UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has frowned at the attack on a Gaza school-turned-shelter, which resulted in the loss of many lives, including women and children.
The UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, stated that Guterres is disturbed by the persistent violence in Gaza, including the recent strike on the Al-Taba’een school, which was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinian families.
The incident which happened on Saturday, claimed the lives of more than 100 people.
The UN chief restated his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
He also reiterated the need to ensure the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access into and across Gaza, underscoring that international humanitarian law must be upheld at all times.
The UN Human Rights Office reported that this is at least the 21st strike on a school serving as a shelter since July 4, resulting in at least 274 fatalities, including women and children.
Separately, the head of the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, highlighted the need to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, detainees, and humanitarians amid armed conflict.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern over the increasing number of civilian deaths and rising displacement in Lebanon, amid escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.