UN condemns Israeli strike on Hamas operatives in Gaza school

The United Nations is condemning the Israeli airstrike on a UN school being used as a shelter in Gaza and trying to confirm reports that some UN staff members were killed in the attack.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric tells reporters that it was the fifth airstrike on the same school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since the start of the Gaza war.

The IDF said it targeted Hamas operatives who set up a command center at the site and used it to plan and launch attacks. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using UN schools and facilities as cover for their terror activities.

“We condemn all airstrikes that target civilians and those that also target UN facilities,” Dujarric says.

According to hospital officials, the Israeli airstrike killed at least 14 people, including two children, when it hit the school run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA.

“Our policy is clear. UN premises should never be targeted, nor should UN premises be used by any groups or any force from which to launch military activities,” he says. “UN premises need to be protected. UN premises need to be respected, and that is by all parties to any conflict.”