CNN reported that a shell fired by the Hamas had destroyed a school run by the United Nations, leading to the deaths of 16 people along with 200 people wounded. Ki-moon Ban, the secretary general of the U.N. criticized both sides and urged that both the Hamas and IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) to stop the violence immediately. Although the exact numbers are not yet revealed, it is believed most of the people who died were probably women and children.
The conflict between Israel and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip has been raging on for over 2 weeks now. There have been several attempts by the Israeli government to conduct a ceasefire but all were either rejected or terminated. A week ago, the IDF launched a full scale ground assault on Gaza.
U.N. Secretary General Ban made a statement to CNN regarding the attitudes of both sides of the war. "I am telling to the parties - both Israelis and Hamas, Palestinians, that it is morally wrong to kill your own people. Whole world has been watching, is watching with great concern. You must stop fighting. And enter into dialogue." Reuters also reported that Ban also heavily condemned Hamas rocket attacks and even criticized the IDF for not taking into consideration that U.N.-run facilities could be damaged through the conflict.
A visit to the U.N. school by the CNN revealed that the shell landed in the concrete courtyard leaving a large crater in the middle. Most of the people that were lost were probably killed by the shrapnel that flew in all directions after the explosion.
Some experts however, explained that the blame does not necessarily have to fall on the Hamas for the lives that were lost at the school. Lt. Col. Peter Lerner explained that there is a possibility that the shell could have been fired from an Israeli tank, but at the same time he did not deny that is could just as easily have been fired from a Hamas gun.
Over 700 people were killed so far in the conflict, and over 140,000 Palestinian refugees were forced to leave their homes and head for U.N. safety areas. Several attempts were made by the Israeli government and international community. However, the Hamas has rejected all of them, with one of their leaders stating that there will be no truce until the Gaza blockade is lifted.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel constantly expressed his outrage at the Hamas for rejecting peace treaty and endangering the lives of civilians and showed a great desire to continue the conflict until the Hamas would come to terms with Israel.
