Deadly Israeli attack on school converted into accommodation in southern Gaza Strip | News on the Israel-Palestine conflict

At least 30 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school in the south of the Gaza Strip that houses displaced Palestinians. It was the fourth attack of its kind within a few days.

The attack in the town of Abbasan, east of Khan Younis, hit the entrance to the al-Awdah school. At least 53 people were injured. Palestinian doctors said most of the victims were women and children.

The Israeli military said it carried out Tuesday’s attack because it targeted a “terrorist from Hamas’ military wing” near the school. It acknowledged carrying out three other attacks on schools in Gaza that were being used as emergency shelters since Saturday.

“Since the war began, two-thirds of UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip have been hit, some bombed, many badly damaged,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

“Schools have transformed from safe places of education and hope for children into overcrowded shelters and often end up as places of death and misery,” he posted on X.

On Saturday, an Israeli attack hit the al-Jawni school in Nuseirat, in the center of the enclave. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 16 people were killed. According to UNRWA, 2,000 people were seeking shelter there at the time.

The following day, four people were killed in an attack on the Holy Family School in Gaza City, according to Gaza Civil Defense.

The Latin Patriarchate, which owns the school, said hundreds of people crowded the premises at the time.

Another UNRWA-run school in Nuseirat was hit on Monday. A local hospital said several people had been taken for treatment.

“The blatant disregard for international humanitarian law must not become the new normal,” said Lazzarini, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Hamas warned that the increased Israeli offensive could jeopardize the brokered ceasefire talks. Another round will take place in Qatar on Wednesday.