Thu Sep 12 19:16:00 UTC 2024: ## International Outrage as Israeli Strike Kills 18 at Gaza School Shelter
**GAZA CITY** – International condemnation rained down on Israel Thursday following an airstrike that killed 18 people, including six UNRWA staff members, at an UN-run school in Gaza City, which was being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. The attack, which leveled part of the Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat, has been described as a “totally unacceptable” violation of international law.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres led the chorus of condemnation, stating that the attack on a civilian shelter was “totally unacceptable.” Germany, a close ally of Israel, also joined the chorus, emphasizing that “humanitarian aid workers must never be victims of rockets.” The European Union echoed these sentiments, expressing outrage at the deaths and asserting that the strike showed “disregard of the basic principles” of international humanitarian law.
The United States, Israel’s main backer, also called for protection of humanitarian sites. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that “we need to see humanitarian sites protected” and said the issue was being raised with Israel.
Despite the international outcry, the Israeli military claimed the school was targeted because it housed Hamas militants. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, alleged that UNRWA had not provided the names of its killed workers despite “repeated requests.” However, UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma refuted this claim, stating that the agency was “not aware of any such requests” and had provided Israel with a list of staff each year. She emphasized that UNRWA had “repeatedly called for independent investigations” into claims of Hamas using civilian facilities for military purposes.
Meanwhile, survivors of the attack described scenes of carnage, with bodies and belongings strewn across the rubble. The attack has further fueled the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen over 41,118 people killed, mostly women and children.
In a separate development, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since October 7, evacuating 97 sick and severely injured patients to Abu Dhabi for specialized care.
The latest attack comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. However, with the violence continuing unabated and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, a breakthrough remains elusive.
First Piper 