Israel-Gaza updates: IDF says officer and soldier injured in attack from Lebanon

The IDF says Hamas was using the schools as command centers and hiding places.

ByNadine El-Bawab, Emily Shapiro, Riley Hoffman, and Kevin Shalvey
Last Updated: August 4, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT

As the Israel-Hamas war continues, tensions are escalating after the assassinations of two Hamas and Hezbollah leaders this week.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Aug 04, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT

30 people killed in IDF strike on two Gaza City schools: Gaza Civil Defense

At least 30 people were killed Sunday after Israeli strikes on two schools in Gaza City, according to the search-and-rescue organization Gaza Civil Defense.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Sunday that the Israeli Air Force executed an "intelligence-based strike' on Hamas command and control centers allegedly embedded within the Hassan Salame and Nasser schools in Gaza City.

People and emergency crews look for survivors following Israeli bombardment on the Al-Nassr school that houses displaced Palestinians, West of Gaza city, on Aug. 4, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant Hamas group.
Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

"The schools were used by Hamas’ Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centers used to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel," the IDF said in a statement. "Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, surveillance, and additional intelligence."

A man inspects the damage following Israeli bombardment on the Al-Nassr school that houses displaced Palestinians, West of Gaza city, on Aug. 4, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant Hamas group.
Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

The IDF accused the Hamas terrorist organization of violating international law by operating inside civilian infrastructure and "exploiting the civilian population as a human shield for their terror activities against the State of Israel."

--ABC News' Victoria Beaule

Aug 03, 2024, 3:27 PM EDT

Hamas in process of selecting new leader

After the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas said it is in the process of selecting a new leader, saying the assassination "will only increase the strength of the Hamas movement and the Palestinian resistance," in a statement.

Hamas said it has convened urgent meetings following the assassination and will announce the new president once they are chosen.

-ABC News' Nasser Atta

Aug 03, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT

Death toll from Israeli attack on school increases to 16

At least 16 people have been killed in the Israeli strike on the Hamama School, according to the Gaza civil defense.

Israel has claimed that the school was being used as a "command and control" center by Hamas.

Aug 03, 2024, 2:10 PM EDT

US hits Houthi target in Yemen

The U.S. Central Command Forces said it struck and destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile in Yemen.

"It was determined the LACM presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure," CENTCOM said in a statement Saturday.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston

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