Iran Press/ Europe: The comments were made by spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Saturday, who expressed that Russian authorities are deeply troubled by the recent violence.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) conducted the strike on the school, which was housing displaced civilians. According to Palestinian officials, the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with many individuals still trapped under the rubble.
Zakharova extended condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, emphasizing that such tragedies undermine international efforts to de-escalate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a ceasefire, along with a prisoner exchange. "We are calling on Israel to refrain from attacks on civilian targets. We believe there is no justification for such actions," she stated.
In the aftermath of the airstrike, the Israeli military claimed that the school had been used as a Hamas headquarters, alleging that it was a site from which the group planned attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. However, Hamas dismissed these claims as unfounded, arguing that they serve as "excuses to target civilians, schools, hospitals, and refugee tents."
The recent escalation in violence comes in the wake of heightened tensions in the Middle East, following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In retaliation, Israel has launched an extensive military offensive in Gaza, resulting in unprecedented destruction and a staggering death toll of nearly 39,800 Palestinians, with over 92,000 others injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is urged to take action to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.
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