Deadly attack on Gazan refugee camp by Israel raises international outcry

In a startling escalation of violence, an Israeli airstrike near a UN-run school in the Gazan area of Jabalia refugee camp has reportedly killed 27 individuals. This devastating event comes just days after a previous attack on the same camp resulted in over 50 Palestinian casualties.

Gazan UN School Targeted Amidst Israeli Ground Offensive

A recent statement from the Hamas-led health ministry, including spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra, declared that the fatalities included numerous civilians, highlighting the tragic cost of this conflict. Despite challenges in verifying the exact numbers from independent sources like AFP, the agony and chaos were unmistakably clear in footage showcasing frantic efforts to save lives amidst the bombardment.

Rising Casualty Figures and Intensified Military Actions

Adding to the tensions, Israel has reportedly intensified its ground offensive in Gaza. On Nov 2, Israeli forces dropped leaflets at the Shati refugee camp, signaling a drastic escalation and urging immediate evacuation. The leaflet sternly warned of impending bombings against “Hamas terrorists,” underscoring the dire situation facing Gazans.

Catastrophic Impact on Gazan Civilians

The recent airstrikes have not only claimed lives but also led to massive displacement, with thousands seeking refuge in various facilities, including the UNRWA-run school in the Shati refugee camp. Earlier raids have already inflicted casualties near these schools, adding layers of tragedy to an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Alleged Use of Controversial Weapons and Civilian Structures as Targets

Amidst these escalating tensions, footage circulating on social media alleged the use of controversial white phosphorus by Israeli forces targeting school grounds. The airstrikes have indiscriminately hit civilian structures, including schools and hospitals, amidst Israel’s claims of Hamas using human shields. The usage of white phosphorus, notorious for causing severe lung injuries and suffocation, in populated areas like schools, has sparked further outrage and condemnation globally.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing War

This latest airstrike follows an incident in mid-October where an alleged Israeli rocket attack struck a UN-run school in Gaza’s Al-Maghazi refugee camp, resulting in at least six deaths. The continuous targeting of educational facilities and civilian infrastructures has been a critical point of contention in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, raising serious questions about the war tactics and their devastating impact on Palestinian civilians.