. Hamas aims for a permanent end to the conflict, while Israel insists on first dismantling the group.
CIA Director William Burns met with senior officials from mediating countries Qatar and Egypt in Doha on Wednesday to discuss the ceasefire plan. Despite ongoing talks on Thursday, no breakthrough was reported.
Biden has repeatedly indicated that ceasefires were imminent over the past months, but only a single, week-long truce occurred in November.
