Muslim World Denounces Israeli Bombing of Gaza Worshipers

Muslim World Denounces Israeli Bombing of Gaza Worshipers

The Muslim world on Saturday expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s bombing of a school in Gaza City, where displaced Palestinians were seeking shelter. The attack targeted worshipers performing fajr (dawn) prayers at the Al-Taba’een School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people and injuries to several others.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack, accusing Israel of showing a “blatant disregard for international and humanitarian law.” The ministry emphasized that civilian casualties tend to rise whenever cease-fire negotiations intensify, and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and secure a cease-fire.

Similarly, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sufyan Qudah, condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of international law and humanitarian norms. He stressed that the timing of the attack, coinciding with ongoing negotiations for a hostage exchange deal, indicates Israel’s intent to obstruct these efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, calling for an urgent end to the violence in Gaza and criticizing the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable for its actions. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, described the bombing as “open aggression” and reiterated the demand for Israeli leaders and security forces to be held accountable for war crimes in Palestine.

Iraq joined in the condemnation, denouncing the assault as a violation of international norms and conventions and accusing Israel of undermining global efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry urged the international community, particularly the Islamic world, to take a strong stance against Israeli aggression.

The bombing of Al-Taba’een School marks the sixth such attack on schools in Gaza City over the past week, according to an Anadolu tally. Despite appeals from mediators, including Egypt, the US, and Qatar, Israel continues its deadly offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed nearly 39,800 lives since October following an attack by Hamas.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ordered an immediate halt to its military operations in Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the ongoing conflict.