15 September 2025 | 13:15 CAT
3-minute read

Israel’s Relentless Gaza Bombardment Leaves Islamic University in Ruins, Global Summit Yields Little Action

Residents of Gaza City describe a night of terror as Israeli airstrikes intensified this week, targeting densely populated areas and striking one of the few remaining structures of the Islamic University of Gaza. Once a centre of learning, the university has become a refuge for families displaced by months of war. According to eyewitness accounts, a sequence of strikes killed scores of people—many of whom had returned to salvage belongings after an earlier bombardment.

“The situation is such that every couple of minutes there’s highly destructive bombs and buildings above them being targeted as they walk through the streets,” said Ebrahim Moosa during this week’s Palestine Report. His words reflect the unrelenting danger for civilians as Gaza’s infrastructure collapses under sustained attack.

The deadliest strike occurred when Israeli warplanes hit the partially destroyed Islamic University complex. Survivors say two initial blasts damaged buildings but left them standing. Believing the assault was over, families re-entered to retrieve essential items. A third strike followed moments later, killing many and trapping others under the rubble. Gaza’s health ministry reports hundreds of casualties in the latest wave, a number impossible to confirm as rescue teams struggle to navigate the debris.

Moosa criticised the international response, highlighting the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit convened in Doha after an unprecedented Israeli strike on Qatar last week.

“Yesterday’s deliberations seemed very symbolic and they spent a lot of time trying to produce a unified draft resolution,” he noted.

The summit brought together the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League, but observers say its outcome fell short of the urgency demanded by the escalating crisis.

Analysts describe the summit’s communique as heavy on condemnation but light on action, offering routine calls for United Nations involvement and vague warnings about the fragility of normalisation agreements like the Abraham Accords.

Critics argue that wealthy Gulf states with vast sovereign wealth funds—such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE—possess economic leverage that could deter Israeli aggression but remain unwilling to wield it. Qatar has pledged to pursue legal action for violations of international law, yet tangible measures have not materialised.

Meanwhile, a civilian-led humanitarian mission is pressing forward despite threats and logistical hurdles. The Global Sumud Flotilla initiative began in late August when 24 boats set sail from Barcelona carrying medical supplies and volunteers. After delays and Israeli drone surveillance, 16 ships have now departed Tunisia to rendezvous in international waters with vessels from Italy and Greece. The flotilla, carrying people from all walks of life, including parliamentarians and activists from around the world, aims to break the naval blockade and deliver aid directly to Gaza. Organisers admit their numbers have dwindled due to security concerns, but remain determined to reach their destination.

Turkey has emerged as one of the few regional powers taking concrete defensive steps in response to Israel’s expanded operations. Ankara has increased air patrols and invested heavily in missile and air-defence systems, warning that “one needs to be prepared for war if you want stable peace,” according to Turkish media statements by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

As the bombardment continues, humanitarian agencies warn of catastrophic conditions. The United Nations reports that over 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with hospitals running out of fuel and basic supplies. Despite mounting civilian casualties and appeals for an immediate ceasefire, international diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Moosa voiced the frustration felt across the Muslim world: “It seems a bit underwhelming and many could come out very disappointed or the Islamic world could come out disappointed from what seems to be the approach to this particular summit.”

For Gaza’s residents, disappointment is an understatement. With limited avenues for escape and dwindling humanitarian aid, they face the nightly terror of bombardment and the uncertainty of a world unwilling—or unable—to stop the bloodshed.

Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.