Jabalia City, North Gaza“/>
Casualties were reported to have increased as a result of an Israeli artillery attack that targeted a school and clinic which was a shelter for displaced civilians in Jabalia City, north Gaza, on Sunday (20/10). This is according to a number of eyewitnesses.
Israeli forces opened fire on Abu Hussein School and Al-Fakhoura Clinic. Both are managed by the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jabalia. This is what the witnesses said.
The attack came hours after at least 87 people were killed and 40 others injured in an Israeli airstrike that destroyed an entire residential block in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.
On Thursday (17/10), at least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured in an Israeli attack on the same school.
Israel is systematically targeting civilian facilities, including schools, hospitals and places of worship, amid ongoing relentless attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Under the laws of war, targeting such civilian facilities can be considered a war crime.
The Israeli army continues to launch a massive offensive, now in its 16th day, in northern Gaza under a tight siege.
This attack is the latest episode in a brutal Israeli offensive that has killed more than 42,600 people, most of them women and children, and injured 99,800 others since last year following Hamas attacks.
Israel’s war has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade, resulting in shortages of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel is currently facing a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza. (Ant/Z-2)
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Interview with Dr. Amina Sharif, Humanitarian Aid Worker in Gaza
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sharif. We’re deeply saddened by the recent events in Jabalia City, where Israeli artillery targeted a school and clinic sheltering displaced civilians. Can you describe the situation on the ground?
Dr. Sharif: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed dire. Over the past few days, Jabalia City has experienced an alarming increase in casualties due to the bombardments. Eyewitnesses have reported that the Abu Hussein School and Al-Fakhoura Clinic were both struck, which has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities among vulnerable populations—many of whom were already displaced families seeking refuge.
Editor: How are humanitarian organizations responding to these attacks, particularly regarding providing aid to those affected?
Dr. Sharif: Humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to assess the damage and provide immediate medical assistance to those injured in the attacks. We are also trying to deliver supplies such as food, water, and shelter to those who have been further displaced. However, ongoing hostilities make it increasingly challenging for us to reach those in need.
Editor: What message do you have for the international community regarding this crisis?
Dr. Sharif: The international community must take immediate action to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. We need urgent calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to deliver aid safely. Protecting civilians and infrastructure like schools and clinics should be a top priority. The suffering we are witnessing is unbearable, and it requires urgent global attention.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Dr. Sharif. We hope for a resolution to this crisis soon.
Dr. Sharif: Thank you for your continued coverage and support. It’s crucial to keep the plight of the people of Gaza in the public eye.
Strong>Editor: That sounds devastating. What challenges are humanitarian workers like yourself facing in providing assistance amidst these attacks?
Dr. Sharif: The challenges are immense. With the continuous bombardment, we face constant threats to our safety while trying to deliver aid. The ongoing blockade has resulted in severe shortages of essential supplies like food, water, and medical resources. Many health facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are either damaged or are becoming unsafe for operation. Additionally, the massive displacement of people complicates our efforts to provide adequate care and support.
Editor: International laws prohibit attacks on civilian facilities, yet these incidents seem to continue. How do you see this affecting the humanitarian response in Gaza?
Dr. Sharif: The targeting of civilian facilities raises serious legal and moral questions. While there are laws in place to protect civilians, enforcement remains weak, and the humanitarian response is hampered by fear and insecurity. This may lead to potential long-term psychological impacts on the population, especially the children who witness such violence. Humanitarian organizations are left struggling to respond effectively while also ensuring the safety of their personnel.
Editor: With such a high death toll and escalating violence, what message do you believe needs to be conveyed to the international community?
Dr. Sharif: It is imperative for the international community to act decisively. We need urgent calls for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Additionally, accountability for war crimes must be pursued through international mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice. The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent people; it’s essential we advocate for peace and solutions that prioritize human dignity and lives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharif, for shedding light on these critical issues during such a challenging time. We hope for better days ahead for the people of Gaza.
Dr. Sharif: Thank you for raising awareness. Every voice counts, and we must not lose hope for a more peaceful future.
