Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, with devastating consequences for the civilian population. Over the past week, Israeli forces have struck five UN-run schools in Gaza, resulting in dozens of casualties, primarily women and children who were seeking shelter. The most recent attack on Sunday targeted the Abu Oreiban school, killing at least 17 people and injuring about 80. These strikes have been widely condemned as violations of international humanitarian law.The intensified campaign has led to a surge in civilian casualties. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 320 Palestinians were killed in Gaza within 48 hours, with the total death toll since October 7, 2023, reaching 38,664. The attacks have targeted various locations, including refugee camps and residential areas. In the Nusayrat Refugee Camp, 11 people were killed when the Israeli army targeted a house belonging to the ‘Hamed’ family.The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hamas fighters and high-ranking officials, including possibly Mohammed Deif, the Hamas military chief. However, Hamas denies these claims, stating that ‘Deif is alive and directly supervises operations’. The conflict has also seen an expansion beyond Gaza, with Israel reporting at least 20 rockets launched from Lebanon.In response to the escalating violence, Hamas has withdrawn from indirect ceasefire talks. The US State Department, while defending Israel’s right to self-defense, has expressed concern over the recent deadly strikes. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli officials to discuss the situation and push for a ceasefire.The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian life. Over 620,000 school-age Palestinians are now without access to education, and the humanitarian situation has been described as catastrophic, with over 90% of the population displaced. The international community continues to call for an immediate end to the violence and a return to negotiations for a lasting peace.
Key points
- Israel has attacked five UN-run schools in Gaza within a week, causing numerous civilian casualties.
- The death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has reached 38,664, with 320 Palestinians killed in 48 hours.
- Hamas has withdrawn from ceasefire talks, citing Israeli ‘massacres’.
- The US has expressed concern over the strikes while still defending Israel’s right to self-defense.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with over 90% of the population displaced.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the fate of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, with Israel claiming to have possibly targeted him, while Hamas insists he is alive and supervising operations.
👾The US State Department believes remaining issues between Israel and Hamas can be resolved, yet Hamas has reportedly withdrawn from ceasefire talks.
