The international community has responded with widespread condemnation following an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Tabieen religious school and mosque in Gaza City on Saturday, which killed at least 100 people, including 17 women and children, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The attack, among the deadliest in the ongoing conflict, has triggered global calls for an immediate ceasefire and an investigation into what the United Nations described as “systematic attacks on schools” by Israel.
Despite the international outcry, Israel has defended the strike, asserting that the school was being used as a “military facility” by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, with 19 “terrorists” reportedly killed in the attack. However, the significant civilian death toll has intensified criticism of Israel’s military tactics, particularly as global leaders have called for accountability and restraint.
The White House expressed “deep concern” over the civilian casualties and stressed the urgency of a ceasefire. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasised that while Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, it also bears “an important responsibility to avoid civilian casualties”. Harris reiterated the need for a ceasefire and the immediate conclusion of a hostage deal.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned the strike, urging an immediate ceasefire to safeguard civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Similarly, the French foreign ministry and the European Union called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law, condemning the repeated targeting of schools.
Qatar, Egypt and Jordan also condemned the attack, with Qatar demanding an urgent investigation and Egypt accusing Israel of showing a “lack of willingness” to end the conflict. Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah denounced the strike, calling for global action against Israel’s continued assaults.
Moscow expressed shock at the incident, urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law, while Turkey described the strike as a “new crime against humanity” and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging ceasefire negotiations.
Despite the global condemnation, Israel issued new evacuation orders for parts of southern Gaza, including areas previously designated as humanitarian zones. The ongoing military operations and expanding evacuation zones have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations and Palestinian officials warning that there are no safe areas left in Gaza.
