In a tragic incident, Israeli F-4 Phantom aircraft launched an attack on the Bahr Al-Baqar primary school in Egypt's Sharqia Governorate, leading to the martyrdom of 30 children and the total destruction of the building. The attack took place on April 8, 1970, during the War of Attrition that followed the 1967 Six-Day War.
At approximately 9:15 AM, the Israeli planes dropped five bombs and fired two missiles at the school, located in the village of Al-Salihiya, about 110 kilometers from the city of Zagazig. The school, which was a single-story building, was not fortified against such attacks, making it an easy target for bombing.
Details of the Attack
As a result of the bombing, 19 children were killed instantly under the rubble, with the number later rising to 30 children at Al-Husseiniya Hospital. The victims were aged between six and twelve, among 86 students present at the school that day. Additionally, dozens of children sustained serious injuries, with many suffering from disfigurement.
The attack resulted in the complete destruction of the school, along with significant damage to nearby homes. Due to the lack of paved roads, ambulances faced difficulties reaching the site, prompting villagers to form rescue teams using agricultural tractors to transport the injured and deceased.
Background & Context
This massacre occurred within the ongoing conflict between Egypt and Israel, as the War of Attrition had begun following the defeat in 1967. Israel aimed to achieve strategic military objectives, but the attack on an elementary school reflects an unjustified escalation in the use of force.
At the time, Tel Aviv claimed that the raid targeted military sites, with Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan asserting confidence that the attack was on a military objective. However, press reports denied any evidence of military equipment at the targeted site, with the New York Times confirming the presence of nothing but debris and torn books.
Impact & Consequences
The massacre sparked outrage on both Arab and international levels. Egypt condemned the attack, deeming it a brutal act that contradicts humanitarian laws. They also called for an urgent United Nations meeting to discuss the incident.
In a related context, the Soviet Union pointed out that Israel did not retaliate against the army but against school children. The United States described the incident as horrifying news, urging the involved parties to adhere to United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Regional Significance
The massacre triggered a wave of anger in international public opinion, leading the United States to delay the supply of modern aircraft to Israel. This event reflects the ongoing tensions in the region and underscores the urgent need for peace and stability.
In conclusion, the Bahr Al-Baqar massacre remains one of the most tragic incidents in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, reminding us of the importance of protecting children and civilians during times of conflict.