Iran holds mass funeral for girls, staff killed in US-Israel school attack
Al Jazeera
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran held a solemn mass funeral in Minab for 165 schoolgirls and staff killed in an attack widely blamed on the United States and Israel. The ceremony drew thousands, with attendees chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the attack, which targeted a girls’ school during joint strikes announced earlier.
The event was marked by emotional displays of grief and defiance. A woman identified as the mother of one of the victims brandished a document she claimed proved American crimes, declaring the deceased “died in the way of God.” The crowd echoed calls for revenge, shouting “Death to America” and “No surrender.” Meanwhile, state media showed men and women, many draped in black chadors, filling the public square.
Despite Iranian accusations, the US and Israel have denied involvement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States would not intentionally target a school, while Israeli military officials claimed they were unaware of any attacks in the area. The Department of War is investigating the claims, and the US Central Command indicated it was reviewing reports of civilian harm.
The attack has sparked global condemnation, including from UNESCO and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. Iranian authorities have called for international solidarity, as Tehran continues to target US and Israeli assets in the region. The incident highlights the escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers, raising concerns over regional stability and the protection of civilian infrastructure during conflicts.
This事件 underscores the dangers of proxy wars and the potential for unintended collateral damage. It also raises questions about accountability and the verification of military actions in conflict zones. As international bodies and global leaders weigh in, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of ongoing hostilities between Iran and its adversaries.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/3/2026