Kamala Harris Criticizes Israel for Attack on Gaza School
- Israel has targeted more than 500 Gaza schools in the past 10 months.
- Hamas claims up to 100 people were killed in a recent attack on a school used as a command post.
- Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Israel for attacking a Gaza school compound.
In a recent escalation of violence in Gaza, over 100 individuals were reported killed following an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City that was sheltering displaced Palestinians. The United Nations has condemned Israel for intensifying attacks on educational institutions, with reports indicating that five schools were struck within a 10-day period in August, resulting in at least 179 fatalities and numerous injuries. The Dalal al-Mughrabi School and al-Tabin School were among the hardest hit, with significant damage reported across the region. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by the destruction of educational facilities, with UNICEF data revealing that 564 schools have been directly impacted by Israeli attacks. In North Gaza, nearly all schools have been damaged, while Gaza City has seen over 90% of its educational infrastructure affected. The trend of targeting schools, which serve as shelters for displaced individuals, has raised alarms amid global calls for a ceasefire and increased scrutiny of Israel's military strategy. In response to the airstrikes, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concern over civilian casualties, emphasizing Israel's responsibility to minimize harm to non-combatants while pursuing Hamas militants. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) defended their actions, claiming the strikes targeted Hamas command posts located within the school premises, asserting that they employed precise munitions to limit civilian casualties. As tensions continue to rise, international powers are urging restraint, with the U.S. deploying naval assets to the region amid fears of broader conflict. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the ethics of military actions in densely populated civilian areas.