MOSCOW, August 4 (RIA Novosti) – Israel’s military confirmed that it fired near a UN-run school in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, Agence France-Presse reported.
“«The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] targeted three PIJ [Islamic Jihad] terrorists on board a motorcycle in the vicinity of an UNRWA school in Rafah," Israeli army’s statement was cited Sunday.
According to the agency, “the IDF is reviewing the consequences of this strike», which claimed lives of at least 10 civilians.
The UN-run school in Rafah served as a shelter for nearly 3,000 Palestinians, who fled their homes due to the military operation conducted by Israel’s army in Gaza Strip.
Earlier Sunday, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States was “appalled” by the incident and demanded “full and prompt” investigation of the attack. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the strike describing it as “a moral outrage and a criminal act" and urging to punish those responsible for the death of the civilians.
Israel has launched Operation Protective Edge on July 8 to put an end to rocket fire from Gaza. On July 17, the Israeli Army switched to a ground assault largely aimed at locating and destroying rocket launchers and underground tunnels. According to the latest reports, nearly 1,754 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 67 Israelis have been killed since the offensive began.
