President Michael D Higgins has condemned the “outrageous” attack on a school in Gaza reportedly housing 6,000 displaced Palestinians.
Over 90 people were killed in the air strike on the Al-Taba’een school, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency, with dozens more wounded.
While the death count has not been independently confirmed, it would be one of the largest number of casualties in a single strike since the war began 10 months ago.
President Higgins said the attack “will be condemned by all those seeking to find peace in what is a continuing horrific violation of human rights”.
“The comments made by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, that there is no justification for the massacres which have taken place following the targeting of at least 10 schools in recent weeks must be taken with the utmost seriousness by all Member States,” he said.
“Practical measures of a diplomatic kind are now urgently needed to ensure there is no further extension of the loss of life and total devastation of infrastructure in the region.”
People inspect the rubble at a school after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock PhotoThe President said there is “no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze”.
“The outrageous level of killing must end with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the immediate provision of all necessary aid,” he said.
Israel’s army said today it had “precisely struck Hamas terrorists” operating within the school.
“Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information,” a statement said.
Hamas has previously denied Israeli claims that it uses schools, hospitals and other civilian facilities for military aims.
The United Nations says 477 schools in Gaza have been struck or damaged since the war began.
Israel has agreed to resume talks next week with Hamas mediated by the United States, Quatar and Egypt.
