An Israeli airstrike hit Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City’s al-Daraj neighborhood early Monday, killing at least 36 and injuring over 55, according to health officials in Gaza City. Residents sleeping inside were killed when fires ignited from an explosion within, leaving many critically wounded or burned alive by fires that spread rapidly throughout. Cadena SER, The Guardian, Wikipedia and Times of India reported on this tragedy and gave updates throughout. Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes as flames engulfed the classrooms where families had taken refuge. Videos shared on social media showed the aftermath, with burned personal effects and bodies emerging from the rubble. WAFA Agency The Israeli military claimed that a school used as a command center by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants justified a strike as targeted operation against terrorist infrastructure; however, no concrete evidence was presented to support such claims. This incident marks a recent increase in violence. Since March’s collapse of a ceasefire agreement, Israeli operations have intensified in an attempt to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages taken during attacks in October 2023. Since that time, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed as part of this conflict; 90% of their population displaced. AP News +3 [APNEWS 3]. Reuters 3 [Reuters]. As Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens, criticism and operational challenges for U.S-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation–an aid distribution organization intended to distribute aid–continue. Jake Wood, its Executive Director resigned recently due to its inability to uphold humanitarian principles (Reuter/AP News/The Guardian). Human rights organizations and multiple governments have quickly responded to this attack with condemnations of immediate investigations and ceasefire. Furthermore, the UN reiterated their call for all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law and safeguard civilian infrastructure. As the conflict moves into its 20th month, its toll on Gaza’s civilian population continues to increase dramatically. Without safe shelters and aid initiatives being supported effectively by any parties involved, residents face an ever more precarious existence amidst mounting humanitarian crises. Calls for renewed ceasefire negotiations and comprehensive peace processes continue to escalate rapidly amid this humanitarian catastrophe.
