Gaza City, April 2025 — A child was among at least ten people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school

Gaza City, April 2025 — A child was among at least ten people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school shelter in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian health officials. The strike targeted a school in Khan Younis run by the United Nations that had been housing hundreds of families fleeing the ongoing conflict. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation as the early morning airstrike hit the school compound. Video footage and photographs from the site showed charred walls, blood-stained floors, and belongings strewn amid the rubble. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals, many of which were already overcrowded, making it difficult for medical staff to provide care with the limited resources available. A Place of Shelter Turned into a Target

It was known that the UNRWA-managed school was providing shelter to civilians who had fled their homes in the north of Gaza following previous bombardment waves. UNRWA has emphasized that the coordinates of its facilities are shared with Israeli authorities to prevent such tragedies and has repeatedly requested that they be safeguarded. "These facilities are clearly marked, and the presence of civilians is well known," said Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA. "This attack is not only a tragedy, it is a violation of international humanitarian law."

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes following the attack. "People were screaming, children were bleeding, and the dust made it hard to breathe," said Amal, a 32-year-old mother who had taken shelter in the school with her three children. "We thought we’d be safe when we came here. Now my youngest is gone."

Israel's Response

The Israeli military acknowledged conducting airstrikes in Khan Younis but stated it was targeting what it described as a Hamas command post. It claimed that militants have stored weapons and carried out attacks on civilian facilities like schools and hospitals. The IDF reiterated its commitment to minimizing harm to non-combatants and stated that it is conducting an investigation into the reports of civilian casualties. "The IDF takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm," the statement read. "Unfortunately, Hamas continues to embed its operations in densely populated civilian areas, making this task extremely challenging."

This justification has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from humanitarian organizations and governments that have called for restraint and the protection of civilian infrastructure.

International Reactions

The latest attack has sparked fresh outrage from the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement condemning the strike and urging an immediate ceasefire.

"War should never be used against schools. The killing of civilians, especially children, is unacceptable and must end," the statement read.

Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, called for an independent investigation into the incident and possible war crimes.

Amnesty's Regional Director for the Middle East, Heba Morayef, stated, "The pattern of attacks on shelters, schools, and hospitals in Gaza cannot be ignored." "Accountability is urgently needed."

A Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

This latest incident underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been under a blockade for over 17 years and is now grappling with the aftermath of months of conflict. Since the escalation began, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 32,000 people have been killed, with over 70% of those killed being women and children. Due to a dangerous shortage of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies, the United Nations has issued a warning that Gaza is facing a "humanitarian catastrophe." Thousands of families have been displaced multiple times, seeking safety that seems increasingly elusive.

UNRWA says more than 1.7 million people — nearly 80% of Gaza’s population — have been displaced. Many are crammed into cramped shelters that lack adequate health care and sanitation. The destruction of infrastructure has made it nearly impossible to deliver aid.

Call for Ceasefire and Peace Talks

The attack on the school has renewed calls for a ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. Several nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, have reiterated their offers to mediate peace talks.

While the path to peace remains uncertain, the international community is urging both sides to prioritize civilian lives and adhere to international law.

For families like Amal’s, however, the damage is already done. “We have nowhere left to go,” she said, her voice breaking. “How many times can we survive this?”