"Entirely false": Gaza tower officials reject 'Israeli' excuses for destruction

The management of Mushtaha Tower in Western Gaza rejected the ‘Israeli’ army’s excuses for destroying the 12-story building, calling the allegations “entirely false.” 

The official statement said: “We affirm that the tower is completely free of any cameras or security equipment, and that all of its floors are open and visible, containing no monitoring systems or weapons.” 

The administration added that it considers the strike a “heinous crime,” appealing to the international community and human rights organizations to condemn it. 

Read more: VIDEO: 'Israeli' airstrike hits 12-story Mushtaha Tower in Gaza

Additionally, it made its intentions clear to the ‘Israeli’ government, stating it would pursue legal and international action and demand compensation from those responsible

Meanwhile, Hamas official Izzat al-Rashq called ‘Israel’s’ justifications “blatant lies and flimsy excuses,” saying they are used to cover up atrocities against civilians in Gaza and continue its policy of total destruction in the enclave. 

Read more: 'Israeli' army issues first evacuation orders for Gaza City operation: Katz says

The ‘Israeli’ army did confirm responsibility for the strike, alleging that Hamas had built an underground infrastructure to coordinate attacks, stage ambushes, and use escape routes. 

While ‘Israel’ claimed it had taken precautionary measures and sent evacuation warnings to civilians, Al Jazeera reported them to be as little as fifteen minutes.