Israeli Airstrike on Hamas Leader in Lebanon

On August 10, an Israeli airstrike on a school complex in the Daraj district of Gaza City resulted in the deaths of over 93 individuals, including 11 children and six women, while injuring hundreds more. The school, which was serving as a shelter for approximately 250 displaced persons, was struck during the dawn prayer, a time when many were gathered for worship. According to Gaza Civil Defense, three missiles targeted the Tabeen school and an adjacent mosque, leading to significant destruction and chaos, with many victims remaining unidentified. The Israeli military justified the attack by claiming the school was being used as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders, asserting that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties. The army stated that it employed precise munitions and conducted aerial surveillance prior to the strike. However, the scale of destruction and the tragic loss of life have raised serious concerns about the impact of such military actions on civilians in Gaza, where the Ministry of Health reports approximately 40,000 deaths since the onset of the conflict in October 2023. In a related development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an airstrike on August 9 that killed senior Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj in Lebanon. The IDF described al-Hajj as responsible for recruiting and training terrorists to attack Israel. This strike underscores Israel's ongoing military operations against Hamas and its affiliates, which have intensified since the conflict began. The situation remains dire as the Israeli military continues its campaign, aiming to eliminate perceived threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.