In a tragic turn of events, Israel’s military has struck a UN-run school near Gaza City for the second time in two days, causing further casualties and raising concerns about the safety of civilians in the conflict-ridden region.
The strike, which targeted Hamas “terrorists” operating from a container on the premises of a school operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in Al-Shati refugee camp, resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries, according to the Hamas-run government media office.
This incident comes just a day after another UNRWA school in central Gaza was hit by an Israeli strike, resulting in the deaths of 37 people, as reported by a local hospital.
UNRWA has been instrumental in providing aid to the besieged Gaza Strip during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the agency’s facilities have now become targets for attacks, leaving displaced civilians in a vulnerable position.
The Israeli army has accused Hamas and other militants of using schools and hospitals as cover for their operations, a claim that has been denied by the group. Hamas has called for an international investigation into the strikes and demanded accountability for Israeli leaders.
UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma revealed that over 180 of the agency’s facilities, including shelters for displaced people, have been hit since the start of the war, resulting in the deaths of more than 440 people seeking refuge under the UN flag.
Despite sharing the coordinates of its buildings with all parties involved in the conflict, including the Israeli army, UNRWA has been unable to protect civilians seeking shelter in its facilities.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October, resulting in a high number of casualties on both sides. The retaliatory offensive by Israel has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians in Gaza, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As the violence continues to escalate, the international community is urged to intervene and bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, ensuring the safety and well-being of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.