A devastating bombing targeted a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, claiming the lives of approximately 150 individuals and leaving nearly 100 others injured. Among the casualties, many are believed to be students.
UNESCO expressed profound concern over the impact of the military strikes, which persisted into Sunday. The organization emphasized that students in educational institutions are safeguarded by international humanitarian law, stating that "attacks on schools jeopardize the safety of students and educators, infringing upon the right to education."
Numerous entities within the United Nations system, along with high-ranking officials such as Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned the military assaults and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran that targeted multiple countries in the Middle East.
Malala Yousafzai, a United Nations Messenger of Peace and Nobel Peace laureate, conveyed her sorrow and outrage at the school bombing. In a social media post, she denounced the killing of civilians, particularly children, as unacceptable. Malala urged for an end to the escalating violence in the region and stressed the importance of justice and accountability.
Highlighting the necessity for all states and parties to adhere to international laws protecting civilians and educational institutions, Malala emphasized that every child deserves a peaceful environment to live and learn. Known globally for her advocacy for girls' education, Malala gained prominence after surviving a gunshot in 2012 for opposing Taliban restrictions on female education in Pakistan.