Shelling of Multiple Schools in Gaza Sparks Uproar: Alleged Deliberate Israeli Action, Hefty Civilian Casualties
Israel reportedly willingly tolerated civilian casualties
Wanna know somethin' crazy? Israel's military has been accused of intentionally bombing school buildings in Gaza - yep, you heard that right. A report suggests they've eased up on controls in these situations, leading to the unfortunate deaths of countless civilians.
Can you believe that? A series of fatal airstrikes on schools, which also housed displaced people, have reportedly been part of a callous Israeli bombing strategy, according to the British "Guardian". Sources claim that the military has eased their restrictions for actions against Hamas members, even if a ton of civilians are in the target area.
And it ain't pretty. At least six school buildings have been attacked over the past few months, resulting in over 120 deaths. Last week, an Israeli airstrike on a school left 54 people dead, as reported by hospital staff. Rescue workers shared some harrowing images with the BBC - severely burned bodies, including kids, pulled from smoky classrooms.
Does the Israeli military have anything to say? They insisted they hit "important terrorists" who were operating in a command center of Hamas and Islamic Jihad - and guess where it was located? You got it, a former school.
The "Guardian" also reports that the attacks are due to the Israeli military classifying school buildings, hospitals, and urban buildings as "heavy centers" in the past two months, if civilians and Hamas fighters are suspected to be there. Airstrikes on such places have been authorized, even if it's just low-ranking fighters lurking around, and civilians might get hurt in the crossfire.
- Israel
- Gaza
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Deep Dive:
Recent reports are mum about a deliberate Israeli bombing strategy targeting school buildings in Gaza, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been an issue in the past. Here are a couple of eyebrow-raising incidents:
- UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem: In May 2025, Israeli forces barged into three UNRWA schools in Shu’fat Camp in occupied East Jerusalem. They enforced illegal closure orders issued on April 8, 2025, leading to the evacuation of 550 children and one UNRWA staff member's detention. UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, slammed the move as a disregard for international law and a denial of Palestinian children's right to education[2].
- Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Since March 2, 2025, a devastating humanitarian crisis has unfolded in the Gaza Strip, due to a siege imposed by Israeli authorities. This siege has halted the entry of humanitarian aid, worsened living conditions, and increased risks for civilians. However, specific incidents involving school buildings aren't mentioned in this context[2].
The Commission has also been involved in the negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, specifically regarding the allegations of deliberate Israeli actions against schools in Gaza. Reports suggest that Israeli military has eased up on controls in these situations, classifying school buildings, hospitals, and urban buildings as 'heavy centers' if civilians and Hamas fighters are suspected to be there, leading to airstrikes even if low-ranking fighters are the main targets.
