The attack in the refugee camp Shati took place on Thursday against one of the many schools run by the UN aid organization UNRWA. The schools have been closed since the war broke out 13 months ago and have been turned into makeshift receptions for Palestinians forced to flee Israeli attacks.
In recent months, Israel has carried out a long series of attacks against such schools, which house hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Shortly after Thursday’s school attack, the army ordered people in the Shati camp and in other neighborhoods along the coast west of Gaza City to flee. It triggered panic among Palestinians who in recent days have fled from Israel’s new offensive against Hamas further north.
Rescue crews have retrieved the bodies of 14 Palestinians from the ruins of the school, the Palestinian Civil Defense says. Dozens of others were injured in the attack.
The Israeli military IDF has not yet responded to inquiries from, among others, the AP news agency to comment on the attack. The IDF has previously defended such attacks by claiming that Hamas uses the schools for military purposes.
Palestinian health authorities stated on Thursday that at least 43,469 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7 last year. 78 have been killed in the last two days.
102,561 people have been injured, according to the health authorities. The figures are considered reliable by the UN and other actors.
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**Interview with Dr. Amina Khalil, Humanitarian Aid Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for joining us today. The recent attack on the UNRWA school in Shati has sadly highlighted the ongoing crisis in Gaza. What are your initial thoughts on this incident and its implications for the humanitarian situation?
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me. This attack is a tragic reminder of the dire circumstances faced by those in Gaza. Schools, which have been repurposed as shelters for displaced families, should be safe havens. The loss of life and the injuries incurred during this attack are devastating, especially considering the mental and physical toll on survivors and the families of victims.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, it raises dire concerns. Reports indicate that over 140 UNRWA schools have come under assault since the conflict escalated. How do you assess the impact of these attacks on the educational landscape for Palestinian children?
**Dr. Khalil:** The closure of schools has profound long-term consequences. Education is not just about academics; it is essential for the mental health and stability of children. When schools are targeted, it disrupts the lives of entire communities and deprives the next generation of opportunities. The psychological trauma from such attacks can have lasting effects, which we must consider in any discussion around rebuilding Gaza.
**Interviewer:** The Israeli military claims that such attacks are justified as Hamas is purportedly using these schools for military purposes. How should the international community respond to these claims while ensuring the protection of civilians?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s a complex issue. While the security of all is paramount, the international community must emphasize the principle of distinction in warfare—civilians and civilian infrastructure should be protected at all costs. Open dialogue and transparency are key; we need independent investigations to clarify the context of these attacks. Moreover, discussions at the global level should center around protecting children and maintaining access to education.
**Interviewer:** With the death toll in Gaza reportedly over 43,000 and more than 100,000 injured, what can be done right now to address the immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza?
**Dr. Khalil:** Immediate actions include establishing ceasefires for humanitarian aid delivery, ensuring safe access for medical resources, and offering psychological support. Long-term solutions also demand international focus on dialogue and conflict resolution. The suffering cannot continue unchecked, and the world must hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating this cycle of violence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil. This situation is undeniably complex and heartbreaking, prompting us to reflect on the cost of war on innocent lives. How do our readers feel about the impact of military operations on civilian populations, especially regarding children’s safety and education in conflict zones? Should schools in conflict zones be off-limits, or is military necessity a valid consideration? Your thoughts could ignite an important conversation.
