Image Credits -Financial Times
The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City has reached 12, according to local authorities. The strike, which occurred earlier today, targeted a facility that was reportedly being used as a shelter by displaced civilians. The school, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), was housing families who had fled their homes amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.
Initial reports indicate that the strike caused significant damage to the building, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries among those seeking refuge.
Emergency responders and medical teams have been working to provide aid and retrieve survivors from the rubble. The incident has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has strained medical and emergency services.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the strike was part of a broader campaign aimed at targeting militant infrastructure and operatives. The IDF claims that the strike was directed at a location believed to be used by militant groups to plan and launch attacks against Israeli targets. However, they have not provided detailed information on the specific intelligence that led to the targeting of the school.
The attack has received sharp criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. UNRWA has condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law and demanding an immediate investigation into the incident. Various humanitarian organizations have expressed alarm over the mounting civilian casualties and the impact on displaced populations.
The international community is urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and prioritize the protection of civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.