Image Credits: The National
An Israeli airstrike targeted a UN school in Gaza, killing 17 people. This latest incident has sparked international condemnation and increased calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The airstrike took place at Abu Oraiban school, which was used as a refuge for displaced families during the intense fighting. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the death toll, including women and children, and reported dozens of wounded.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction when the building was hit. “There was a massive explosion and then everything was in ruins,” said the survivor.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) expressed outrage at the incident. “This is a serious violation of international law and the sanctity of UN premises,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We demand accountability for this egregious act.”
This attack is the latest in a series of attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction in recent weeks.
Abu Oraiban school was one of several facilities run by the United Nations that sheltered those fleeing the violence. The repeated targeting of such sites has raised serious concerns about the protection of non-combatants in conflict zones.
Israeli military officials defended the strike, saying it targeted Hamas operatives who were allegedly using the school as a shield. An IDF spokesman said that they had credible intelligence that militants were using the location to launch attacks on Israel.
On the other hand, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack as a war crime. Abbas stated that the atrocity cannot go unanswered, the international community must intervene to stop these brutal attacks on our people.
The international community, including the United States and the European Union, called for an immediate escalation and new steps to achieve a lasting ceasefire. However, mediation attempts have stalled so far, and the road to peace is still full of challenges.