Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Compound Claimed Two Divergent Toll Counts

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound resulted in conflicting casualty reports, with the Gaza Civil Emergency Service citing around 100 deaths, including civilians, while Israel claims 19 militants among the toll. The strike has drawn international condemnation and ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound killed approximately 100 people, according to the Gaza Civil Emergency Service, though Israel disputes this figure, saying 19 militants were among the dead.

International reaction has been severe, with condemnations from Arab states, Turkey, France, Britain, and the European Union. The U.S. expressed deep concern, urging a ceasefire to prevent the ten-month conflict from escalating. Gaza's Civil Emergency Service and Hamas argue the strike targeted displaced civilians during dawn prayers, contradicting Israeli claims of a militant base.

The airstrike has intensified calls for ceasefire talks. Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. scheduled new discussions for Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm on continuing military action until Hamas no longer poses a threat.

(With inputs from agencies.)