According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the building was sheltering thousands of displaced people.

social media platform on saturday

"This location served as both a base and operational infrastructure from which attacks were directed and executed against IDF troops operating in Gaza," it said.

The IDF further stated that several steps were taken "including the use of precise aerial surveillance and additional intelligence to minimize the risk of harming civilians" before the attack.

The IDF also accused Hamas of systematically violating international law by "using civilian structures and the civilian population as human shields for terrorist attacks" against Israel.