At least 22 killed, dozen injured in Israeli airstrike on Gaza North school

According to the Local Medics and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, at least 22 people have lost their lives and dozens were injured in a recent Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school in northern Gaza.

The school, Abu Hussein Primary School for Boys which was providing shelter to displaced families according to a BBC report on October 17, 2024 was hit in the Jabalia refuge camp.

In a statement to the BBC, the Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya provided an update on the aftermath of the airstrike, reporting 22 deaths and 75 injuries.

The doctor said “our hospital’s capacity is limited, and we are facing significant challenges in accommodating the large number of injured individuals.”

“Our hospital is facing extraordinary difficulties due to the ongoing conflict, with explosions erupting everywhere, causing widespread anxiety among our staff and patients.”

“We are experiencing severe deficiencies in essential resources, including medicines, medical supplies, and equipment.”

“Our emergency department is significantly understaffed, particularly with regard to specialist personnel.”

The casualties included women and children who were transported to the hospital for medical attention.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had executed a targeted operation targeting a strategic gathering point of Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants.

The IDF also identified 12 individuals alleged to be members of Palestinian armed groups who were reportedly present within the compound at the time of the targeted operation.

The military has formally accused the individuals in question of involvement in rocket attacks on Israel, as well as conducting attacks on Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip over the past few days.

Hamas has vehemently denied the allegations that the school was being utilized for military purposes, dismissing them as “blatant falsehoods” and part of a broader strategy by their adversaries to justify harmful actions.

The Israeli government maintains that it is not obstructing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, but rather, Hamas is hijacking and diverting aid deliveries for its own purposes. Hamas has denied any involvement in such activities.

According to the report by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Jabalia town and refugee camp have been subjected to sustained Israeli airstrikes and fierce ground clashes following the Israeli military’s ground offensive, launched 12 days ago to neutralize Hamas fighters reportedly regrouping in the region.

In response to Hamas’s devastating attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed 1,200 lives and led to the captivity of 251 individuals, Israel launched a comprehensive military campaign to neutralize Hamas’s operational capacity.

According to the United Nations, over 50,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing hostilities and Israeli evacuation orders.

It reported that ten thousands has remained trapped, facing deteriorating conditions with rapidly dwindling access to essential resources, including water, food and medicine.

A report by the UN indicates that the Kamal Adwan Hospital and two adjacent facilities, the Indonesian and al-Awda Hospitals, are facing extreme difficulties due to inadequate fuel and medical supply provisions.

The Biden administration has recently sent a sternly worded letter to Israel, emphasizing the need to increase humanitarian aid entering Gaza within 30 days or risk losing U.S. military assistance.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas, reported that the conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with a reported 42,430 fatalities in the Gaza Strip since the onset of hostilities.

The ongoing Gaza conflict

The conflict has been said to be one of the complex and sensitive issues around the world for now.

Background

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages.

In response, Israel initiated a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’s capabilities.

Current Situation

The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement. In Gaza, over 42,000 people have been killed, and nearly 1.9 million have been displaced.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with reports of food shortages, disease outbreaks, and destruction of healthcare facilities.

International Response

The United States Department of State (DOS) has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken has engaged in talks with various leaders in the region.

The international community has also called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian Concerns

Journalists have also been targeted in the conflict, with several reported casualties.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern over the safety of journalists in the region.

Key Issues

Gaza has faced humanitarian crises like food shortages, disease outbreaks, and destruction of healthcare facilities in Gaza.

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