IDF strikes Hamas terrorists embedded inside schools and mosques

The IAF struck Hamas terrorists operating inside a command center in the area of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip that was embedded in a compound that operated as a UNRWA center, the IDF reported Saturday night.

Later on, the IAF also carried out a precision strike on Hamas terrorists inside a compound that was previously a school named "Ibn Rushd" in Deir al Balah, Gaza.

The terrorists had turned the compound into a command center, the IDF added.

The IAF also struck Hamas operatives in a structure that previously served as the 'Shuhada al-Aqsa' Mosque in Deir al Balah, whoever which now functioned as a terror base.

Civilian casualties 

The Israeli forces acted on intelligence in order to reduce civilian harm, the IDF added. 

The statement also drew attention to the continued use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes by Hamas, in violation of international law. 

Arab media reported significant casualties from the strikes, including at least five dead, however the IDF has not commented on this.

Later on Sunday, the military noted that it had carried out a precise strike on Hamas terrorists who were embedded in a command and control center, which had previously been the "Khalifa bin Zayed"  school in the northern Gaza Strip. 

The center was utilized by the terrorists to carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel and IDF troops, the military noted. 

The IDF further stated that prior to the attack, steps had been taken to avoid harming civilians which cluded aerial surveillance, intelligence information, and precise munitions.