Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills 14, Including Children
An Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school in central Gaza resulted in at least 14 fatalities, including two children. The incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the impact on civilian infrastructure in the region.
In a recent development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, an Israeli airstrike targeted a United Nations school in central Gaza, resulting in the loss of at least 14 lives, including two children. The incident occurred at the al-Jaouni Boys Preparatory School in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which was serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families.
Hospital officials reported that ten casualties were received at Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, while four more were brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Among the deceased were at least one woman and two children, with an additional 18 individuals sustaining injuries.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike was aimed at Hamas militants allegedly planning attacks from within the school premises. However, this claim has not been independently verified. The incident underscores the complex nature of the conflict and the challenges in protecting civilian infrastructure.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), established in 1949, operates numerous schools in Gaza, including the one affected by this strike. The Gaza Strip, known for its high population density, has seen its education system severely impacted by recurring conflicts. International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits attacks on schools and hospitals, highlighting the gravity of such incidents.
"The destruction of educational facilities can have long-term impacts on a society's development. We call for the immediate protection of schools and the children who depend on them for their future."
The ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge in Gaza's schools. According to a survey conducted by the Education Cluster in July 2024, more than 90% of Gaza's school buildings have sustained severe or partial damage from strikes. Furthermore, over half of the schools housing displaced people have been targeted.
Momin Selmi, a member of Gaza's civil defense agency, tragically lost his daughter in the strike. The agency reported that Selmi had not seen his daughter for 10 months, as he remained in north Gaza to continue his rescue work while his family sought safety in the south.
The Gaza Strip, under blockade since 2007, faces significant challenges in providing education and safety for its population, the majority of whom are registered refugees. The ongoing conflict has not only resulted in physical destruction but also inflicted severe psychological impacts on Gaza's children.
As of September 11, 2024, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the 11-month-long Israeli campaign has resulted in at least 41,084 Palestinian fatalities and 95,029 injuries. The conflict began following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions.
The international community, including organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children, continues to face significant challenges in providing aid and support to the affected population in Gaza. The protection of civilians and the preservation of essential infrastructure remain critical concerns as the conflict persists.
