In a devastating attack on August 10, Israeli airstrikes hit the al-Tabin school in Gaza City, which was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. The bombing resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, with many more injured. The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, three Israeli bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, struck the school in the Daraj district while people were engaged in morning prayersThe impact sparked a fire that engulfed the building, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.Initial reports indicate that the casualties include women, children, and the elderly. The exact number of dead and wounded may rise as rescue operations continue.
The Israeli military claimed that the attack was aimed at a “command and control center” used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.However, they did not provide evidence to substantiate these claims. The Israeli government argued that the facility was being used to launch attacks against Israel, but Palestinian authorities and international observers have dismissed these assertions as unverified.
This airstrike is part of a broader pattern of attacks on civilian facilities in Gaza. Over recent weeks, numerous schools and hospitals have been struck, leading to significant civilian casualties. Critics accuse Israel of using such tactics to undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations and to exert pressure on Hamas.
The international response has been swift. Qatar and Egypt, leading efforts to mediate a ceasefire, have condemned the attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have also called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The strike comes amidst ongoing heavy conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has already claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives since the conflict intensified in October 2023. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with many displaced persons forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded shelters.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the timing of this attack is seen by some analysts as a deliberate move to disrupt peace talks scheduled to resume on August 15. The escalating violence has left the region in a state of uncertainty, with the prospect of a sustainable ceasefire appearing increasingly remote.
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