The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) reports that two-thirds of its schools in the region have been hit since the start of the war. The latest tragedy occurred on Sunday when at least 22 Palestinians were killed and 100 wounded in a strike on a UN-run school in central Gaza being used as a shelter by displaced people.
The Hamas-run health ministry stated that the Israeli military targeted the Abu Oraiban School in the Nuseirat refugee camp, claiming they were aiming at Hamas “terrorists” operating from the location. However, witnesses told BBC Arabic that there were no armed fighters present, and children were among the casualties.
This attack on the school marks the fifth strike on or near schools in just eight days, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, with an estimated 1.9 million people – 90% of Gaza’s population – displaced multiple times.
The ongoing violence has led to indirect negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel. The US has expressed serious concerns about the civilian casualties and has urged both parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The IDF has defended its actions, accusing Hamas of using civilian structures as “human shields.” However, Hamas has condemned the Israeli strikes as part of a “genocide” against displaced Palestinians.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the death toll rises and the conflict shows no signs of abating. The impact on civilians, especially women and children, is devastating, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Gaza.
