2014 Israeli shelling of UNRWA Gaza shelters

Gaza Strip July 2014 a constant state of emergency 1

2014 Israeli Shelling of UNRWA Gaza Shelters

The 2014 Israeli shelling of UNRWA Gaza shelters refers to a series of incidents during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict in which facilities operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip were shelled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). These incidents resulted in significant civilian casualties and drew widespread international condemnation.

Background

The 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, also known as Operation Protective Edge, was a military operation launched by Israel in response to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and other militant groups. The conflict lasted from July 8 to August 26, 2014, and resulted in extensive damage and a high number of casualties on both sides.

UNRWA Shelters

During the conflict, many Palestinian civilians sought refuge in UNRWA schools and other facilities, which were designated as shelters. These shelters were intended to be safe havens for those displaced by the fighting. Despite being clearly marked and their coordinates provided to the IDF, several of these shelters were hit by Israeli shelling.

Incidents

Beit Hanoun School

On July 24, 2014, a UNRWA school in Beit Hanoun was shelled, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring over 200. The school was being used as a shelter for approximately 1,500 people at the time of the attack.

Jabalia School

On July 30, 2014, a UNRWA school in Jabalia was struck by artillery fire, killing at least 19 people and wounding over 90. The school was sheltering around 3,300 displaced persons.

Rafah School

On August 3, 2014, a UNRWA school in Rafah was hit by Israeli shelling, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuring dozens. The school was being used as a shelter for approximately 3,000 people.

Reactions

The shelling of UNRWA shelters was met with widespread condemnation from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the attacks as "a moral outrage and a criminal act." The United States, European Union, and various human rights organizations also condemned the shelling and called for investigations into the incidents.

Investigations

The UNRWA and other international bodies conducted investigations into the shelling incidents. The findings indicated that the shelters were clearly marked and that their coordinates had been provided to the IDF. The investigations called for accountability and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Aftermath

The shelling of UNRWA shelters highlighted the vulnerability of civilians in conflict zones and the challenges of ensuring their protection. The incidents also underscored the need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts.

See Also

• 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict
• UNRWA
• Gaza Strip
• Israel Defense Forces
• Hamas