After US ire, IDF says it is probing controlled explosion of campus in Gaza last week

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Before and after photos of Israa University in Gaza that was blown up by the IDF on January 17, 2024. (Screen capture/X)
Before and after photos of Israa University in Gaza that was blown up by the IDF on January 17, 2024. (Screen capture/X)

The IDF says it is probing the approval process of a controlled explosion of a university campus in the Gaza Strip last week.

Footage widely shared on social media showed a massive blast at Israa University, prompting the Biden administration to ask Israel for clarifications.

In response to a query on the matter, the IDF says “the collapse of the building and the approval process for the explosion are being investigated by the IDF.”

It says that the investigation will be shown to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi in the coming days.

According to the army’s initial probe, the university building and the surrounding area had been used by Hamas “for military activity against our forces,” the IDF adds.

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