US Senate Rejects Measure to Block Arms Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
The push led by Senator Bernie Sanders falls short, but advocates say it shows progress for the Palestinian rights movement.
Loading...
Authorities in Gaza said Israeli bombs hit the school-turned-shelter as people were praying and triggered a fire.
Israeli Strike on Gaza School
On Saturday, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians and left dozens wounded. The al-Tabin school, located in the Daraj district, was hit by three Israeli bombs, causing a fire to break out in the building. The attack occurred during morning prayers, leading to a devastating loss of life, including women, children, and the elderly.
Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a "command and control center" used by Hamas terrorists and commanders. They claimed that the school served as a hideout for Hamas militants and that there were 20 fighters, including senior commanders, operating from the school. However, Palestinian authorities and witnesses described the attack as a deliberate strike on civilians and a violation of religious rites, as it occurred during a sacred time.
Casualty Figures and Humanitarian Impact
The Gaza Government Media Office reported that the strike resulted in a rapidly rising number of casualties, with many of the wounded in critical condition. The al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City received numerous casualties, including individuals with severe burns and amputated limbs. The medical facility was overwhelmed, struggling to provide adequate care to the influx of injured individuals.
International Response and Ceasefire Efforts
The attack comes amid calls from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for Israel and Hamas to resume talks on August 15 to reach a ceasefire. However, such large-scale Israeli attacks have consistently derailed ceasefire negotiations in the past.
Repeated Attacks on Civilian Facilities
This incident is not an isolated one, as Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted schools used as shelters, alleging that they are being used as command centers by Hamas. However, Hamas has denied these accusations, stating that the Israeli military directly bombed displaced people while they were performing the dawn prayer, leading to a significant loss of life.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has taken a severe toll on the civilian population in Gaza, with thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter in schools and other facilities. The targeting of these shelters has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to a significant loss of life and injuries among innocent civilians.
Conclusion
The Israeli strike on the al-Tabin school in Gaza City has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with more than 100 Palestinians killed and many others wounded. The attack has raised international concerns and further complicated efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The humanitarian impact of such strikes on civilian facilities in Gaza continues to be a pressing issue, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
Editor
The push led by Senator Bernie Sanders falls short, but advocates say it shows progress for the Palestinian rights movement.
Warning comes as President Vladimir Putin lowers threshold for using Russia nuclear arsenal in move decried as ‘irresponsible’ by the West.
The move comes as Joe Biden heads into his final months in US office, with successor Donald Trump believed to be more favourable towards Russia.