Recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly at United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools housing displaced Palestinians. On July 14, an airstrike on a UNRWA school in the Nuseirat refugee camp killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, mostly women and children. The Israeli military claims the school was being used as a hideout and operational base for Hamas fighters, but this claim has been disputed by Palestinian sources and UNRWA.The attacks come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides reporting conflicting information. Israel announced the killing of Rafa Salama, a high-ranking Hamas commander, in a bombing in southern Gaza on July 13. The Israeli military also targeted Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’s military wing, but his fate remains unclear. Hamas denies that Deif was killed and insists he is still alive and in command.Despite the escalation in violence, Hamas officials state that ceasefire talks have not been suspended. However, they accuse Israel of hindering negotiations by intensifying attacks. The conflict, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has reported ‘some of the most horrific scenes’ since the start of the war. The recent attacks on UNRWA schools, which are meant to serve as safe havens for displaced civilians, have drawn particular condemnation.As the conflict continues, both sides face mounting pressure to reach a diplomatic solution. However, the recent escalation in violence and the targeting of civilian infrastructure pose significant challenges to ongoing negotiation efforts.
Key points
- Israeli airstrikes on UNRWA schools in Gaza have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
- Hamas denies suspending ceasefire talks but condemns Israel’s actions.
- The fate of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif remains uncertain after targeted strikes.
- International concern grows over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the conflict continues.
Contradictions👾Israel claims UNRWA schools are being used as Hamas hideouts, while Palestinian sources and UNRWA dispute this.
👾Hamas denies that Mohammed Deif was killed, while Israel targeted him in recent strikes.
