UN official calls out Israel for committing genocide in Gaza

NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese condemned Israel for committing genocide in Gaza while the world watches on silently.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Albanese harshly criticised Israel for bombarding a school in Gaza that killed over 100 people on Sunday. She called the attack as part of a broader pattern of violence against Palestinians by Israel.

Read more: More than 90 killed in Israeli strike on Gaza school

The UN official accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, attributing the escalation to the use of Western-supplied weapons and highlighting the global indifference to the situation.

She also called out Western nations for their silence as Israel commits genocide and even supplies weapons to Israel.

In early hours of Sunday, Israel targeted the Al Tabaeen school in the eastern part of Gaza. The school was housing over 2,400 displaced Palestnians.

The intensity of the strike has complicated rescue operations. Initial reports indicated that at least 90 people died, but the death toll is expected to increase. More than 60 people are still unaccounted for.

According to reports, the injured were transported to Al Ahli Al Arab hospital, where many are in serious condition.

Some of the bodies recovered from the site were so severely damaged that they are unrecognisable.

Following the attack, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents in southern Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis. This order comes amid a broader escalation in military operations.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties: approximately 39,790 Palestinians have been killed and 92,002 injured in Gaza.

Jordan strongly responds

Meanwhile, Jordan responded to the regional situation by strongly stating that it will not become a battleground and will not permit violations of its airspace.

The statement comes amid heightened international scrutiny regarding potential retaliatory actions by Iran following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Calls for ceasefire

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Israel scheduled to send a delegation to ceasefire talks proposed by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt next week.

Read more: Families flee new Israeli assault in Gaza’s Khan Younis

Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Phil Gordon expressed “concern” over the high civilian casualties from the Israeli airstrike. He called for “measures” to minimise harm and achieve a ceasefire.