A deadly Israeli strike on the al-Jaouni school in Gaza that killed 18 people, including six UNRWA workers, has sparked international condemnation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the attack “totally unacceptable” and the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was “outraged” by the deaths, labeling the strikes a violation of international humanitarian law.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, flattened part of the school that was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. Among the victims were women and children, adding to the tragedy and devastation of the incident. The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also called for an end to the violence in Gaza.
Israeli military officials defended the strike, claiming that the school had become a “legitimate target” because Hamas fighters were allegedly using it to launch attacks. However, UNRWA refuted these claims, stating that they had repeatedly urged both Israel and Palestinian fighters to refrain from using civilian facilities for military purposes.
The attack on the al-Jaouni school is just one example of the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza, as conflict continues to escalate in the region. The devastating loss of life at the school and the broader impact on the civilian population underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community must come together to address the root causes of the violence and work towards a lasting solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict.
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