Egypt says Israel must be held accountable for attack on UN-run Al-Fakhoura school

Egypt on Saturday said the Israeli attack on Al-Fakhoura school in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, is a "war crime that requires investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable."

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement on its official Facebook account after dozens were killed and injured in an Israeli bombing on the learning center run by the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA. Another attack followed at the Tal Azzatar school in the refugee camp.

The attack is "a deliberate insult to the UN, its relief organizations and noble humanitarian values," and "a new blatant violation added to the series of Israeli violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip," it added.

The ministry called on "influential international parties and the Security Council to intervene immediately to put an end to the human suffering in the Gaza Strip, implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and provide the necessary protection for Palestinian civilians."

"The scenes of carnage & death following attacks on Alfakhoura & Tal Al Zaatar schools in #Gaza killing many children & women are horrific & appalling. These horrible attacks should cease immediately. Children, schools & shelters are not a target. Immediate ceasefire needed now !" said Adele Khodr, UNICEF's regional director for Middle East and North Africa.

Israel has killed at least 12,000 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 surprise offensive by Hamas. The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.