In a devastating incident, a school in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip was struck during air strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, according to the United Nations. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has expressed deep concern, stating that the number of casualties is expected to rise as dozens of others have been injured.
The UNRWA has condemned the attack, describing it as outrageous and highlighting the flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians. The agency further expressed concern that no place in Gaza is now safe, not even UNRWA facilities. The strike occurred during the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Shockingly, the UNRWA reveals that approximately 4,000 people sought refuge in the school turned shelter, as they had nowhere else to go. These innocent individuals, already displaced and seeking safety, were tragically caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, Israel has reportedly called off a significant number of airstrikes in an effort to prevent further civilian casualties. A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously, assured that every military operation is approved at the highest level. The official also claimed that approximately 5,000 Hamas targets have been attacked thus far.
However, despite efforts to minimise harm to civilians, the Israeli military has indicated that airstrikes will continue in southern Gaza as long as Hamas targets remain in the area. This decision has raised questions, as Israel had previously ordered 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate to the south in anticipation of a ground offensive. Unfortunately, heavy attacks outside the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis resulted in the loss of dozens of lives today.
In response to inquiries regarding the bombing of the area where civilians were instructed to seek refuge, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, an Israeli military spokesman, conveyed that there will be consequences for the militant group operating from southern Gaza. He emphasised the need for Israel to protect its civilians, even if Hamas is using theirs as shields.
Amidst the escalating violence, there are growing concerns that the conflict could further escalate and spread throughout the region. US President Joe Biden is slated to visit the area on Wednesday, with hopes of alleviating tensions. His visit to Israel aims to signal support for the country, and he will subsequently meet with leaders from the Arab world in Jordan to address the potential for the conflict to extend beyond its current boundaries.
