Hamas Claims Israeli Attack on UN School After Strike on Stronghold

On June 6, Israel’s military carried out a strike on a school in Gaza, claiming it housed up to 30 Hamas terrorists.

The director of the Hamas-run media office in Gaza disputed Israel’s assertion, stating that the strike resulted in the deaths of over two dozen civilians seeking shelter at the U.N. school in Nuseirat, central Gaza.

Israel’s military maintained that precautionary measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties prior to the strike.

Military spokesperson Lt Col. Peter Lerner expressed confidence in the intelligence, accusing Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters of using U.N. facilities as operational bases intentionally.

He also expressed skepticism towards Hamas’ claims of civilian casualties, highlighting the need for caution in accepting information from the group.

Israel had announced a new military campaign in central Gaza to target Hamas terrorists employing hit-and-run tactics.

Cease-Fire Talks

Israel indicated that fighting would continue during cease-fire negotiations.

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U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent truce proposal hit a roadblock as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh insisted on a total and permanent end to the conflict, including the withdrawal of all Israeli forces.

Cease-fire negotiations have been fruitless since a brief truce in November 2023. Hamas continues to call for an end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel offers only temporary halts and vows to fight until Hamas is eliminated.

Washington has been pushing for a resolution, with discussions held on the proposal on June 5 involving CIA director William Burns and officials from Qatar and Egypt.

Despite President Biden’s statements indicating a near cease-fire, no agreement has been reached yet.

The Gaza conflict began with Hamas’s violent attack in October 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Attempts to secure freedom for the hostages continue, with uncertainty remaining about their status.

Prior to the conflict, Hamas had thousands of fighters, while Israel has suffered losses in the hundreds since the conflict began.

Tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon persist, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the conditions necessary for any cease-fire agreement.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed the prospect of halting the offensive during negotiations with Hamas, declaring talks would only occur amidst active conflict.

Reuters contributed to this report.