The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has confirmed the tragic deaths of six employees in an Israeli air strike targeting one of its schools in central Gaza.
This incident marks the highest single casualty toll for the agency’s staff since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October.
Reports indicate that at least 14 individuals lost their lives in the strike on al-Jaouni school located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which is currently sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians.
According to Israel’s military, the operation was aimed at apprehending terrorists believed to be operating within the school, asserting that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties.
This air strike represented the fifth occurrence of attacks on the al-Jaouni school in the last 11 months.
In a previous incident in July, 16 individuals were reported killed when the Israeli military targeted structures at the school allegedly used by Hamas fighters.
Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization by Israel and other nations, has continuously denied using schools and civilian facilities for military operations.
The Israeli military initiated a comprehensive campaign against Hamas following an unprecedented assault on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken hostage.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 41,080 people have been killed in the area since the beginning of the hostilities.
A UN spokesperson stated that the organization condemns “all air strikes targeting civilians and any that hit UN facilities.”
Videos following the air strike showed a chaotic scene at the damaged al-Jaouni school, with numerous individuals examining the destruction and first responders aiding the injured.
Reports indicated ambulances were transporting wounded individuals to local hospitals, while another medical source confirmed multiple casualties from the strike.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that their strike was intended to neutralize terrorist operations inside a Hamas command center located in the school.
Measures were reportedly taken to minimize civilian danger, including specific munitions and aerial surveillance.
Gaza’s Hamas-run government condemned the strike, labeling it a “brutal massacre”.
Unrwa later clarified that two air strikes impacted the school and its vicinity, where around 12,000 displaced individuals were seeking refuge.
Among the deceased were the shelter’s manager and other personnel supporting the displaced population. The agency reiterated that “civilian infrastructure must be protected and should never be a target.”
They urged all conflicting parties to refrain from using schools and surrounding areas for military purposes.
Hours prior, Unrwa reported that approximately 70% of its schools in Gaza had sustained damage throughout the conflict.
The report also highlighted that 214 of its staff members had been killed, along with at least 563 displaced individuals sheltering in its facilities.
Israel has previously accused Unrwa of supporting Hamas, a claim the agency has denied.
In another instance, the UN revealed it had dismissed a number of Unrwa employees following investigations into alleged links to the October 7 attacks.
On a different note, the IDF disclosed that two Israeli soldiers were killed and eight others injured in a helicopter crash while evacuating a critically injured soldier in southern Gaza.
An initial inquiry suggested that the crash was not a result of enemy fire, although investigations continue.
