On July 9, 2024, Israel conducted a devastating airstrike on a school in the Abesan region of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. The school, which was being used as a shelter for displaced families, was hit, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Various sources report different casualty figures, ranging from 25 to 29 deaths, with dozens more injured.This attack is part of an ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has led to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that rescue teams are working to transfer the wounded to nearby hospitals. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, stated that at least 38,243 people have been killed and 88,033 injured since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023.The Israeli military has not officially commented on this specific incident. However, Israel has acknowledged bombing three schools in recent days, claiming they were targeting militant Palestinians hiding in the schools. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports that over 500 people have been killed in schools and shelters it runs in Gaza since the start of the war.This latest attack has further strained the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that ‘there is no safe corner in Gaza’ and that the latest evacuation orders will further limit medical attention. The ongoing conflict has forced approximately 2 million Palestinians to flee their homes since October 7, 2023.As the violence continues, diplomatic efforts are underway. New negotiations are expected in Qatar to advance towards a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. However, the escalating violence and mounting civilian casualties continue to pose significant challenges to these peace efforts.
Key points
- An Israeli airstrike on a school shelter in Khan Yunis, Gaza, killed between 25 and 29 Palestinians and injured dozens more.
- The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 38,243 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.
- The UN agency UNRWA states that over 500 people have been killed in schools and shelters in Gaza since the start of the war.
- Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release are ongoing, with negotiations expected in Qatar.
Contradictions👾Casualty figures from the school airstrike vary between sources, ranging from 25 to 29 deaths.
👾Israel has not officially commented on this specific incident, but has acknowledged bombing three schools in recent days, claiming they were targeting militants.
