Gaza School Strike Dozens Dead Amid Escalating Conflict

Gaza

Israel-Gaza War: Unrwa School Attack Leaves Dozens Dead

In a devastating incident amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, a strike on an Unrwa school in the Nuseirat refugee camp has resulted in numerous casualties. The attack, carried out by Israeli forces, targeted the school sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinian families, leaving at least 39 people dead, according to local reports.

Key Events and Reactions

Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting for Al Jazeera from Deir al-Balah, described the scene as tragic, emphasizing the lack of prior warning given to the families before the attack. The assault also destroyed a residential house in the vicinity, compounding the devastation for the local community.

The Israeli military issued a statement claiming that efforts were made to minimize civilian casualties, including conducting aerial surveillance and gathering additional intelligence. Despite these measures, the attack resulted in significant loss of life, sparking outrage and mourning among Palestinians.

Photographs from the site show the aftermath of the attack: a Palestinian woman holding a child amidst the rubble, a boy observing the damage, and distressed individuals mourning the loss of their loved ones. The images underscore the human cost of the conflict and the dire situation for those caught in its crossfire.

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Military Operations and Casualties

In addition to the school strike, Israel’s military has reported thwarting an attempt by three individuals to cross the border from Gaza. According to the IDF, the suspects were engaged and eliminated by troops and an IAF aircraft. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.

Furthermore, the Israeli military reported the death of a soldier in a drone attack in northern Israel near Hurfeish, close to the UN-drawn blue line separating Israel and Lebanon. Nine other soldiers were injured in the incident, highlighting the multi-front nature of the conflict.

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Wider Crisis and International Reactions

The attack on the Unrwa school comes as Israel launches a new military campaign in central Gaza, targeting groups utilizing hit-and-run insurgency tactics. The escalation has drawn warnings from the United States, which cautioned against an intensification of the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border. The US State Department emphasized that further escalation would lead to additional loss of life and harm Israel’s security.

Reports of severe hunger and malnutrition in Gaza further illustrate the humanitarian crisis. According to two new food security reports, famine conditions may have started in northern Gaza as early as April, with over a million people facing potential death and starvation by mid-July. The dire situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and intervention.

Political and Social Implications

The leader of Hamas has called for a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal as part of a ceasefire plan. This stance contrasts with Israel’s refusal to halt its military operations during ceasefire talks, as it continues its assault on central Gaza.

In Jerusalem, violent clashes erupted during the annual Jerusalem flag day march, marking the anniversary of Israel’s control over East Jerusalem since 1967. Right-wing Israeli youths chanted anti-Arab slogans, leading to injuries among at least two journalists. Meanwhile, Israeli peace activists participated in a “flower parade,” offering a peaceful counter-narrative by handing flowers to Palestinian residents.

In response to allegations of abuse at a military-run detention camp for Palestinians, Israeli justice officials announced the phasing out of the camp. Whistleblower reports had previously revealed harrowing treatment of detainees, including being shackled to hospital beds and forced to wear nappies.

As the conflict continues, the human toll and the call for peace remain at the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for resolution and humanitarian support.

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