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According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the attacks targeted residential areas and public places, including a market, a school and a health centre. Dozens have been injured in the latest violence, which is overwhelming Gaza’s already strained medical infrastructure.
The first attack hit a busy market in the heart of Gaza City, where families were buying daily necessities. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction with many victims, including women and children. Rescue services worked through the night to rescue people trapped under the rubble, but the death toll continued to rise.
Soon after, a school for displaced families was hit, causing more casualties. UNRWA, the UN aid and labour organization that runs the school, confirmed the incident and condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The agency emphasized that the school is marked and known as a place of refuge for those fleeing the ongoing conflict.
A third attack targeted a health centre in a densely populated area, deepening the crisis by further limiting access to essential medical care. Medical staff, already strained by a shortage of supplies and staff, struggled to cope with the influx of injured patients.
UN officials called for an immediate end to hostilities and a thorough investigation into the attacks. They emphasized that such actions violate international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts.
The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the increasing number of civilian victims and called on all parties to the conflict to act with the utmost restraint. He reiterated the need for a lasting ceasefire and renewed efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Human rights organizations also condemned the attacks and called on the international community to take decisive steps to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip. They demand responsible and immediate humanitarian aid to support the victims. In response to the attacks, humanitarian aid groups are stepping up their efforts to provide relief to victims. However, access remains a major challenge due to ongoing conflicts and security concerns.
The Israeli government said it would target militant positions in Gaza and take measures to prevent civilian casualties. However, the high number of civilian casualties and injuries has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. The UN and several international organizations are urging an end to the violence and an increase in humanitarian aid to meet the critical needs of the population. Recent attacks with mass casualties underline the need to find a quick and comprehensive solution to the conflict that ensures the safety and well-being of civilians and paves the way for lasting peace in the region.