Israel’s military bombed a school in Gaza housing displaced Palestinians, killing at least 18 people, including six UNRWA staff members. The attack was condemned by several countries and UN agencies. The UNRWA Commissioner-General expressed outrage at the disregard for humanitarian staff and operations. The death toll of UNRWA employees in Gaza has now reached 220.
The World Health Organization director-general called for an end to the violence in Gaza, noting the devastation to hospitals, schools, and shelters. Many school buildings in Gaza have been turned into shelters for displaced families as the conflict continues to uproot its population. Israeli forces have targeted such locations, claiming they are used by Hamas, a charge the Palestinian group denies.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted a Hamas command center within the school compound in a “precise strike,” taking steps to minimize civilian casualties. However, the repeated bombings of schools and shelters have raised concerns about the impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The ongoing violence in Gaza has left thousands displaced and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
The international community has called for an end to the violence in Gaza and for all parties to respect the laws of war. The targeting of civilian structures like schools and shelters is a violation of international humanitarian law and puts innocent lives at risk. As the conflict persists, the need for a lasting ceasefire and a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict becomes increasingly urgent.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com