On Saturday, Gaza Civil Defense reported a harrowing incident involving Israeli airstrikes on two school buildings in northern Gaza City. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 17 Palestinians—mostly children—has further intensified the ongoing conflict in the region.
Details of the Airstrikes
The Israeli airstrikes targeted Al-Huda School and Al-Hamama School, both located near each other and sharing the same playground. These schools were being used as shelters for individuals displaced by ongoing violence.
Key Details:
- Death Toll: 17 Palestinians killed, including several children.
- Injuries: At least 63 people wounded.
- Targets: Two schools repurposed as shelters.
According to Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, the airstrikes involved a “double tap” strategy:
- Initial Strike: The first attack was unexpected and caused numerous casualties.
- Follow-up Strikes: More than three additional missiles hit the area while rescue operations were underway, leading to further casualties.
Quote from Mahmoud Basal: “The schools were targeted a second time with three missiles, resulting in 17 martyrs and dozens of injured individuals who were transported to the Baptist Hospital in the city.”
Israeli Defence Forces’ Statement
In response to the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement. They claimed that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck a facility used by Hamas as a command and control centre, which was formerly known as the Hamama school.
IDF Statement Highlights:
- Target: Alleged Hamas command centre.
- Tactics: The IDF emphasised that their strikes were aimed at “terrorists” operating within the facility.
Quote from IDF: “A short while ago, with the intelligence direction of the IDF and ISA, the IAF struck terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center. In the past, the compound was known as the Hamama school in the northern Gaza Strip.”
Impact on Civilians
The airstrikes have had a devastating impact on the civilian population in Gaza. Many of the casualties were women and children, highlighting the severe human cost of the conflict.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Casualties: The death toll includes several children, according to the Gaza Civil Defense.
- Hospitalisation: Injured individuals have been transported to local hospitals, including the Baptist Hospital.
Footage:
- CNN Reports: Grim images from the site show injured children and deceased residents, underscoring the severe impact of the airstrikes.
Context of the Conflict
The Israeli military action in Gaza has intensified since October 7, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel. This escalation has led to significant casualties on both sides.
Conflict Background:
- Initial Attack: Hamas’s attack on southern Israel resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 abductions.
- Ongoing Casualties: Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths and over 90,000 injuries.
Displacement:
- UN Figures: Nearly 2 million people, almost the entire population of Gaza, have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Responses and Reactions
The international community and various humanitarian organisations have expressed concern over the rising civilian casualties and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
International Reactions:
- Global Outcry: There has been widespread condemnation of the targeting of civilian areas and calls for restraint from both sides of the conflict.
- Humanitarian Aid: Efforts to provide relief to displaced individuals and those affected by the conflict are ongoing.
Calls for Action:
- Peace Talks: There are increasing calls for renewed peace negotiations to address the underlying issues of the conflict.
- Humanitarian Support: Increased international support is needed to address the humanitarian crisis and provide aid to affected communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Protection
The recent Israeli airstrikes on schools being used as shelters in Gaza City have resulted in a tragic loss of life and underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. With 17 dead and numerous others injured, the situation remains dire.
Key Points:
- Human Cost: The death of 17 Palestinians, many of them children, highlights the severe impact of the conflict on civilians.
- Need for Peace: The escalating violence underscores the necessity for renewed peace efforts and increased international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The international community must act to prevent further civilian casualties and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected populations.
