Phoenix, Arizona (August 10, 2024) — US Vice-President Kamala Harris has condemned the loss of civilian life following an Israeli air strike on a school building in Gaza, which resulted in over 70 deaths. The building, which was housing displaced Palestinians, was hit early Saturday. Harris described the number of civilian casualties as “far too many” and reiterated calls for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, aligning with the White House’s stance.
An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the al-Taba’een school, where the attack occurred, was being used as a “Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility,” a claim Hamas denies. Harris, speaking at a campaign event in Phoenix, acknowledged Israel’s right to target Hamas but emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian harm.
The strike has faced criticism from various Western and regional powers. Egypt criticized the attack as indicative of Israel’s lack of interest in achieving a ceasefire. Fadl Naeem, head of al-Ahli Hospital, reported that around 70 victims were identified immediately following the strike, with many others so disfigured that identification was challenging.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike targeted a Hamas command center within the school, claiming that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters were killed. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari suggested there was a high probability that Ashraf Juda, a senior Islamic Jihad commander, was present at the time of the attack, though his status remains unconfirmed.
The IDF disputed casualty figures reported by Hamas, stating they did not align with their information. Hamas has labeled the attack a “horrific crime” and a dangerous escalation of Israel’s campaign against Palestinians. The US National Security Council also criticized Hamas for using schools for military purposes but reiterated the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties.
Recent reports from the United Nations indicate significant damage to schools in Gaza, with 477 out of 564 buildings affected as of July 6. Al-Taba’een school had recently taken in over 1,000 people displaced from Beit Hanoun and also served as a mosque. Witnesses reported that the strike hit during dawn prayers, leading to scenes of widespread destruction.
Salim Oweis from UNICEF condemned the attack as “outrageous,” noting that schools and other facilities are being used as refuge by civilians. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the contentious issue of targeting civilian infrastructure, with Israel maintaining that such measures are necessary due to Hamas’s alleged use of these sites for military activities.
The current violence follows a major Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza. The subsequent Israeli military offensive has led to over 39,790 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
