
Israel has bombed yet another school in Gaza City, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict as international efforts to broker a truce continue to falter.
The attack, which occurred early on Monday morning, destroyed part of the Al-Aqsa School complex, located in the densely populated Rimal neighborhood.
The building, which had been housing displaced civilians, was left in ruins, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
The bombing of the school, which had previously been designated as a shelter by the United Nations, has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and the international community. The UN has called for an immediate investigation into the attack, which left at least 15 civilians dead and dozens more injured, including children and women. Many of the victims had been sheltering inside the school as airstrikes continued to pound Gaza City.
“This attack on a school, which was housing innocent civilians, is a clear violation of international law and the laws of armed conflict,” said Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
“We are witnessing the consequences of escalating violence, and it is the people of Gaza who are bearing the brunt of this suffering.”
Israel’s military has not provided an immediate explanation for the attack, but authorities maintain that it was targeting Hamas military infrastructure hidden within civilian areas. Israel has long accused Hamas of using schools, hospitals, and other civilian buildings to store weapons and launch attacks, a claim that has been vehemently denied by Palestinian officials.
The bombing comes as truce negotiations, mediated by the United States and regional actors, remain deadlocked. Efforts to secure a ceasefire have faced significant obstacles, with both sides sticking to hardline positions. Israel has demanded the cessation of rocket fire from Gaza, while Hamas insists that any truce must include an end to Israeli airstrikes and a lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with more than 5,000 civilians reported dead and tens of thousands more injured since the latest round of fighting began. The UN estimates that over half of Gaza’s population, which includes 2.3 million people, has been displaced, with many fleeing to overcrowded shelters in the south of the territory.
International pressure has been mounting on both Israel and Hamas to halt the violence. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on Sunday to discuss the deteriorating situation, but divisions between member states, particularly over the issue of Israeli military actions, prevented a unified call for a ceasefire.
In Gaza, residents are living under constant threat of airstrikes and artillery bombardments. Basic infrastructure, including water, electricity, and medical supplies, has been severely impacted, further complicating the delivery of aid to those in need. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with medical staff struggling to treat the wounded amid shortages of essential medicines and equipment.
In Israel, the ongoing rocket fire from Gaza has also claimed lives, with dozens of civilians killed in recent days. The Israeli government has continued to defend its military operations, arguing that its actions are necessary to protect its citizens from Hamas attacks.
As the fighting intensifies, the possibility of a prolonged war looms large. The international community remains deeply concerned about the toll on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and many are urging both sides to return to the negotiating table in hopes of reaching a sustainable peace agreement.
Despite the ongoing violence, efforts to revive truce talks continue, with hopes that diplomacy can prevail over further bloodshed. However, with each passing day, the chances of a peaceful resolution seem to grow increasingly distant as the conflict grinds on.
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