Israeli Airstrike On School-Turned-Shelter In Gaza Kills Six UNRWA Staff

The crisis in Gaza continued to worsen as six of its staff were reported dead due to an Israeli airstrike on a school in the Strip, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. This represents the largest single incident in which there has been such a killing of its staff, with grave implications for humanitarian workers operating in the area.

Airstrike Hits Gaza School

On Wednesday, Israeli troops hit the al-Jaouni school in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which is a shelter for thousands of displaced Palestinians. At least 14 people were killed in one strike, according to reports from the UNRWA and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. For this school to have been targeted five times, as it has since a year ago, is providing refuge to such a high number of people.

Claim Of Israeli Military

The military termed it a ‘surgical operation,’ declaring that terrorists involved in planning attacks from the school were its target. Elaborate precautions, they said, were taken to prevent civilian casualties; precision munitions and aerial surveillance were used in doing so. The IDF’s statement ensured that ‘great care’ was taken by them to avert any injury to non-combatants.

UN And International Reactions

The United Nations condemned the airstrikes, particularly those directed against civilian installations and shelters that UN agencies operated. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric articulated ‘strong condemnation’ over the tragic loss of life within UN ranks and the blunt impact on displaced families. Footages from the scene showed the school had suffered substantial damage, with ambulances ferrying the wounded to nearby hospitals.

Hamas And Civilian Impact

Government-run Hamas media called it a ‘brutal massacre’ and accused Israel of turning schools, among other civilian infrastructure, into military targets. The UNRWA decried the dire need for all parties to respect civilian areas and avoid the use of military activities in those locations. According to the agency, the al-Jaouni school had nearly 12,000 displaced persons and was greatly affected by the strikes.

Previous Strikes And Current Situation

The al-Jaouni school has been attacked time and again, earlier incidents were reported on July 16 when several buildings inside the school were targeted. This brazen violence, again and again, puts a spotlight on the precarious situation for those seeking refuge and the toll from this ongoing conflict on civilian life.

International Community Calls For Restraint Amid Ongoing Violence

This is the most recent of its kind of attack on the al-Jaouni school, each one raising the level of severity with its high number of casualties and humanitarian facility damages. The international community throughout this conflict urged restraint and protection of civilians, though the calls have been continued. The UN and other agencies seek to meet the immediate needs of people in strife and provide support amidst ongoing violence.