Israel’s army has come under scrutiny after a deadly air strike on a UN school in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of 17 militants, according to a statement released on Friday. The strike, which took place on Thursday, targeted a school operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in the Nuseirat area where thousands of displaced people were seeking shelter.
The nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital reported that at least 37 people were killed in the strike, with the Israeli military confirming the identity of 17 terrorists who were operating from the school. The Hamas media office disputed the Israeli army’s claims, stating that three individuals believed to be dead were actually alive and that the attack had also claimed the lives of 14 children.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari had initially reported that nine militants were killed in the strike, with about 30 members of Islamic Jihad and Hamas hiding in the school at the time of the attack. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini condemned the strike, stating that it was carried out “without prior warning” and emphasizing that using UN buildings for military purposes violates International Humanitarian law.
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with Hamas’s attack on October 7 leading to the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has claimed the lives of at least 36,731 people in Gaza, the majority of whom were civilians according to the territory’s health ministry.
The deadly air strike on the UN school has once again highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza, with both sides facing criticism for their actions. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to prevent further loss of life in the region.