Gaza Strip: Israeli shelling hits UN school

The attack at a UN school lead to 23 dead, including a medic and an infant, and more than 90 injured

An Israeli ground offensive resulted in the shelling of a UN school at Jabaliya refugee camp being used as a shelter in the Gaza Strip. 23 people were killed and more than 90 were injured bringing the total morning death toll to 35 on the 23rd day of Israel’s military campaign.

A UN official says that the bathroom and two classrooms were struck, however it is unclear if the school was the target. UNRWA, the main UN relief agency in Gaza, says it found a cache of rockets in one school but blamed no particular party. The incident reportedly occurred after 5.30 a.m., just a few hours after Israeli tanks began heavy shelling in the area. Palestine’s Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra says that among the dead area a medic and an infant.

This was the second attack on a UN school in five days and brings the Palestinian death toll to over 1260 since the start of the offensive on July 8. The attack has caused panic among people living in different UN-run shelters. UNRWA says that more than 200,000 Palestinians are seeking to join the 15,000 that have alrady taken shelter in its 83 schools and buildings following Israel’s calls for civilians to evacuate neighborhoods before military strikes.

Reuters reported that the U.N. security cabinet is to convene again today to assess the situation and consider future steps. Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is mounting with Chile and Peru recalling their ambassadors to Israel.

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