The American newspaper "Washington Post" suggested that the Israeli airstrike that resulted in the death of dozens inside a school in central Gaza on Thursday may have been carried out using American munitions. The Israeli strike on the school, which had become a shelter for displaced persons and which the Israeli army claims is used as a "Hamas compound," resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including 23 women and children, with dozens injured, according to local health officials.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated on Thursday that Israel bombed one of its schools in the Gaza Strip, where thousands of Palestinian displaced persons had taken refuge, "without warning."
The "Washington Post" reported that two weapons experts examined footage of the debris left by the Israeli airstrike and concluded that two small-diameter American bombs of the type "GBU-39" were used. Rahul Odoshi, a senior analyst in the defense company Janes' weapons team, revealed that "the debris and holes in the building indicate the use of this bomb." He added, "Its characteristics allow it to penetrate concrete and buildings, but calculations must change when a small-diameter bomb is used in an area densely populated with civilians."
Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner said at a press conference on Thursday, "We are confident that our activities have been effective in reducing the harm caused to civilians in the area."
Israel has faced widespread international condemnation on multiple occasions due to the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza. Health authorities in the Gaza Strip report that the number of Palestinian fatalities from Israeli attacks over the past eight months has exceeded 36,500.
