Airstrike on Gaza School Results in Tragedy and Global Backlash

An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza has resulted in grave consequences for UNRWA workers and displaced civilians, heightening international concerns.

At a Glance

Israel bombed a UN school in central Gaza, killing at least 18 people, including six UN aid workers.
The al-Jaouni school was sheltering about 12,000 displaced people, mostly women and children.
The UN Secretary-General condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law.
Israel claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center, but provided no evidence.

Details of the Deadly Airstrike

An Israeli airstrike on the al-Jaouni school in central Gaza has killed at least 18 people, including six workers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees. The school served as a refuge for approximately 12,000 displaced individuals, predominantly women and children. Footage from the scene showed significant damage, with rescue teams scrambling to aid the wounded and retrieve the dead.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, describing it as a dramatic violation of international humanitarian law. This incident marks the highest death toll among UNRWA staff in a single event since the conflict began. The loss included the shelter manager and other vital team members who were assisting displaced persons.

Just Tragic.#Gaza
Six @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas.
This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident.
Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other…

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) September 11, 2024

Earlier Claims and Response

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike was aimed at a Hamas command and control center situated within the school premises. However, Israel did not furnish any evidence to support this claim, causing further controversy. UNRWA has stressed that schools and other civilian infrastructures must be protected at all times, and they should not be targeted or used for military purposes.

“This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident,” the agency said. “Among those killed was the manager of the Unwra shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people.”

The school had suffered multiple hits within the past 11 months, raising serious concerns about the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal confirmed the fatalities and injuries resulting from the latest airstrike, reiterating the need for protective measures around such critical humanitarian services.

Gaza: Six @UNRWA staff killed on Wednesday in airstrikes on a school-turned-shelter.https://t.co/c5Q2hpvc2Y

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 11, 2024

Impact on Gaza and International Reactions

Over 80% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, affecting around 650,000 children. The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 41,000 people, primarily civilians, with over 95,000 individuals wounded. The prolonged conflict has also affected mediation efforts by international actors including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which have so far been unsuccessful in securing a truce.

The war, which commenced following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, has seen escalating hostilities and casualties on both sides. Efforts for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have remained in deadlock, with mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas. The UN and various human rights organizations continue to urge both parties to uphold international humanitarian laws and prioritize the safety of civilians.