Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Israeli Defense Forces strike on a Hamas command center located within a mosque on the grounds of the Al-Taba’een school compound this evening. While speaking to reporters during a campaign event in Phoenix, Harris emphasized that Israel must make greater efforts to prevent civilian casualties.
“Yet again far too many civilians have been killed,” she stated, underscoring the need for caution. Harris acknowledged Israel’s right to target Hamas terrorists but stressed, “Israel has the right to pursue Hamas terrorists, but it has the responsibility to avoid harming civilians.” She also noted that both she and President Biden are actively working to secure a deal that would lead to the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire. “We need a hostage deal and a ceasefire,” Harris reiterated.
The strike today resulted in the deaths of at least 19 terrorists, with significant measures taken to minimize civilian harm. Despite these precautions, reports from Gaza claimed that the attack resulted in over 100 deaths, including many civilians.
Earlier in the day, Sean Savett, the US National Security Council Spokesperson, responded to the Israeli operation by expressing serious concern about the reports of civilian casualties in Gaza. He explained, “We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces on a compound that included a school.” He mentioned that the US is in communication with Israeli officials, who confirmed the target was senior Hamas leaders, and that the US is seeking further information.
Savett acknowledged, “We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of,” but also reiterated, “we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm.” He expressed sorrow for the loss of Palestinian civilian lives, particularly children, stating, “We mourn every Palestinian civilian lost in this conflict, including children, and far too many civilians continue to be killed and wounded.” This situation, he noted, highlights the critical need for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, which the US is relentlessly pursuing.
The IDF is actively investigating the claims of a higher number of casualties to determine their validity.
However, the IDF pointed out that “Hamas has been caught a number of times lying regarding everything connected to IDF strikes and its own strikes.” The IDF asserted, “Every IDF strike carried out against terrorists is exaggerated by Hamas with no regard for reality. Hamas continues to lie to the world.”
{Matzav.com Israel}