Bodies of hostages found in area where IDF had previously operated, IDF spokesman says
The bodies of six hostages recovered by Israeli Defense Forces were found in an area where Israeli forces had previously operated in Khan Younis, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in remarks to the press Tuesday.
The circumstances of the hostages' deaths are being investigated, Hagari added.
"The operation was led by the 98th Division, which returned to operate in the Khan Younis area for the third time a few weeks ago, this time with new intelligence and new targets," Hagari said.
-ABC News’ Jordana Miller
Aug 20, 2024, 3:26 PM EDT
US official criticizes Netanyahu's reported comments
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues his meetings with Middle Eastern mediators working toward a Gaza cease-fire deal, a senior U.S. official traveling with his delegation is criticizing comments about the process emanating from both Israel and Hamas, casting them as unproductive.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, addressed reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took a hawkish stance in a meeting with hostage families, telling them he was "unsure" there would be an agreement to return those held captive in Gaza and that he would not withdraw troops from strategic areas of the enclave -- a key sticking point in negotiations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give a joint press conference, on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 in Jerusalem.
Ronaldo Schemidt/Pool via AP, FILE
"Maximalist statements like this are not constructive to getting a cease-fire deal across the finish lines," the official said. "And they certainly risk the ability of implementing and working level and technical talks to be able to move forward when both parties agree to a bridging proposal."
The senior official also dismissed Hamas’ latest statement accusing the U.S. of "blind bias towards Israel."
"They say a lot of things and they do a lot of different things," the official said, suggesting the militant group’s ongoing engagement was an indication that Hamas was still involved in the negotiation process despite its insistences to the contrary.
-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston
Aug 20, 2024, 2:14 PM EDT
Over 115 projectiles crossed from Lebanon into northern Israel, IDF says
Israeli forces have identified over 115 projectiles crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel on Tuesday, the IDF said.
Hezbollah has also released statements about eight different attacks on northern Israel Tuesday.
IAF strike a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Matmoura in southern Lebanon, alongside an additional Hezbollah military structure in the area, Aug. 20, 2024.
Israel Defense Forces
Two people were killed after Israeli strikes on the town of Al-Dhahira Tuesday, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said.
-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Ghazi Balkiz
Aug 20, 2024, 12:03 PM EDT
IDF strikes Gaza school sheltering displaced Palestinians
At least 12 people have been killed in another strike on a school in the Gaza Strip where displaced people were sheltering, the Gaza Civil Defense said Tuesday.
The Mustafa Khaft school in western Gaza City was hit by the Israeli air force, Israel confirmed in a statement, alleging that Hamas was using the facility as a command center.
Palestinians carry their children as they flee after an Israeli strike on a school, housing displaced Palestinians, in the Rimal neighborhood of central Gaza City on Aug. 20, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant Hamas group.
Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images
"The command and control center was embedded and hidden by the Hamas terrorist organization inside," the IDF statement said. "Hamas terrorists used the command and control center to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel."
The IDF said it took "numerous steps" to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, "including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence."
A number of people are still missing after the strike, according to the Gaza Civil Defense. Around 700 people were sheltering in the school, according to Palestinian officials.
Palestinians inspect a school sheltering displaced people after it was hit by an Israeli strike, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Gaza City, Aug. 20, 2024.
Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters
Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted Gaza schools -- some of which are doubling as shelters for people displaced by the fierce fighting -- they say are being used as Hamas military hubs and weapon storage sites.
Earlier this month, the U.N. Human Rights Office accused Israel of "systematic attacks" on schools following a strike on the Al Tabae'en School in Gaza City.
