Gaza School Strike: Death Toll Rises to 100 in Israeli Attack
In a tragic incident, the death toll from an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza City has risen to between 90 and 100, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The strike targeted Al-Tabi’een school in the Daraj neighborhood, which was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians.
Israeli military officials claim that the school was being used as a Hamas “command and control center” and was “embedded” with militants. They stated that they took numerous precautions to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information.
However, the Islamic Jihad Palestinian military group has disputed these claims, stating that the strike occurred during the dawn prayer, when the school was filled with women and children seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
The Gaza government media office has reported that the strike resulted in more than 100 deaths and dozens of injuries, with many in severe and critical condition. The school was housing approximately 250 women and children, with about half of them being women and children.
This latest attack on a civilian target has sparked outrage and condemnation from the international community. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and an independent investigation into the incident. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep concern over the rising civilian death toll and called for an end to the violence.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been escalating in recent weeks, with both sides exchanging rocket fire and airstrikes. The violence has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and several Israelis, including children.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned of a humanitarian crisis if the violence continues.
International organizations and human rights groups have called for an immediate end to the hostilities and for both sides to respect international law and protect civilians. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, is a violation of international humanitarian law.
The international community must step up its efforts to broker a ceasefire and find a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The cycle of violence and retaliation only leads to more death and suffering for innocent civilians.
In the meantime, immediate humanitarian assistance must be provided to the people of Gaza. The UN and other aid organizations should be given unrestricted access to deliver essential supplies and medical aid to those in need.
The tragic incident at the Al-Tabi’een school highlights the urgent need for a lasting and sustainable peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. The lives of innocent civilians, especially women and children, must be protected at all costs.
As the death toll continues to rise and the humanitarian crisis worsens, the international community must come together to find a solution that brings an end to the violence and ensures the safety and well-being of all people in the region.