Global Outcry Follows Deadly Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Amid Escalating Regional Conflicts and Cultural Looting
Israeli airstrike on UN school in Gaza kills 18, sparking international outcry. Lufthansa extends Beirut flight suspension amid regional tensions.
In Gaza, a tragic incident occurred on September 12, 2024, when an Israeli airstrike on the UN-run Al-Jawni school resulted in the loss of 18 lives, including six UNRWA staff. This strike, intended for Hamas militants, caused a global uproar, with international figures like UN chief Antonio Guterres, Germany, Jordan, and the EU emphasizing the need to protect civilian infrastructure amidst a conflict leading to severe humanitarian crises and over 41,000 deaths in Gaza.
Adding to the regional struggles, Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until October 15, 2024, citing ongoing tensions in the area. This decision follows the heightened conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, though Lufthansa has resumed flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran since September 5, with Austrian Airlines continuing its operations to Tehran.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged Lebanon and Israel to de-escalate their border tensions, stressing the need for conflict reduction and adherence to UN resolutions. The ongoing cross-border attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with over 500 Lebanese and 49 Israelis killed, underscoring the urgent call for peace from the EU to support the Lebanese people.
In other distressing news, UNESCO has expressed alarm over armed groups looting several Sudanese museums during the ongoing conflict. Institutions like the National Museum have suffered severe losses, prompting UNESCO to appeal to the international community to stop trading in Sudanese cultural property and initiate efforts to train neighboring law enforcement to protect these invaluable artifacts.
Shifting to the Black Sea, a Russian missile strike hit an Egypt-bound wheat cargo ship recently, following its departure from Ukrainian waters. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the critical nature of the Black Sea maritime corridor for global food stability, calling for worldwide condemnation of the attack.
Finally, addressing tensions in Europe and the Middle East, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Iran for allegedly transferring missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, despite recent sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector. Sikorski expressed disappointment over the unchanged aggressive policies of Iran, even after the election of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Adding to the regional struggles, Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until October 15, 2024, citing ongoing tensions in the area. This decision follows the heightened conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, though Lufthansa has resumed flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran since September 5, with Austrian Airlines continuing its operations to Tehran.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged Lebanon and Israel to de-escalate their border tensions, stressing the need for conflict reduction and adherence to UN resolutions. The ongoing cross-border attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with over 500 Lebanese and 49 Israelis killed, underscoring the urgent call for peace from the EU to support the Lebanese people.
In other distressing news, UNESCO has expressed alarm over armed groups looting several Sudanese museums during the ongoing conflict. Institutions like the National Museum have suffered severe losses, prompting UNESCO to appeal to the international community to stop trading in Sudanese cultural property and initiate efforts to train neighboring law enforcement to protect these invaluable artifacts.
Shifting to the Black Sea, a Russian missile strike hit an Egypt-bound wheat cargo ship recently, following its departure from Ukrainian waters. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the critical nature of the Black Sea maritime corridor for global food stability, calling for worldwide condemnation of the attack.
Finally, addressing tensions in Europe and the Middle East, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Iran for allegedly transferring missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, despite recent sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector. Sikorski expressed disappointment over the unchanged aggressive policies of Iran, even after the election of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.
