Israeli forces have launched a devastating attack on the Khadija School in central Gaza, killing at least 30 people and wounding over 100. Among the dead are fifteen children whose lives were abruptly ended in what has been one of the most tragic incidents of the ongoing conflict. The strike, which occurred on Saturday near Deir al-Balah, has drawn international condemnation and highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Washington Post reported that the attack potentially involved the use of a U.S.-made 250-pound bomb, which now lies unexploded in the wreckage, posing a continued threat to the already devastated area. This adds to the dangers faced by Palestinians who might accidentally trigger these unexploded ordnances, a grim reality confirmed by multiple injuries in Gaza since October.
The Khadija School had been serving as a shelter for 4,000 Palestinians displaced by Israel’s ongoing military operations, which many describe as an ethnic cleansing campaign. The school was also functioning as a makeshift field hospital under the al-Aqsa Hospital’s operations. This dual role underscores the desperate need for safe havens and medical care amidst the relentless bombings.
The aftermath of the attack was chaotic. Survivors and rescue workers scrambled through the rubble, which was littered with pillows and other signs of habitation, to save the injured and search for bodies. Al-Aqsa Hospital, already at capacity, was overwhelmed, with injured people being treated on the floors. “The situation is absolutely dire; everyone in the hospital has suffered critical injuries. They are receiving treatment on the floor, in all departments, and all beds are over their capacity,” reported Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum from the hospital.
Israeli military officials claimed the target was a Hamas command and control center located within the school compound. They asserted that the school was being used to launch attacks and store weapons, and that civilians were warned before the raid. However, Palestinian officials and human rights groups vehemently dispute these claims, accusing Israel of committing war crimes. Hamas condemned the bombing as a massacre and called on the international community to take action against Israel’s crimes.
This tragic incident is part of a broader pattern of destruction and displacement in Gaza. Since the conflict intensified in October, more than 39,258 Palestinians have been killed and over 90,000 wounded, according to Palestinian health officials. The violence has obliterated homes, schools, and critical infrastructure, forcing civilians to seek refuge in any available shelter, often with devastating consequences.
The use of schools as shelters has become increasingly common due to the widespread destruction of residential areas. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported that most of its schools in Gaza have been converted into shelters. The UNRWA noted that Israel had launched eight attacks on schools in Gaza over a recent ten-day period, including on UN-run schools now serving as shelters.
The systematic targeting of educational institutions has led to the coining of the term “scholasticide,” reflecting the intentional destruction of schools and universities in Gaza. This campaign has severely disrupted the education of Palestinian children, compounding the trauma and instability they face daily.
International responses to the bombing of Khadija School have been swift and condemnatory. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have decried the attack, calling for immediate investigations and accountability. The potential use of U.S.-made bombs has also raised questions about American involvement and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Legal experts argue that these attacks may constitute violations of international law and could be classified as war crimes. The continuous assault on civilian areas, particularly designated humanitarian zones, undermines the rules of war designed to protect non-combatants.
The broader impact on Palestinian society is profound. The psychological and social effects of continuous bombing are devastating, particularly for children who have already lost homes and loved ones. The destruction of educational facilities further erodes the fabric of society, denying future generations the stability and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Despite these harrowing conditions, local and international NGOs are striving to provide relief and support. Their efforts include emergency medical care, psychological support, and advocacy for the protection of civilians. However, these initiatives are often hampered by the ongoing violence and restrictions on movement and resources.
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