The attack unfolded while people were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers as reported by the media office of the Hamas-controlled Gaza government.
"The Israeli strikes hit the displaced individuals while they were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers, resulting in a significant rise in the number of casualties," the media office stated.
Israel's military confirmed the strike, stating it had "precisely targeted Hamas terrorists operating within a command and control centre embedded in the Al-Taba'een school."
This attack follows another on Thursday, where Israeli strikes on two schools in Gaza City reportedly killed over 18 people. The Israeli military claimed those strikes also targeted Hamas command centres.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, resulting in 1,198 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Additionally, 251 hostages were taken by Palestinian operatives, with 111 still held in Gaza, including 39 who are believed to be dead.
Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has led to at least 39,699 deaths, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. Israel has pledged to dismantle the Palestinian group in response to the October attack, but after 10 months of fighting, the military continues to face resistance from militants in various areas.
On Friday, Israeli troops were active around Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza, from which they had previously withdrawn in April after intense battles with Hamas. Following an evacuation order for parts of Khan Yunis, tens of thousands of Palestinians were seen moving through the damaged streets, carrying their belongings on foot, donkeys, and carts.
