clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

UN chief condemns Israeli air strike on humanitarian zone for displaced Palestinians in Gaza

July 14, 2024 at 11:08 am

The number of fatalities in the air strike carried out by Israeli army on Al-Mawasi area, located west of Khan Yunis, Gaza, which the Israeli army previously claimed was “safe,” has risen to 71 on July 13, 2024 [Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency]

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, which was designated a “humanitarian zone” for displaced Palestinians, Anadolu news agency reported.

“This (attack) underscores that nowhere is safe in Gaza,” according to a statement that said Guterres is “shocked and saddened” by the strike that killed 90 victims in a densely populated humanitarian area where displaced persons are located.

“The UN Secretary-General condemns the killing of civilians, including children and women,” it noted.

Referring to Israel’s claim of targeting “two Hamas members,” the statement said: “The Secretary-General underlines that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.”

It reiterated Guterres’s demand for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza, stating that “the war must end.”

At least 300 were also injured in the attack, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Over 38,300 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 88,300 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.

READ: Israel leaves Gaza hospital in ruins