In a shocking update, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that over 500 schools in Gaza have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes since the conflict began 22 months ago. Many of these schools were being used as shelters by displaced residents from across the region.

The organization issued a statement today (Thursday), warning that the attacks on schools will have devastating long-term effects on both Palestinian civilians and Gaza’s already fragile education system. HRW emphasized that Israel’s military actions have stripped civilians of their right to safe shelter and severely disrupted education for countless children.

According to HRW, rebuilding the destroyed schools will require significant time and financial resources. They also called on governments, especially arms suppliers like the United States, to immediately impose an arms embargo on Israel. Additionally, they urged the United Nations to take urgent action by activating its Genocide Convention mechanisms to stop Israel’s illegal assault.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that despite repeated calls from the UN and human rights organizations for a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes continue without pause. By Thursday evening, at least 22 Palestinians were killed in fresh attacks. On the same day, four people died of starvation, bringing Gaza’s hunger-related death toll to 197 – including 96 children.

The United Nations has raised further alarm over Gaza’s growing fuel crisis caused by Israel’s ongoing blockade. The shortage has forced hospitals to suspend life-saving surgeries, putting the lives of hundreds of premature babies in critical danger.

So far, Israel’s assault on Gaza over the last 22 months has killed at least 61,258 people and injured over 153,000, according to UN data.

Amid the escalating crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with top officials today to discuss plans for expanding control over more areas of Gaza. The UN has called this move “deeply concerning,” adding that further expansion would only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe. Source: Middle East Monitor