Israel Hamas war: Why attack schools? Gaza families have no safe place during Israeli attacks

Imagine a place where the smell of death and destruction is everywhere. Jamal Al Zinati, a 33-year-old perfume dealer, found himself in this nightmarish situation. He is hiding in a classroom of a school run by UNRWA, a United Nations agency helping Palestinian refugees. His entire neighborhood in Gaza was destroyed by Israeli missiles.

For four days, a war between Israel and Hamas has been causing chaos. In central Gaza City, neighborhoods that were once lively are now in ruins. The constant explosions have forced thousands of people to seek safety in overcrowded public spaces and schools. This is in addition to the tight control Israel has over what goes in and out of Gaza. The bombings have made living space even smaller.

Families have lost their homes, and the Gaza Strip is filled with smoke. "When we left our house, we thought Israel would just scare us to leave. We didn't think they'd bomb the whole area," Jamal explains. "My home, where we had happy moments and dreams, is now just a pile of rubble. We came to a nearby school for safety, but it's so crowded, and our children cry themselves to sleep every night."

Even in the schools where people are seeking shelter, life is hard due to the ongoing crisis. Gaza relies on Israel for food, fuel, medicine, and electricity because of the blockade. Now, Israel wants to cut off even these essential supplies, which could be considered a war crime. Basics like food and clean water are scarce, and people can't keep warm because they lack proper clothing.

Schools are no longer safe places either. Four schools in Gaza have been damaged by Israeli bombing, according to UNRWA. "We thought coming to the school would protect us, but even here, we live in constant fear," says Zainab Matar, a mother of four.

Fear is all around Gaza, visible in the eyes of parents, children, and grandparents. Even schools, where people sought refuge, are no longer safe. Aseel, another displaced resident, is scared too, asking, "Why are they bombing schools where innocent people are seeking safety?"