• An Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school in Gaza killed 40 Palestinians, including women and children
• Iran’s Foreign Minister called for Israel to be held accountable for war crimes following the attack
The genocide in Gaza has reached a new level of horror as an Israeli airstrike targeted a UN-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 Palestinians. The school was sheltering thousands of displaced individuals, mostly women and children, seeking refuge from the ongoing Israeli military onslaught. According to the Palestinian health ministry, the victims included nine women and fourteen children, with 74 others wounded in the attack.
The airstrike occurred shortly before 2 am, catching the inhabitants of the school by surprise. The building was filled with displaced families who had sought refuge after their homes were destroyed in previous bombings. Witnesses reported waking up to the sound of explosions and finding the building in flames. “We saw people retrieving the wounded and dead bodies from the rubble, some were torn apart, some were burnt,” recounted Ansam Issa, a survivor of the attack.
The aftermath of the airstrike was marked by scenes of chaos and horror. Families were seen frantically searching for their loved ones amidst the rubble. Many of the victims were trapped under the debris for hours due to the lack of rescue equipment and fuel shortages. “We shelter in one school they strike it, we shelter in another they burn it,” said Um Mohammed Issa, stressing the desperate and dangerous situation for civilians in Gaza.
The Israeli military claimed that the school housed a Hamas compound and that the strike targeted fighters involved in attacks on Israel. However, residents and Gaza’s media office strongly rejected these claims, asserting that no armed individuals were present in the school. “The occupation uses lying to justify the brutal crime it conducted against dozens of displaced people,” stated Ismail al-Thawabta, the director of Gaza’s media office.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations and humanitarian groups. UN agencies have called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and allow for the delivery of essential aid. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its military operations in civilian-populated areas, but the violence continues.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called for international action, stating, “The world must hold Israel accountable for these heinous crimes. The deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime, and Israel must face consequences for its actions.” This sentiment echoes the widespread outrage and calls for justice from various international actors.
