Amid reports of intensified heavy shelling in north, central, and southern Gaza, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), confirmed on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, that schools-turned-shelters have been “bombed-out” as a result of the latest escalation. Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, reported on X that four schools were hit in the past four days, with two-thirds of UNRWA schools in Gaza affected since the conflict began. These attacks have left many schools severely damaged or completely destroyed.
The victims of these attacks include civilians, many of whom were seeking refuge in UNRWA schools. UNRWA Director of Communications Juliette Touma told UN News that these schools have sheltered one million people, mostly women and children. More than half of UNRWA’s facilities— the majority of them being schools—have been hit. On Tuesday, at least 25 people were killed in an Israeli strike near a school in eastern Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Another strike on Saturday killed at least 16 at a UNRWA school in Nuseirat, central Gaza. The Israeli military stated it was targeting “terrorist infrastructure and operatives.” However, the frequent shelling of schools has caused extensive civilian casualties, including women and children. These areas were targeted due to their use as shelters, but the attacks have led to significant destruction and loss of life.
In response to the escalating violence, the international community has expressed deep concern. UNRWA officials have called for independent investigations into the attacks and emphasized the need for the protection of civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law. The UN sexual reproduction agency, UNFPA, highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza in their latest report, noting severe shortages of food, shelter, health, and livelihood resources. Despite these challenges, UNFPA and partners continue to provide essential health services and support to displaced populations. The urgent need for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians remains a top priority.
To read more, visit
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/07/1151921
By Noor Assa
