Kamala Harris says ‘too many’ civilian deaths in Gaza
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has condemned the loss of civilian life in an Israeli air strike against a school building in Gaza on Saturday.
More than 70 people were killed at the building which sheltered displaced Palestinians, the director of a hospital has told the BBC.
Ms Harris said “far too many” civilians had been killed “yet again”and reiterated calls for a hostage deal and a ceasefire, echoing comments made by the White House.
An Israeli military spokesman said al-Taba’een school “served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility”, which Hamas denies.
Speaking at a campaign event in Phoenix, Arizona, Ms Harris said Israel had a right to “go after Hamas” but also has “an important responsibility” to avoid civilian casualties.
Saturday’s air strike has been criticised by Western and regional powers, with Egypt saying it showed Israel had no desire to reach a ceasefire or end the Gaza war. —BBC
