US Vice-President Kamala Harris has spoken out against the tragic loss of civilian life in Gaza following an Israeli air strike on a school building that left more than 70 people dead. The building, which served as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, was targeted in the attack.
Ms Harris condemned the high number of civilian casualties, stating that “far too many” innocent lives had been lost. She reiterated calls for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, echoing the sentiments of the White House.
Israeli military officials claim that the al-Taba’een school was being used as a military facility by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, a claim that Hamas denies. The IDF stated that the strike targeted Hamas terrorists operating within the school.
The attack has drawn criticism from Western and regional powers, with Egypt accusing Israel of lacking the desire to reach a ceasefire. The director of al-Ahli Hospital, where many of the casualties were taken, described the scene as horrific, with many victims difficult to identify due to the extent of their injuries.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The United Nations reports that hundreds of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed in recent weeks.
The strike on the al-Taba’een school has once again highlighted the controversial dynamic of the Gaza war, with Israel accusing Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Hamas denies these accusations, calling the attack a “horrific crime” and a dangerous escalation in Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people.
The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The tragic loss of civilian lives underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
