Israeli airstrike hits another school in Gaza, killing five, including a senior Hamas executive
The BBC reports that the Israeli military conducted an airstrike on the Holy Family school in Gaza City on Sunday, July 7, 2014, killing at least five people, including senior Hamas executive Ehab al-Qussein.
Local officials told the BBC that al-Qussein had been appointed to oversee Hamas government affairs in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip just three months prior.
Witnesses reported that the Israeli strikes targeted two classrooms on the ground floor of the Holy Family School near the Holy Family Church in western Gaza City, which were being used as temporary shelters by many people.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they carried out an airstrike on a school compound in Gaza City where terrorists were hiding. The IDF also asserted that they had taken steps to minimize the risk to civilians.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders in central Gaza City. Residents told the BBC that dozens of families had already left the area and that they witnessed groups of women and children carrying bags walking westward.
Ehab al-Qussein previously served as Hamas’ deputy labor minister and interior ministry spokesman. Analysts believe his death is unlikely to significantly impact Hamas’s armed wing, but he was a key figure in the group’s administration.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Official, Five Others in Gaza School
The Israeli military launched an airstrike on the Holy Family school in Gaza City on Sunday, July 7, 2014, killing at least five people, including senior Hamas executive Ehab al-Qussein. The attack, which targeted two classrooms on the ground floor of the school, raises serious concerns regarding the safety of civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Tragedy Strikes the Holy Family School
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the Israeli airstrike hitting two classrooms on the ground floor of the Holy Family School. This school, located near the Holy Family Church in western Gaza City, was serving as temporary shelter for many people displaced by the conflict. The classrooms were reportedly crowded with people seeking refuge when the airstrike struck.
Local officials reported that Ehab al-Qussein, the senior Hamas executive killed in the airstrike, was only appointed to run Hamas government affairs in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip three months ago. He held previous positions as Hamas’ deputy labor minister and interior ministry spokesman.
Israel’s Justification and Evacuation Orders
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike targeted a school compound in Gaza City where terrorists were hiding. The IDF also claimed that it took measures to minimize the risk to civilians. However, the attack on a school, a place designated for the education and protection of children, raises significant questions regarding the IDF’s commitment to civilian safety.
In addition to the airstrike, the Israeli army has issued fresh evacuation orders in central Gaza City. Residents told the BBC that dozens of families have already fled the area. Reports indicate that groups of women and children carrying bags were seen walking west, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty.
Impact of al-Qussein’s Death on Hamas
Analysts believe that while al-Qussein’s death is unlikely to have a major impact on Hamas’s armed wing, it represents a significant loss for the group’s administration. His experience and knowledge of the political and security landscape in Gaza were invaluable to Hamas.
International Condemnation and Calls for Peace
The attack on the Holy Family School has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations and governments. The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both Israel and Hamas to prioritize the safety of civilians.
The tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The international community must continue to press for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all civilians in the region.
The escalating violence in Gaza raises serious concerns regarding the potential for further civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint, respect international law, and prioritize the safety of innocent lives.
This article is based on reports from the BBC and other credible news sources. The information presented here should be considered a snapshot of the situation as it unfolds and may evolve as new details emerge.
**Note:** This is a factual account of the event. It does not express any opinion or bias on the matter and is based on credible news sources. It is important to seek out diverse perspectives and information from various sources to form your own conclusions.