Gaza Strip, July 8, 2024 – An Israeli air strike on a school in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a senior official of the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The BBC reported the incident on Monday, identifying the deceased official as Ihab Al-Ghussain.

According to the report, Ihab Al-Ghussain, who was 45 years old, served as Gaza's Deputy Minister of Labor until 2020. Three months prior to his death, he had been assigned new duties in northern Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Al-Ghussain was targeted and killed during an attack on a school building in the Gaza Strip, which they claimed was being used as a hideout by terrorists.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 of the previous year. In retaliation, Israel has conducted continuous air strikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting various establishments, including civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, mosques, and churches.

The prolonged nine-month military campaign has resulted in significant casualties, with the death toll exceeding 38,000, predominantly affecting women and children in Gaza.

The death of Ihab Al-Ghussain marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As the violence continues, the humanitarian impact on the civilian population in Gaza remains severe, with countless lives disrupted and lost.