Unrwa chief says Israel hit Gaza school 'without prior warning'

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) Philippe Lazzarini said that Israeli forces hit a UN school overnight in Nuseirat “without prior warning to the displaced or Unrwa”.

Lazzarini said 6,000 displaced people were sheltering at the school when it was targeted. At least 40 have been killed as a result, according to the Palestinian health ministry. 

“Claims that armed groups may have been inside the shelter are shocking. We are however unable to verify these claims,” he wrote, referring to the Israeli army’s allegation that Hamas fighters were targeted in the attack.

 “Attacking, targeting or using UN buildings for military purposes are a blatant disregard of international humanitarian law,” he added.

“Since the war in Gaza began, over 180 buildings were hit and more than 450 displaced people were killed as a result,” said Lazzarini.