The White House has said it is “deeply concerned” about an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound that local civil defence officials say killed around 100 people, adding to condemnation of the attack from several Arab states, Turkey, Britain and the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Reuters reports.

“We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defence Forces on a compound that included a school,” the White House said in a statement, adding Washington was in touch with Israel to seek more information.

“We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of, but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimise civilian harm,” the White House added.

The White House statement also said “far too many civilians continue to be killed and wounded” in the Gaza conflict and reiterated its calls for a ceasefire.