AIR STRIKE ON SCHOOL TRIGGERS GLOBAL IRE
Israel says it targeted Hamas militants inside the Gaza City compound sheltering displaced Palestinians in an attack that killed about 100
The White House said it was “deeply concerned” about an Israeli air strike on a Gaza City school compound that local civil defence officials say killed about 100 people, adding to condemnation of the attack from several Arab states, Turkey, Britain and the European Union’s foreign policy chief.
The school compound in Gaza City housed displaced Palestinian families.
The Gaza Civil Emergency Service, which has a credible record stating casualty numbers, said about 100 people were killed in Saturday’s strike.
Israel said around 20 militants were at the compound.
Video from the site showed body parts scattered among rubble and more bodies being carried away and covered in blankets.
“We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defence Forces on a compound that included a school,” the White House said in a statement, adding Washington was in touch with Israel to seek more information.
“Yet again, far too many civilians have been killed,” Vice-President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris told reporters separately on Saturday while also reiterating calls for a Gaza ceasefire.
Washington has faced mounting domestic and international criticism, including from human rights groups, for its military support for Israel.
Saturday’s air strike came a day after a US State Department spokesperson said the US would provide Israel US$3.5 billion to spend on American weapons and military equipment after Congress appropriated the funds in April.
“We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of, but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimise civilian harm,” the White House added.
The US comments followed condemnation of the attack from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was horrified by the images from the school, while British foreign minister David Lammy said he was “appalled” by the strike.
Jordan’s foreign ministry said the timing was an indication of Israel’s efforts to “thwart” the latest mediation effort.
One of the mediators, Qatar, called for an “urgent international investigation”, while Turkey claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted “to sabotage ceasefire negotiations”.
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Gaza’s schools, most of which have been closed since the war began 10 months ago.
The strike marked the latest deadly attack in Israel’s assault on Gaza which the health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave says has displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.
US President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.
Netanyahu’s office on Thursday said Israel would send negotiators “to conclude the details of implementing a deal”, after the joint invitation from the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Hamas has yet to formally respond.
Hamas officials, some analysts and critics in Israel have said Netanyahu has sought to prolong the fighting for political gain.
Anti-government protesters rallied again on Saturday in Israel’s commercial hub of Tel Aviv and in the northern city of Haifa to pressure their leaders to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
There has separately been an increased risk of a broader Middle East war after recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.