Egypt condemned the Israeli airstrike on Al-Fakhoura school in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip as a “war crime that demands a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.” The Foreign Ministry released an official statement on its Facebook account following the Israeli bombing of the UN Relief Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) learning centre, which resulted in numerous casualties. Another attack targeted the Tal Azzatar school in the same refugee camp.

The ministry characterised the assault as “a deliberate affront to the UN, its relief organisations, and the fundamental values of humanity,” emphasising that it is a new violation in a series of Israeli transgressions against civilians in Gaza. Egypt urged influential international entities and the Security Council to intervene promptly, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the provision of necessary protection for Palestinian civilians.

Adele Khodr, UNICEF’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, expressed dismay over the “horrific and appalling” scenes of carnage and death resulting from the attacks on Alfakhoura and Tal Al Zaatar schools in Gaza. Khodr emphasised that these attacks must cease immediately, stressing that children, schools, and shelters should not be targeted. She called for an immediate ceasefire.

Israel’s air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the surprise offensive by Hamas on October 7 have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 12,000 Palestinians. In contrast, the Israeli death toll stands at approximately 1,200 according to official figures. The relentless strikes have caused extensive damage to thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches in the besieged enclave. Additionally, Israel’s blockade has severed Gaza from essential resources such as fuel, electricity, and water supplies, significantly reducing aid deliveries to the region.