Israel's Use of US-Made Munitions in Gaza Sparks Global Outcry
Tragic Attack on UNRWA School in Gaza
The Israeli military has come under intense scrutiny after a devastating attack on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people, including nine children and three women, has drawn international condemnation. Verified footage analyzed by weapons experts indicates that Israeli fighter jets used a U.S.-made GBU-39 bomb in the strike.
Verified Evidence and Expert Analysis
According to multiple weapons experts, including Trevor Ball, a former U.S. Army explosive ordnance disposal expert, and Rahul Udoshi, a senior analyst at defense contractor Janes, the debris from the attack was consistent with the distinctive cone shape of the GBU-39. This munition, manufactured by Boeing, is known for its ability to penetrate concrete and cause significant destruction while supposedly minimizing collateral damage.
Increasing Humanitarian Crisis
The attack on the school, which served as a shelter for over 6,000 displaced Palestinians, has been described as a horrific massacre by the Ministry of Health in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, called for a thorough investigation into the violation of international humanitarian law. Fikr Shalltoot, Gaza director for Medical Aid for Palestinians, highlighted that hospitals in Gaza are on the brink of collapse due to the increasing number of casualties.
- ### Mounting International Pressure
- In a recent report, the Biden administration suggested that Israel may have violated international law through its use of U.S. weapons in Gaza. Despite this, U.S. military aid to Israel continues. An independent panel of experts echoed this sentiment, stating that the Israeli military has systematically disregarded international humanitarian law, resulting in severe civilian casualties.
- ### Eyewitness Accounts and Ground Realities
- Eyewitnesses on the ground in Nuseirat described the scene as terrifying, with people frantically attempting to rescue the injured from the rubble. Emad Abu Shawish, who captured the aftermath on video, recounted the chaos and destruction. Salama Younis, another resident, emphasized the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which harmed women, children, and the elderly.
- ### Broader Implications and Ongoing Conflict
- These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence in the Gaza Strip, where more than 36,000 people have been killed since the conflict escalated on October 7. The IDF's position is that they were targeting militants, but the collateral damage has sparked global outrage and calls for transparency and accountability. The United States has urged the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be fully transparent about the operation.
