The deadly attack on al-Jaouni school in Gaza has sparked global outrage, with the UN, EU, and WHO condemning the violence.
An Israeli airstrike on the school, also serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, resulted in the death of 18 individuals, including six UNRWA workers. This incident marked the highest death toll among the agency’s team in a single event.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed their dismay over the attack, emphasizing the violation of international humanitarian law. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the strike, attributing it to Israel’s continual disregard for international law.
Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza.
‘Heartbreaking scenes’
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported on the tragic aftermath of the attack, describing the emotional scenes at the hospital where victims were taken. He highlighted the recurring pattern of UN-run shelters being targeted despite being marked and known to Israeli forces.
Israeli military says school a ‘legitimate target’
The Israeli military defended the strike, claiming it targeted Hamas fighters within the school grounds. They alleged that Hamas had used the school to launch attacks, justifying it as a legitimate target. However, UNRWA refuted these claims, stating that they consistently urged both sides to refrain from using civilian facilities for military purposes.
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