Schools repurposed as shelters for displaced civilians have become focal points of violence during Israel and Hamas’ ongoing conflict, with Israeli airstrikes targeting these facilities leading to significant civilian casualties and raising international concerns over possible violations of international humanitarian law.
Rufaida School in Deir al-Balah – October 10-2024
An Israeli airstrike on Rufaida School, housing approximately 1,000 displaced individuals in Deir al-Balah, which had been sheltering approximately 1,024 individuals killed at least 28 and injured over 50. The Israeli military claimed its airstrike targeted a Hamas command center within the school; however this claim has been refuted by local witnesses and humanitarian organizations. Middle East Eye, Wikipedia, BBC +2, Al Jazeera +1 and Reuters +1 for their coverage.
Al-Tabaeen School in Gaza City – August 10 2024
In one of the deadliest incidents ever witnessed in Gaza City, Israeli airstrikes struck during morning prayers at Al-Tabaeen school housing around 6,000 people resulting in at least 80 deaths and 47 injuries with subsequent fire that was compounded by water shortages hindering rescue efforts. From Wikipedia:
On September 11th 2024, Israeli forces attacked Al-Jawni School at Nuseirat Refugee Camp and killed 18 people including six UNRWA staff members sheltered there at that time. Israeli claims of Hamas militant presence without evidence support this assertion – The Washington Post + Wikipedia both provide more detailed accounts than Israel itself could.
Abu Hussein School in Jabalia Refugee Camp on October 17, 2024 became the scene of an airstrike that claimed at least 28 lives and over 160 injuries, as it served as shelter. Multiple times throughout the conflict it had been targeted, leading to significant civilian casualties. From Wikipedia +1:
Israeli airstrikes hit Karama School, in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood, killing 15 individuals that day; further strikes hit nearby markets and restaurants killing at least 33 – women and children alike – Al Jazeera, Reuters and Anadolu Ajansi reported their findings as well as information derived from witnesses in Gaza City.
Broader Impact on Gaza’s Educational Infrastructure
These attacks have had a devastating impact on Gaza’s educational system. Reports estimate that over 5,000 students and 200 educational staff members have been killed since the conflict broke out; approximately 75% of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has also been severely damaged or destroyed, depriving hundreds of thousands of children access to an education. As reported on Wikipedia.
International Response and Legal Implications
Targeting of schools has drawn widespread international condemnation. Human rights organizations have requested independent investigations of these incidents due to potential violations of international humanitarian law which forbids attacks against civilian infrastructure unless used for military purposes.
Israel asserts that its strikes are directed at neutralizing Hamas militants allegedly operating within civilian structures, yet the high civilian death toll and targeting of facilities known to house displaced individuals have led to intensified calls for accountability and review of military tactics used in densely populated areas (Wikipedia +2alitat Al Jazeera + Human Rights Watch).
As the conflict drags on, civilians seeking refuge in schools and other public buildings remain at serious risk, calling into question international legal standards that protect noncombatants. As such, measures to safeguard these vulnerable civilians are crucial.