UNRWA says 6 staffers among those killed by Israel in Gaza school attack

ANKARA (AA) – Six staffers of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) were among those killed in an Israeli attack on a UN-run school in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday.

At least 18 people were killed in two airstrikes on al-Jaouni School in the Nuseirat refugee camp on Wednesday, according to local health authorities.

“This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident,” UNRWA said.

Among the victims was the manager of the UNRWA shelter, the UN agency said.

Wednesday’s Israeli attack was the fifth to have hit the school, where around 12,000 displaced civilians have sheltered since Oct. 7, 2023.

“No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared,” UNRWA said. “Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target.”

Israel has frequently targeted civilian facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, in its ongoing war on Gaza.

Last month, at least 100 people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli strike on the Al-Taba’een School in Gaza City, where over 6,000 displaced people have sheltered.

Israel has killed nearly 41,100 people, mostly women and children, and injured more than 95,000, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory. Besides, its siege of the strip has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.