Pakistani Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has once again called for a ceasefire in Gaza following another devastating Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school in the occupied strip. The strike resulted in the deaths of around 16 people and injured dozens more, according to Palestinian officials.
“I’m devastated to see yet another Israeli strike on a school in Gaza. We cannot become numb to violations of international humanitarian law and look away from the loss of innocent lives,” Yousafzai said in a post on X. “I reiterate the urgent call for a lasting ceasefire.”
The building targeted was sheltering thousands of displaced people at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, as reported by the health ministry. Despite ongoing appeals for peace, the conflict has shown no signs of abating.
The violence in Gaza escalated significantly on October 7 when fighters led by Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched an attack on southern Israel. This assault resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Since then, Israel’s military response has been relentless, with more than 38,000 Palestinians reported killed by Gaza health officials. The coastal enclave has been largely reduced to rubble due to continuous bombardment.
The renewed orders by the Israeli military late Sunday for residents and displaced families in several districts in Gaza City to evacuate their homes indicate that the fighting is far from over. Israel has maintained a firm stance on eliminating Hamas, making the prospects of a ceasefire appear increasingly distant.
The international community, including human rights organizations, has expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, have drawn widespread condemnation.
Malala Yousafzai’s impassioned plea for a ceasefire underscores the urgent need for an end to hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives and to address the severe humanitarian situation. Her call resonates with many around the world who are advocating for peace and the protection of human rights in conflict zones.
As the conflict continues, the global spotlight remains on Gaza, with calls for diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and for accountability in adherence to international humanitarian laws. The devastation and human suffering in Gaza highlight the critical need for an immediate cessation of violence and a concerted effort towards a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict.
