IDF reported a strike on a former school building in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked the building of a former school, where, according to the military, were militants of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas. This was reported by Reuters on December 22.

"The Israeli military said in a statement that the strike targeted Hamas militants operating from a command center housed inside the school," the army said.

The IDF added that the movement's militants were planning attacks against the Israeli army at the designated location.

Meanwhile, Reuters, citing medics in the Gaza Strip, reported that displaced families were inside the building. According to them, at least 24 Palestinians, including children, were killed.

Israel also ordered the closure and evacuation of a functioning hospital.

The head of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, Husam Abu Safia, told the agency that about 400 citizens, including babies in the neonatal unit, are currently in the building. He added that medics cannot safely evacuate everyone without help, equipment and time.

Trail to the end of the tunnel: Gaza hostage negotiations nearing completion

Hamas has made significant concessions - which includes the agreement

On December 17, Saudi TV channel Al Hadath reported that the Palestinian Hamas movement and Israeli authorities could reach an agreement on the release of the hostages by the end of December. At the same time, Reuters said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would head to Cairo to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Al Jazeera reported on December 17 that since the beginning of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the death toll has reached 45,028 Palestinians, with 106,962 wounded.

The situation in the Middle East escalated in the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas subjected the territory of Israel to a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.