An Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of six UNRWA employees. The school, located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, was providing shelter to approximately 12,000 displaced Palestinians, mostly women and children.
This attack marks the deadliest incident for UNRWA staff in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7 last year following a major Hamas assault on Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, calling the situation in Gaza 'completely unacceptable.' UNRWA highlighted that the school had been hit five times since the war began.
The Israeli military described the strike as a 'targeted' operation against Hamas militants allegedly using the school as a command center. However, the attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The conflict has led to significant casualties, with over 41,000 reported dead in Gaza and ongoing violence exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini decried the relentless violence and the targeting of humanitarian workers and facilities.
The agency, which has been serving Palestinian refugees since 1948, continues to face significant challenges amid the conflict, including accusations and attacks, further complicating its mission to provide essential aid.
