Image Credits - Al Jazeera
In a tragic escalation of violence, the death toll from an Israeli attack on schools in Gaza has risen to 15, according to local health officials. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has intensified concerns over the safety of civilians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups.
The attack targeted several schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the densely populated Gaza Strip. These institutions, which were being used as temporary shelters for displaced families, bore the brunt of the strikes, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation as emergency responders scrambled to provide aid.
UNRWA condemned the attack, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and expressing grave concern over the protection of civilian infrastructure. The spokesperson for the agency mentioned that these schools were meant to be sanctuaries for children and families caught in the crossfire. He also asserted that the targeting of such facilities is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the operation was part of a broader campaign against militant groups in Gaza, asserting that the schools were used to harbour weapons and fighters. However, these claims have not been substantiated with evidence, and the international community has urged a thorough investigation into the incident.
The escalation has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders and human rights organizations, who have called for immediate ceasefire talks and greater efforts to protect non-combatants. The rising number of casualties underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict and prevent further loss of innocent lives.