The Intensifying Crisis: Israel’s Increasing Attacks on Gaza Schools

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has reached alarming new heights, with schools in Gaza becoming frequent targets of Israeli military strikes. These attacks have not only led to a tragic loss of life but have also raised serious questions about the legality and morality of targeting civilian infrastructure in a conflict zone. This article delves into the recent escalations, focusing on Israel’s intensifying attacks on schools in Gaza and the devastating consequences for the civilian population, especially children.

The Tragedy at Al-Talbin School

Last week, the world witnessed a horrific event as more than 100 people were killed after Israel struck the al-Talbin School in Gaza City. This school was sheltering displaced Palestinians, many of whom were in the middle of dawn prayers when the attack occurred. Paramedics at the scene described the aftermath as “bodies ripped to pieces,” highlighting the sheer brutality of the strike. The global outrage was immediate, with many condemning Israel’s actions. Israel claimed that fighters from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were operating from the school, but this claim was swiftly rejected by Hamas.

Pattern of Attacks on Educational Institutions

The attack on al-Talbin School is not an isolated incident. Israel has repeatedly targeted schools, hospitals, and universities in Gaza, often justifying these strikes by alleging that these buildings are being used for military purposes. However, such claims have been met with skepticism, particularly because of the lack of evidence provided by Israel to substantiate them. Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, schools have become makeshift shelters for nearly two million displaced Palestinians, making them even more vulnerable to attacks.

Legal and Ethical Implications

Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, schools are considered civilian objects and are therefore protected from attacks. Despite this, within a 10-day period in August, Israeli forces struck five schools in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of over 179 people and injuries to many more. The repeated targeting of schools raises critical questions about Israel’s adherence to international law and the ethical implications of its military strategy.

A Grim August: A Series of Devastating Attacks

The month of August was particularly devastating for Gaza’s educational institutions. On August 1, an Israeli strike on the Dalal al-Mughrabi School killed at least 15 people and injured 29 more. Just two days later, strikes on Hamama and al-Huda schools claimed 17 lives and left over 60 people injured. The bloodshed continued on August 4, when Israel targeted Nassr and Hassan Salameh schools, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuries to 19 others. The carnage reached a peak on August 8, when Abdul Fattah Hamouda and az-Zahra schools were bombed, killing 17 and injuring dozens more.

Global Condemnation and the Call for Accountability

The international community has reacted with outrage to these attacks. Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, condemned the attacks in the strongest terms. She accused Israel of engaging in genocide, stating, “Israel is genociding the Palestinians, one neighborhood at a time, one hospital at a time, one school at a time, one refugee camp at a time, one ‘safe zone’ at a time. With US and European weapons.”

The Wider Impact on Gaza’s Educational Infrastructure

The impact of these attacks extends beyond the immediate loss of life. According to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), almost 85 percent of school buildings in Gaza have been damaged, with nearly all schools in North Gaza being either directly hit or damaged. Gaza City has also suffered immensely, with more than 90 percent of its schools damaged or destroyed. The situation is similarly dire in other regions, such as Deir el-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, where scores of school buildings have been hit.

The Increasing Frequency of Attacks

The frequency of attacks on Gaza’s schools has increased significantly in recent months. Data from UNICEF reveals that from November onwards, the number of schools directly hit by Israeli forces increased fivefold, from 60 to almost 340. This alarming trend coincides with a dramatic rise in the overall death toll in Gaza, which now stands at nearly 40,000, with more than 16,500 of these casualties being children.