(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson)
An initial inquiry by forces on operating in the area of the incident indicates that a number of mortar shells were fired at IDF forces from within the Jebaliya school. In response to the incoming enemy fire, the forces returned mortar fire to the source.
This is not the first time that Hamas has fired mortars and rockets from schools, in such a way deliberately using civilians as human shields in their acts of terror against Israel. This was already proven several months ago by footage from an unmanned plane showing rockets and mortars being fired from the yard of an UNRWA school.
Again, we emphasize that this announcement is based on an initial inquiry.
After an investigation that took place over the past hour it has been found that among the dead at the Jebaliya school were Hamas terror operatives and a mortar battery squad who were firing on IDF forces in the area. Hamas operatives Immad Abu Iskar and Hassan Abu Iskar were among terrorists identified killed.
"We face a very delicate situation where the Hamas is using the citizens of Gaza as a protective vest," IDF Spokesperson Brig. General Avi Benayahu said following the incident.
See also:
- Israel Air Force footage of a Hamas mortar crew operating inside a Gaza school compound and a Hamas rocket salvo being fired at an Israeli city during the three hour humanitarian respite on 8 Jan 2009.
- Archive footage of Hamas mortar fire from UN School in Beit Hanoun (Oct 2007)
The footage, taken by IDF aircraft on Monday, October 29, 2007 at approximately 9:00 am, shows three terrorists preparing and then launching the mortars from the UN school in Beit Hanoun, which they used for cover immediately afterwards. The IDF targeted and hit the terrorists as they were fleeing the school premises.
- TV footage of Hamas 120mm mortar crew operating within Jebaliya (6 Jan 2009)
This is footage from the Hamas’ al-Aqsa TV (6 Jan 2009), documenting civilian-clothed Hamas mortar crews operating 120mm mortars in the middle of Jebaliya, just hours before the incident at the Jebaliya UN school. Notice how they ready their weapon, and then run toward buildings to hide as it fires. An estimated 30 Palestinians were killed when these terrorists fired from the Jebaliya UN school and Israel returned fire.
AP reported:
Israel shells near UN school, killing at least 30 - 6 Jan 2009 - 21:29 GMT
By IBRAHIM BARZAK and STEVE WEIZMAN, Associated Press Writers
…The Israeli army said its soldiers came under fire from militants hiding in the school and responded. It accused Gaza's Hamas rulers of "cynically" using civilians as human shields. Residents confirmed the account, saying militants were seen staging attacks from the area...
The army said two Hamas militants - Imad Abu Askar and Hasan Abu Askar - were among the dead.
Two neighborhood residents confirmed the Israeli account, saying a group of militants fired mortars from a street near the school, then fled into a crowd of people in the streets. Israel then opened fire. The residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared for their safety, said the Abu Askar brothers were known Hamas militants.