IDF airstrike hits Gaza school ‘being used as Hamas command centre’ – with at least 30 dead, say Palestinian officials
Up to 100 others were reportedly injured in the blast as harrowing footage shows Palestinians frantically searching the rubble
AN IDF airstrike has devastated a school in Gaza, leaving at least 30 Palestinians dead, say health officials.
The Israeli military announced they blasted the building in Deir al Balah in central Gaza as it was being used as a command centre for Hamas’ terror operations.
Harrowing pictures show the damage caused by the blast with rubble from crumbling buildings seen surrounded by hundreds of Palestinians.
Smashed up cars can also be seen left outside the Khadija girls’ school which is covered in colourful paintings.
The area which was hit is believed to be one of the most populated places in Gaza with hundreds of displaced families being moved there after months of fighting.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry also say over 100 others were left wounded.
The Israeli military released a statement after the precise hit saying they had targeted a “Hamas command and control center inside the Khadija school compound in central Gaza”.
The statement added the school was being used to launch attacks against Israeli soldiers as well as a weapons store.
The IDF say they warned civilians of the impending strikes and told them to evacuate to the nearby area of al Mawasi as they were due to “forcibly operate” in the area.
The offensive was in response to recent rocket fire from central Gaza, the IDF announced.
Moments after the airstrike, ambulances were sent rushing to the strip to help the wounded.
Hundreds were driven to the Al-Aqsa Hospital for treatment with many being forced to walk themselves to the medical facility covered in blood.
Israel has constantly slammed Hamas in the past for setting up their terror operations in crowded areas such as schools or hospitals to purposely cause civilian deaths.
The militant group denies doing so.
Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the war began on October 7, say Gaza health officials.
Israel has repeatedly targeted Hamas terror hideouts since the Islamic group ran rampage through Gaza slaughtering 1,200 Israelis.
More than 200 people were also kidnapped and taken hostage.
A majority of hostages have since been returned to their loved ones with a number still being kept captive.
Israel say they will continue to attack Hamas until the organisation is completely wiped out amid fears they may continue to rebuild and attack again in the future.
The Israeli government has been widely criticised in recent months for their hard line approach to the war.
Many people claim they are not doing enough to limit the number of deaths – a suggestion they have repeatedly denied.
It comes as ongoing talks of a ceasefire in Gaza have continued to prove unsuccessful with both sides disagreeing on several points.
Netanyahu's US visit
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been on a controversial visit to Washington where he has met President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Netanyahu’s visit to the US has been overshadowed by scenes of violence, vandalism and protests over the conflict.
Protesters have been seen burning the American flag and building antisemitic effigies of the Israeli leader.
Thousands have been seen outside the PM’s hotel as well as surrounding The White House holding up signs calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Biden was the first person to welcome Netanyahu as the pair spoke at The White House.
Politics expert Jonathan Dekel-Chen reacted to the meeting and told : “We feel more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November, early December.
“We got absolute commitment from President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment now.
“And to waste no time. And to complete this deal as it currently stands with as little change as humanly possible.”
Vice President said she had a “frank and constructive” meeting with Netanyahu, saying that she supports Israel’s right to defend itself but added, “how it does so matters”
Harris had concerns over the “devastating” crisis in Gaza with images of civilians killed, saying, “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies.”
In the PMs final visit he spoke with former leader Donald Trump about what may happen if the Republican wins in November.
Netanyahu visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, as the two sought to mend their relationship after years of division.
Trump kicked off the meeting by telling reporters there might be a major war if he doesn’t win the election this fall.
“If we win, it’ll be very simple. It’s all going to work out and very quickly,” Trump said, according to
“If we don’t, you’re going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war.
“You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War. You’ve never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country.”
