On Saturday, July 6th, an Israeli airstrike hit a United Nations-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least 16 people and injuring 75 others. The school, operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), was sheltering displaced civilians when it was struck.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, the victims included many children. Eyewitness Ayman al-Atouneh described the scene, saying “We saw bodies of children, in pieces. This is a playground. There was a trampoline here. There were swing sets and vendors. Civilians were killed. It’s a civilian school. These are United Nations schools, for the UNRWA. It is supposed to be safe for people and should not be targeted anytime.”
The attack came amid a surge of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that have overwhelmed local hospitals. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis was at “breaking point” and risked being overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini also condemned the “continuous cycle” of mass displacement and civilian suffering in Gaza.
This latest incident marks the third time in recent weeks that an UNRWA school has been hit by Israeli strikes, prompting the agency’s spokesperson to lament “Another day. Another month. Another school hit.” The attacks have prompted international condemnation, with Hamas officials reportedly agreeing to a U.S. proposal to begin talks on a new ceasefire and hostage deal.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue even if a truce agreement is reached in Gaza. The conflict, which began with Hamas’ October 7th attack on southern Israel, has resulted in over 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.