Israel Strikes School in Gaza, Claims Senior Hamas Official Killed in Airstrike

The ongoing Israel Hamas war continues to escalate, with Israel announcing a targeted airstrike that killed Muhammad Ahmed Albec, a senior Hamas official, in Gaza. This attack took place on a school in Gaza City, further intensifying the already volatile situation. Israel's military and Shin Bet security agency confirmed that Albec, head of Hamas’ National Security Directorate, was a significant figure in Hamas' security apparatus.

Israel Hamas War: Airstrike Hits Gaza School, Civilians Killed

The airstrike took place on the Musa bin Nusair school, a location housing displaced individuals amidst the ongoing crisis. According to Palestinian health officials, at least eight people were killed in the attack. Israel justified the strike by claiming that the school compound hosted a Hamas command center used for planning and coordinating military operations. In their joint statement, the Israeli military and Shin Bet emphasised that Albec's role included producing intelligence critical for Hamas’ operations and ensuring the security of senior Hamas leaders by providing them with safe havens.

Escalation in Southern Lebanon

In a related incident, tensions escalated along Israel’s northern border as an Israeli drone strike in Taybeh, a village in southern Lebanon, claimed two lives and injured another individual. Official sources and local reports revealed that the attack occurred near a school, marking another distressing instance of civilian areas being caught in the crossfire. The Lebanese Red Cross confirmed the casualties and the injured were transferred to a nearby hospital in Nabatieh.

A Lebanese military source, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the airstrike targeted a public square near the school and involved the firing of heavy machine gun rounds towards Naqoura’s outskirts. This intensification of hostilities has led to heightened fears of a broader conflict spilling into neighboring regions.

United Nations Urges Peace Amid Ongoing Israel Hamas War

In response to the deteriorating situation, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a strong appeal for all parties to respect UN Resolution 1701, which calls for the cessation of hostilities. The UN urged a de-escalation of tensions, emphasising the fragile stability in southern Lebanon. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France in late November, remains precarious as both Israel and Hezbollah exchange accusations of violations.