An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school kills six UN employees, raising questions about civilian safety in the ongoing conflict.
At a Glance
- Israeli airstrike on al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp kills 18, including 6 UN workers
- Israel claims the strike targeted terrorists planning attacks from the school
- UN Secretary-General condemns the strike as a violation of international humanitarian law
- The school had been hit five times in the past 11 months
- Over 41,080 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict started in October
UN Employees Among Casualties in Gaza School Strike
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that six of its employees were among those killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in central Gaza. The attack on al-Jaouni school in the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in a total of 18 fatalities, marking the highest death toll among UNRWA staff in a single incident since the conflict began in October.
Israel’s military claimed the strike targeted terrorists planning attacks from the school. However, the incident has drawn international scrutiny and raised concerns about the protection of civilian infrastructure in the ongoing conflict.
Six UN aid workers killed after Israeli airstrike on Gaza school https://t.co/NMTxsE32fH
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 12, 2024
International Reaction and Calls for Accountability
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. The incident has led to increased pressure on Israel to ensure the safety of civilians and respect for protected facilities.
“What’s happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable,” Guterres stated. “These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.” – Source
Israel’s ambassador to the UN criticized Guterres’ condemnation, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Hamas, for its part, denied using schools for military purposes.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 41,080 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
“We’ve been going through hell for 340 days now. What we’ve seen over these days, we haven’t even seen it in Hollywood movies, now we’re seeing it in Gaza.” – Source
The strike on al-Jaouni school is part of a broader pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza. UNRWA reports that almost 70% of its schools in Gaza have been hit during the war, with 214 UNRWA staff members and at least 563 displaced people sheltering in its facilities killed.
Calls for Protection of Civilian Infrastructure
UNRWA has called for the protection of schools and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that these facilities are not legitimate military targets. The agency stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and ensuring the safety of displaced civilians seeking shelter in UN facilities.
“Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times,” UNRWA stated. “They are not a target.” – Source
As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution to the crisis and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have yet to secure a lasting truce, while Gaza’s healthcare system faces severe challenges, including shortages of essential medicines and routine vaccinations.
Sources:
1.UN says Israeli strike on Gaza school killed six of its staff
2.U.N. condemns Israel after 6 workers killed in Gaza school strike
