Strikes Target Hamas Command Centers Embedded in Schools
In a series of precise airstrikes, the Israeli Air Force targeted Hamas command centers strategically placed within disused schools in the Gaza Strip late Tuesday night, resulting in the elimination of several threats to Israeli security, according to the IDF.
Why It Matters
The operation highlights Israel’s ongoing struggle against Hamas, an organization accused of embedding combat operations within civilian infrastructure, thereby putting civilian lives at risk and breaching international laws of war.
Details
The IDF revealed that two of the command centers were in schools located in northern Gaza, while a third was in the former Nuseirat Girls’ School compound in central Gaza. These sites were used to orchestrate and launch terror attacks against Israel.
Accurate intelligence guided the strikes, focused on mitigating civilian harm. Israeli forces stressed that Hamas systematically uses civilian infrastructure—such as homes, hospitals, and mosques—and turns innocent lives into human shields.
Casualties and Reactions
While Palestinian media reported civilian casualties, with a death toll of around 20, the IDF has yet to confirm these numbers. This illustrates the murky terrain in urban warfare where distinguishing between militant targets and non-combatants is increasingly complex.
In response, Israel has consistently reiterated its efforts to minimize civilian harm and its commitment to holding Hamas accountable for exploiting civilian sites for militaristic purposes.
Continued Operations
Israeli tanks also made advancements in the southern regions of Gaza, notably Khan Younis. These operations reportedly involved heavy airstrikes and ground raids in multiple neighborhoods. Palestinian media cited alarmed health authorities reporting deaths and injuries in these areas.
International and Humanitarian Efforts
Meanwhile, the United Nations announced preparations for a second round of polio vaccinations targeting around 640,000 children in Gaza. This follows a successful first round and underscores a collaborative international effort to address essential public health needs amidst ongoing conflicts.
Why You Should Care
Understanding these engagements provides insight into the multifaceted approaches Israel employs to combat terror while striving to uphold humanitarian standards and the complex challenges associated with warfare in densely populated areas.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.