22 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on UNRWA clinic in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has taken a devastating turn, with the Israeli military striking a health clinic run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 Palestinians. The attack, which took place on Wednesday, has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and governments around the world.
According to reports, the Israeli airstrike targeted the UNRWA clinic in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The clinic, which provided vital medical services to thousands of Palestinians, was hit by multiple rockets, leaving many injured and trapped under the rubble.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that 22 people were killed in the attack, including 12 women and six children. At least 40 others were injured, with many more feared trapped under the debris. The UNRWA has stated that the clinic was operating as usual at the time of the attack, with patients and staff present.
The attack has sparked widespread outrage, with the Palestinian government calling it “a full-fledged war crime”. The government has demanded that the international community take immediate action to stop the Israeli aggression and hold those responsible accountable.
“This crime reflects the fascist Benjamin Netanyahu government’s disregard for all humanitarian and international laws,” said a statement from Hamas, the Islamist group that has governed Gaza since 2007. “The blood of the victims will not be wasted, and the struggle will continue until the occupation is ended and the rights of the Palestinian people are restored.”
The UNRWA has also condemned the attack, stating that it is “shocked and outraged” by the Israeli military’s actions. “This attack is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a breach of the principles of humanity,” said a spokesperson for the agency.
The United States, Israel’s largest ally, has been criticized for its silence on the attack. While the US has traditionally been a strong supporter of Israel, many human rights organizations and governments around the world have called on the US to condemn the attack and take action to protect Palestinian civilians.
The Israeli military has claimed that the attack was carried out in response to rocket fire from Gaza, which has been the site of frequent clashes between Israel and Palestinian militants. However, human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the use of force against civilian targets, and have called on both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The attack on the UNRWA clinic is the latest in a series of escalations between Israel and Palestine, which has seen both sides trading rocket fire and airstrikes. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and several Israelis, with many more injured and displaced.
The international community has called for calm and restraint, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging both sides to take immediate action to de-escalate the situation. The European Union has also condemned the attack, calling it “a grave breach of international humanitarian law”.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the need for a peaceful resolution has never been more urgent. The international community must come together to condemn the use of force against civilian targets and demand that both sides work towards a lasting peace.
