Israeli Air Strike on UN-Run School in Gaza Kills 15, Injures Dozens
In a tragic incident, an Israeli air strike targeted a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of 15 people and leaving dozens injured. The head of Al-Shifa Hospital, Mohammad Abu Selmeyah, confirmed the casualties and expressed concern that the death toll may rise.
Israel’s military claimed that the strike targeted an ambulance being used by a Hamas terrorist cell to transfer militants and weapons. However, Hamas official Izzat El Reshiq dismissed these allegations as baseless. Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesperson for Gaza’s health ministry, stated that the ambulance was part of a convoy targeted by Israel near Al-Shifa Hospital and Ansar Square. Israel’s military, while providing no evidence to support its claim, stated that it intends to release additional information on the incident.
The World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed shock at the reports of attacks on ambulances evacuating patients. He emphasized the need to protect patients, health workers, and medical facilities.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also condemned the strike on the convoy of ambulances in Gaza. He described himself as “horrified” by the incident and expressed his concern over the images of bodies outside Al-Shifa Hospital.
Earlier on Friday, Gaza’s health ministry announced that critically injured Palestinians who urgently needed treatment would be evacuated from besieged Gaza City to Egypt. Israel has accused Hamas of using Al-Shifa hospital as a base for concealing command centers and tunnel entrances. Last month, Israel ordered all civilians to leave the north of Gaza and encircled the area on Thursday. Despite this order, Israel’s military has continued to bombard the south of the strip.
Hamas and Al-Shifa hospital authorities have vehemently denied the allegations that the hospital is being used by militant fighters. The conflicting accounts of the incident make it difficult to independently verify the details.
The strike on the UN-run school and the ambulance convoy has once again highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The loss of innocent lives and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, is a tragic consequence of this long-standing conflict.
International organizations and leaders have called for an immediate end to the violence and for the protection of civilians, medical facilities, and humanitarian workers. The targeting of ambulances and hospitals is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned by the international community.
The situation in Gaza remains extremely volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight. The cycle of violence and retaliation continues to claim innocent lives on both sides. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and negotiations to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
As the world watches in horror at the escalating violence in Gaza, it is essential for global leaders to step up their efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict. The loss of innocent lives, especially children, is a tragedy that must not be ignored. The international community must come together to support humanitarian efforts and work towards a just and lasting solution for all parties involved.
Saturday, November 4, 2023