The Abu Assi School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), was serving as a shelter for displaced families when it was struck. Witnesses reported scenes of devastation as rescue teams searched the rubble for additional survivors and victims. 

This attack marks yet another blow to the beleaguered school, which had been targeted multiple times during Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. 

The latest assault adds to the grim toll of Israel’s military offensive, which began in October 2023. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 43,799 people have been killed, and 103,601 others injured. The majority of the casualties are women and children. 

Emergency and civil defense teams report being unable to reach many victims due to continued bombardments and restricted access. Thousands of individuals are believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. 

Despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for an immediate ceasefire and directives from the International Court of Justice urging measures to prevent genocide, Israel’s military operations in Gaza show no signs of abating. 

Humanitarian organizations have condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and shelters, as violations of international law. However, diplomatic efforts to halt the violence and deliver critical aid to Gaza have yet to yield results. 

The bombing of the Abu Assi School highlights the escalating crisis faced by the residents of Gaza, as international calls for accountability and intervention continue to go unanswered. (ILKHA)