Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Claims 90 Lives: A Tragic Escalation in the Conflict
Introduction At least 90 Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza, as reported by local officials. The incident has intensified the ongoing conflict, raising international concern over the escalating violence.
The Incident: Details of the Airstrike The strike targeted the Al-Tabi’in school, located in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City. The school was serving as a refuge for displaced residents when it was hit. According to Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 90 bodies have been recovered from the site, with many victims severely dismembered and still unidentified. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted Hamas terrorists operating from a command center within the school.
IDF’s Justification and Response The IDF stated that the airstrike was part of a broader military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure. They emphasized that numerous precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions and extensive aerial surveillance. However, when asked for evidence to support the claim that Hamas was using the school as a base, the IDF did not provide any.
Rising Concerns: A Pattern of Strikes on Schools This attack marks the fifth time in a week that an Israeli airstrike has targeted a school in Gaza. The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern over this pattern, describing it as a horrifying escalation. The office called for an immediate halt to the attacks, stressing the urgent need to protect civilians, especially children, in conflict zones.
Impact of the Ongoing Conflict The broader conflict has had devastating effects on Gaza. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 90,000 have been injured since the start of Israel’s military campaign on October 7. The campaign was launched in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others.
Humanitarian Crisis: The Situation in Gaza Hospitals The aftermath of the recent airstrike has overwhelmed local hospitals. Dr. Fadl Naim from Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City reported that at least 50 bodies were brought in following the strike, with many of the injured suffering from severe injuries such as amputations and burns. The hospital’s emergency room is at full capacity, making it difficult to identify the deceased and treat the wounded.
Conclusion The ongoing airstrikes and their devastating impact on civilians, particularly in schools, have drawn international attention and condemnation. As the conflict continues to escalate, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with urgent calls for a ceasefire and protection of innocent lives growing louder.
