PIX -UNICEF
AMN / WEB DESK
The latest report says Israeli attacks have directly hit about a half of over 800 schools in Gaza since the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.
The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and the International NGO Save the Children released the report on Thursday. They used satellite images and other information to analyze the extent of damage to schools since October.
The report says Israeli bombardments hit and damaged 48 percent of the 813 schools in Gaza. Of those, at least 59 were totally destroyed and require full reconstruction to function again.
It says 200 schools escaped direct hits, but sustained serious damage to facilities such as playgrounds.
Satellite images showing Israeli tanks on the premises of schools are included with the report. The report says the images are proof that school facilities have been used by Israeli security forces.
The report calls for an immediate pause in fighting and all necessary measures to keep educational institutions safe, in accordance with the international humanitarian law.
Israeli air strikes on Gaza continued on Saturday.
Public health authorities in Gaza say 32 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing total deaths since October to 34,388.
Negotiations for a pause in fighting and hostage release are still underway, mediated by Egypt and other parties. But the situation remains tense, as Israel is dead set on launching ground operations in southern Gaza, where many Gazans have taken shelter.