At least 15 killed in Israeli airstrike on school, US senator urges end to killing

At least 15 people were killed and more than 70 others injured yesterday in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the Al-Fakhoura School in Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, reported Turkish news agency Anadolu.

"An Israeli airstrike targeted a school serving as a shelter for Palestinian refugees in Jabalia, resulting in 15 deaths and 70 injuries," Anadolu quoted Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudraas as saying.

It is understood the Al-Fakhoura School was serving as a shelter for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the western part of the Jabalia (refugee) camp and is administered by United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Palestinian news agency, Wafa also reported that 51 Palestinians - mostly women and children - were killed and scores wounded in an Israeli bombardment of Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp on Saturday night. Maghazi is located in the Deir al-Balah Governorate in the central Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, US Senator Bernie Sanders took to X, former known as Twitter, to call for an end to Israel’s “indiscriminate” killing of civilians in Gaza, calling it “one of the more horrific moments in modern history”.

“Israel has a right to defend itself. I don’t think anyone disagrees with that. But what they are doing now in an indiscriminate way – bombing refugee camps, bombing ambulances, killing thousands of innocent men, women and children in violation of international law – is simply not acceptable. It has got to stop.”

"These people have no water, they have no food, they have no fuel. Their hospitals have been bombed. It is a total disaster.

"Palestinian children are as important as Israeli children, as important as American children. Stop the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent people," he said.

Sanders, who is of Jewish descent, and has made notable runs for the US presidency said it was no secret that the US provides US$3.8 billion (RM17.9 billion) yearly to Israel.

"Now, they can say they don't want the money, fine. But if they're going to take our money and (US President Joe) Biden wants to give them even more, they have got to recognise that they cannot offend American values, what we stand for, what civilised world stands for."

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called for a ceasefire saying that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific.

"Not nearly enough food, water and medicine are coming in to meet people’s needs. Fuel to power hospitals and water plants is running out.

“UNRWA shelters are at nearly four times their full capacity and are being hit in bombardments.

"Morgues are overflowing. Shops are empty. The sanitation situation is abysmal. We are seeing an increase in diseases and respiratory illnesses, especially among children. An entire population is traumatised. Nowhere is safe," he said in a statement.

The Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks earlier this week on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct 7.

According to the Palestinian authorities, more than 9,500 people have been killed since Israel launched a bombardment of the territory.

“The death toll as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct 7 is 9,500 - including 3,900 children and 2,509 women,” Salama Marouf, the head of the Gaza Media Office, said at a news conference.

The Israeli assault on Gaza came after Hamas fighters killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in an attack on southern Israel, according to Israeli officials.

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