UN condemns attacks on civilian shelters in Gaza

The remarks followed a direct hit on a UN training center in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Thomas White, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reported that the death toll in the area surrounding the training center had reached 12 confirmed fatalities, with 75 injured, 15 of them critically.

He expressed deep concern about the persistent attacks on civilian sites in Khan Younis, labeling them as utterly unacceptable and a violation of international humanitarian law.

The UN official decried the consistent failure to uphold fundamental principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precautions in carrying out attacks.

While acknowledging the difficulties in assessing the situation, White reported that the UN had finally reached the affected areas to treat trauma patients, deliver medical supplies, and evacuate injured patients to Rafah.

Amid the escalating conflict, the Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal hospitals in Khan Younis have been effectively encircled, impacting their ability to provide essential services. Al-Kheir Hospital has closed after evacuating patients, including women who had just undergone C-section surgeries.

The UN World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, detailed a rescue mission that helped evacuate 45 patients from the UN training center to Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, with one patient tragically dying en route. Tedros urged the protection of civilians, humanitarians, and health workers, appealing for an immediate ceasefire.

The developments coincide with the International Court of Justice's pending decision in South Africa's case against Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza.

Since the conflict's outbreak on October 7, 2023, Gaza health authorities have reported at least 26,083 people killed and approximately 64,487 injured.

The situation remains dire, with international calls for a swift resolution and humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis. (ILKHA)