Escalating Violence: Israel's Bombardment of Schools in Gaza
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has seen a shocking escalation in violence, particularly against educational institutions. From October 2023 to August 2024, the Israeli occupation forces have reportedly destroyed over 117 schools and universities, with 332 suffering partial damage, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. These schools have transformed into makeshift shelters for thousands of displaced Gazans as the violence intensifies, resulting in the tragic loss of life and injuries among civilians.
The United Nations has condemned these attacks, highlighting that more than 80% of Gaza's schools have been destroyed. In just six months, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 5,479 students, along with 261 teachers and 95 university professors. Despite international humanitarian laws that protect educational facilities, many schools have become targets, leading to devastating consequences for the civilian population.
The Human Cost: A Call for Accountability
The bombings have not only resulted in immediate casualties but have also left lasting scars on the community. For instance, the Osama bin Zaid School was bombed on November 3, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 10 displaced individuals and injuries to 28 others. Similarly, the Tal Al-Zaatar and Al-Fakhoura schools were hit on November 18, leading to approximately 200 fatalities, predominantly among children. These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is called upon to take decisive action against the ongoing violations of human rights and to ensure that schools and other civilian infrastructures are safeguarded from military attacks.
- The UN Human Rights Office has been vocal in its condemnation of these attacks, particularly during the period from July 4 to August 10, 2024, when approximately 21 schools were bombed, resulting in hundreds of deaths, most of whom were women and children. The international community has raised concerns about the legality of these actions under international law, emphasizing the need for an independent investigation into the bombings. Numerous schools in various governorates, including **North Gaza**, **Gaza**, **Central**, **Khan Yunis**, and **Rafah**, have been targeted. For instance, the **Al Buraq School** was bombed on November 10, 2023, resulting in a massacre that claimed 50 lives, including that of a prominent figure's granddaughter. The **Holy Family School** faced multiple bombings, with the most recent attack occurring on July 7, 2024, causing further civilian casualties. The repeated targeting of educational institutions raises serious questions about the adherence to international humanitarian principles and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. Calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance have intensified as the humanitarian crisis deepens in the region.
