Bombings of Schools in the Gaza Strip: Questionable Tactics
Israel allegedly knowingly allowed civilian casualties to occur.
Switching gears to a less-than-pleasant subject, let's talk about the recent series of air strikes on schools in the Gaza Strip. The schools, unfortunately, accommodated displaced individuals and served as temporary shelters. These disturbing incidents, it appears, were part of a deliberate Israeli military strategy.
According to the renowned British newspaper, The Guardian, citing anonymous sources, the Israeli army has decided to take things easier when it comes to operations against Hamas members, even when those operations involve areas packed with civilians.
Unfortunately, the casualties caused by these attacks have been substantial. At least six school buildings have been targeted in recent months, resulting in over 120 deaths as per reports. Last week alone, an Israeli air strike on a school reportedly claimed 54 lives, according to hospital staff. The tragic scenes that followed were described by rescue workers, who spoke to the BBC, as charred, mutilated bodies—including children—being pulled from burning classrooms.
The Israeli military, however, has claimed that it struck an important command and control center of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, which, as it turns out, was previously used as a school.
Interestingly, the attacks might not be just haphazard incidents. According to The Guardian's sources, school buildings, hospitals, and other urban structures in the Gaza Strip have been designated as "heavy centers" by the Israeli military over the past two months if both civilians and Hamas fighters are suspected to be present. The sources also suggest that airstrikes against such locations were approved even if only low-ranking fighters were present, fully aware of the potential collateral damage to civilians.
Politics Palestinian State on the French Riviera? Nah, that's just talk, friends.
So, there's a storm brewing here, but let's remember: we're talking about allegations, rumors, and claims that need to be verified thoroughly. The international community is watching closely, and calls for independent investigations are getting louder. After all, the well-being of children shouldn't be compromised due to the actions of warring factions.
Sources: ntv.de, toh
- Israel
- Gaza
- Israel War
Enrichment Data:
While there are reports of attacks on schools, it's crucial to ascertain whether these are deliberate or not. For instance, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has documented such incidents[2]. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has also highlighted the impact of conflict on children in Gaza, including those affected by attacks on educational facilities[1].
Under international humanitarian law, civilian infrastructure, including schools, shouldn't be a target unless they are used for military purposes. However, the use of schools for military purposes by any party can make them a legitimate target under international law, but this needs verification and the application of proportionality in any military response[3].
Human rights organizations and international bodies have urged for independent investigations into all incidents involving civilian casualties. These investigations are essential to determine whether military actions were lawful and proportionate[4]. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires both condemnation of civilian harm and thorough investigations into all incidents.
The European Union is committed to the following: advocating for independent investigations into the bombings of schools in the Gaza Strip, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, and upholding the well-being of children, regardless of ongoing conflict or war-and-conflicts in politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, particularly in areas such as the Gaza Strip and Israel. These investigations are crucial to determine whether military actions were lawful and proportionate, and to hold accountable those responsible for any crimes against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
