In a devastating incident on Saturday, July 27, an Israeli attack on a Gaza school has claimed the lives of at least 31 individuals, including many children, and left around 100 others injured. The strike targeted a field hospital located in the Khadija School in the central Gaza Strip, which was sheltering displaced individuals. According to the Gaza government media office spokesman, Ismail Al-Thawabta, the death toll has risen to 31 following the attack. The spokesperson cited news agency Anadolu for this information.

Details of the attack and its impact

The Gaza government media office initially reported that the Israeli occupation army had carried out what it described as a “new massacre” by bombing the field hospital inside Khadija School. The school was reportedly hit by three missiles fired from Israeli fighter jets, leading to the deaths of 18 people and causing numerous injuries. Gaza officials further claimed that the attack occurred in an area designated as a “humanitarian safe zone” in Deir al-Balah, intensifying the gravity of the situation.

Israel’s justification for the strike

In response to the attack, Israeli media cited statements from the Israeli military asserting that the school was being used by Hamas militants for weapon storage and to plan attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the school had been ordered to evacuate prior to the strike, following a rocket attack that originated from the area. Earlier in the day, at least 14 Palestinians were reportedly killed in separate Israeli attacks in Khan Younis, where the IDF had also engaged in battles with Hamas militants and destroyed several tunnels and other infrastructure.

Casualties and ongoing conflict

Gaza health authorities have reported that over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes in the region since the onset of the conflict on October 7 of the previous year. The attack on Khadija School highlights the ongoing and escalating violence in the region, with both sides suffering significant casualties.

The broader implications

The attack on Khadija School, a humanitarian facility, underscores the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Dr. Sara Khalid, a Middle East conflict analyst, notes that such strikes on civilian and humanitarian targets significantly exacerbate the suffering of the civilian population. She emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian needs and work towards a sustainable ceasefire.

Impact on humanitarian efforts

The attack has drawn international condemnation and calls for an immediate cessation of violence. The destruction of humanitarian facilities complicates efforts to provide aid and support to displaced individuals in the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict continues to impact the lives of countless civilians, with both sides entrenched in a cycle of retaliation and violence.

  Gaza school, Gaza Strip, Hamas militants, humanitarian safe zone, Ismail Al-Thawabta, Israeli attack, Israeli Defense Forces, Khadija School, Khan Younis, Middle East Conflict, Palestinian Casualties