Israel has bombed 8 schools in the Gaza Strip in the past 10 days, says UNRWA head

July 18, 2024 

Palestinians inspect a damaged school after Israeli fighter jets hit United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school, killing and injuring many in Nuseirat Refugee Camp of Deir al-Balah, Gaza on July 15, 2024 [Hassan Jedi/Anadolu Agency]


The Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Wednesday that Israel has bombed at least eight schools in Gaza in the past ten days, six of which belong to the agency.

“An almost daily occurrence…” said Philippe Lazzarini on X. “The war robbed the girls and boys in #Gaza of their childhood and education.”

Schools, he added, must never be used for fighting or military purposes by any party to the conflict. “Schools are not a target. The blatant and constant disregard of international humanitarian law continues unabated. All rules of war have been broken in #Gaza.”

The UNRWA chief reiterated his demand for an immediate ceasefire. “Losing our common humanity must not become the new norm,” Lazzarini added.

The post was accompanied by pictures showing the destruction caused to an UNRWA school as a result of Israeli bombing. The school was targeted despite it being crowded with displaced Palestinians who took refuge in the building.

The occupation army has targeted UNRWA schools and other facilities from the very beginning of its military offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza, in clear violation of international humanitarian laws and conventions. At least 190 UN staff have been killed by Israel since last October alone.