Dailyspark

 Death toll rises to 22 from Israeli strike on school compound, Gaza authorities say.

The death toll from an Israeli strike on a school compound Saturday has risen 22, according to the Gaza Health Ministry – most of them women and children.

Separately the Government Media Office in Gaza reported that 20 of those killed were women and children: 13 children, six women, and a 3-month-old infant. Thirty people were injured, the GMO added, including 9 children who had needed amputations and others with severe burns.

The Israeli military had said earlier Saturday that the compound was being used as a Hamas command center and precautions had been taken to avoid civilian casualties. 

 Hamas operatives were present at the compound. The IDF has frequently accused Hamas of using schools and hospitals from which to direct operations. 

 stringer filming the aftermath said that Civil Defense workers said that at least 20 people were killed. Video from the scene showed multiple casualties as rescue workers scrambled through debris. 

A woman who had been staying at the school told : “There was no warning. We were sitting in the schools, and suddenly missiles started raining down on us. There was no warning. Where is the conscience?”

The woman, who did not give her name, added: “My message is that this war and the bloodshed should make you wake up. All of you are numb and don’t feel anything… No schools, no hospitals, no food, no water. Shame on you.”