Israel Releases Names and Photos of 19 'Hamas Terrorists' Killed in Strike on Gaza School

New Delhi: Following the Israeli airstrike targeting a Gaza school which left many people dead, the Israel Defense Forces on August 10 disclosed the names of 19 people killed in the attack. Israel designated the 19 deceased as ‘Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists’.

The IDF said the terrorists were operating in a Hamas command and control center, embedded inside a mosque in the Al-Taba’een school compound. Along with the names, IDF also shared their pictures.

It added that these terrorists were operating in order to carry out attacks against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel from inside the compound.

19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad Terrorists Eliminated: IDF

Taking to X, the IDF wrote, "Today, the IDF and ISA struck terrorists operating in a Hamas command and control center, which was embedded inside a mosque in the Al-Taba’een school compound. Following an intelligence investigation, it can be confirmed at this time that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were eliminated. These terrorists operated in order to advance and carry out attacks against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel from inside the compound(sic)."

Amid global criticism over the strike at Gaza school with end end to war in sight, the Israeli military also claimed that the toll run by Hamas-run Government Information Office in Gaza was inaccurate and that "no severe damage was caused to the compound where the terrorists were situated."

It added, "The strike was carried out using three precise munitions, which, according to professional analysis, can not cause the amount of damage that is being reported by the Hamas-run Government Information Office in Gaza. Furthermore, no severe damage was caused to the compound where the terrorists were situated(sic)."

Global Criticism for Strike at School

Many nations condemned the civilian killings in the airstrike on a Gaza school compound on Saturday that local civil defence officials said killed around 100 people who were taking shelter there after being displaced due to the widening of war.

The White House, in a statement, said, "We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces on a compound that included a school," and was in touch with Israel to seek more information.

“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 minimize civilian harm,” said a statement issued by National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.

“Yet again, far too many civilians have been killed,” US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said on Saturday while also reiterating calls for a Gaza ceasefire.

Apart from the US, other countries including Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey condemned the strike.

According to the IDF, the strike was carried out using three “precision munitions” against the two terror groups’ operating from Taba’een school complex.

It also said that the missiles “could not have caused the damage that corresponds to the casualty reports of the government media office in Gaza.” 

IDF Spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari in a video post said, "The IDF conducted a precision strike against the terrorists in one specific building of the compound—an area where according to our intelligence, no women and children were present.”

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli strikes claimed lives of more than 18 people and struck two schools in Gaza City. Meanwhile, The military claimed that it had attacked Hamas command centres.

Another Hamas Leader Killed 

The Israel Defense Forces on Friday confirmed the killing of Senior Hamas Commander Samer Mahmoud al-Haj in Lebanon. The IDF said that Samer operated as the military forces' commander in the Ain al-Hilweh camp, located in the area of Sidon in Lebanon, and was responsible for the recruitment and training of terrorists to attack the State of Israel. The IDF has vowed to eradicate the militant group Hamas no matter where they are operating from.