Dozens killed in Israeli strike on Gaza school building

The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said dozens of Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were embedded in the al-Sardi School in central Gaza. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, which operated the school, said at least 35 people died in the strike. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said more than 6,000 people were sheltering in the building. Israeli Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said the military took steps to avoid civilian casualties, while the Hamas-run health ministry said the strike killed women and children.

Where do cease-fire negotiations stand? Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt met in Doha on Wednesday with Hamas officials to discuss Israel’s proposed cease-fire deal. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday claimed the plan would not guarantee a permanent cease-fire. Meanwhile, the United States and more than a dozen other countries on Thursday issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to accept the proposal.

What else is happening in the war? Spain on Thursday asked the United Nations’ International Court of Justice for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said his country wants the court to force Israel to stop its military operation.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report in The Sift about European countries formally recognizing a Palestinian state.