ALBAWABA - Citing its alleged use as a "military command center" by Hamas, reports suggest that the Israeli military struck a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility in the central Gaza Strip.
The attacks also caused fatalities close to two schools where displaced families had sought shelter, according to Israeli official television KAN.
This is not the first time Israeli airstrikes have targeted UNRWA buildings in Gaza. According to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Israeli officials repeatedly rejected his requests for visas, preventing him from entering the area.
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military branch of Hamas, have launched extensive strikes against Israel since the Israeli occupation of Gaza after the events of October 7.
At a military review of Israeli forces in the Netzarim Corridor, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that there are signs that Hamas has no intention of reaching a deal with the Tel Aviv administration on exchanging prisoners. This, he said, is a precursor to a major military assault in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip.
In Cairo, talks are underway to explore a new truce and a reciprocal prisoner swap arrangement sponsored by Qatar and Egypt. Israel said that until Hamas responds to the ceasefire request and makes it clear that it will not accept an end to the fighting, it would not send a team to Cairo.
