On July 10, 2024, Israeli forces continued their military campaign in Gaza, with multiple airstrikes resulting in significant civilian casualties. The most devastating attack occurred at the Al-Awda school in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where at least 25-29 people were killed and over 50 injured. This marks the fourth time in four days that a school housing displaced civilians has been targeted.The Israeli military confirmed the attack, stating they were targeting a Hamas militant involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. However, Palestinian authorities and eyewitnesses reported that most victims were civilians, including women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, stated that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.Concurrent attacks were reported across Gaza, including in the Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City. These strikes resulted in additional civilian casualties, with reports indicating at least 8 Palestinians, including 6 children, were killed in the Nuseirat camp. The ongoing conflict has now lasted 278 days, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 38,000 deaths since October 2023, the majority being women and children.The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) condemned the attacks, with the Commissioner-General stating, “Another day, another month, another school hit”. The UN has described the situation in Gaza as ‘dangerously chaotic’ and warned that the latest raids could lead to the collapse of ceasefire negotiations.As the conflict continues, nearly two million internally displaced persons in Gaza are facing severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and protection of civilians, while Israel maintains its objective of destroying Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
Key points
- Israeli airstrike on Al-Awda school in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed at least 25-29 people and injured over 50.
- Israeli military confirmed the attack, claiming they targeted a Hamas militant.
- This is the fourth attack on a school in Gaza in four days.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, mostly women and children.
Contradictions👾While the Israeli military claims to have targeted a Hamas militant, Palestinian authorities and eyewitnesses report that most victims were civilians.
👾Casualty numbers vary slightly between sources, with death tolls from the school attack ranging from 25 to 29.
