UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the recent strike on a Gaza school that was being used as a shelter, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children.
Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, reported that Guterres is deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly the recent attack on the Al-Taba’een school, which was housing hundreds of displaced Palestinian families. The strike, which occurred on Saturday, claimed over 100 lives.
Guterres has reiterated his urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
He emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to and within Gaza, while also underscoring the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, this attack marks at least the 21st strike on a school serving as a shelter since July 4, resulting in a total of 274 fatalities, including women and children.
Additionally, the head of the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) has stressed the need to safeguard civilians, civilian infrastructure, detainees, and humanitarian workers during conflicts.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has also expressed concern over the rising civilian deaths and displacement in Lebanon amid escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
