At least 18 people have been killed after an Israeli airstrike hit a UN-run school in Gaza, which was sheltering displaced Palestinian families. The school, located in the northern part of Gaza, had been providing refuge to civilians seeking safety amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and conflict in the region.
According to reports from health officials and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), dozens of others were wounded in the attack, with many in critical condition. The school had been designated as a shelter for Palestinians fleeing their homes in response to intensified fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups.
Details of the Attack
Witnesses at the scene described chaos and devastation following the airstrike. The blast destroyed large portions of the school building, sending debris and shrapnel flying, injuring those inside. Ambulances and rescue workers rushed to the site to assist survivors, but the high number of casualties underscored the deadly nature of the strike.
The UNRWA condemned the bombing in a statement, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. The agency emphasized that the school was clearly marked as a UN facility and had been housing civilians, including women and children, making the attack even more alarming.
Escalating Conflict in Gaza
The bombing is part of a broader escalation in violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have been targeting what Israel claims are military positions of Hamas and other armed groups. Gaza’s densely populated areas have increasingly become the battleground, with civilians bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military, in a statement, said it was investigating the incident but claimed that Hamas often uses civilian areas as cover for its military operations. However, human rights organizations have called for accountability, stressing that international law prohibits attacks on civilian structures and non-combatants.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The latest airstrike has compounded the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by the ongoing violence, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, has been severely damaged.
The UN and international aid organizations have warned that Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with limited access to food, clean water, and medical supplies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians.
International Reactions
The bombing of the UN-run school has sparked outrage internationally. The United Nations, human rights groups, and several governments condemned the attack and called for an investigation into possible war crimes.
The incident has also intensified calls for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with peace advocates urging an end to the bloodshed and the resumption of dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Conclusion
The bombing of the UN-run school in Gaza marks yet another tragic chapter in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the heavy toll on civilians caught in the crossfire. As the violence continues to escalate, the international community is renewing its calls for peace and the protection of innocent lives.
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