United Nations Condemns Deadly West Bank Airstrike, Attacks on Gaza Schools
(UN News)* — The UN chief has strongly condemned the killing of several Palestinians, including women and children, who died when a residential building in Tulkarem camp in the West Bank was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Thursday [3 ] night.
UN chief António Guterres also called for strict compliance with international law.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at times,” said Mr. Dujarric.
He also noted the UN chief’s call “to urgently come together to address the escalating cycle of violence, and work towards ending the occupation and returning to a track for the two-State solution, which remains the only just and resolution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“The bloodshed that we are seeing must end.”
UN teams and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are coordinating a visit to the area to assess the damage and humanitarian needs.
Systematic resort to lethal force
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) also denounced attack, describing it “another clear example” of Israeli Security Forces’ (ISF) “resort to lethal force in the West Bank that is frequently unnecessary, disproportionate, and therefore unlawful.”
“The levelling of an entire building filled with people via aerial bombing shows flagrant disregard for Israel’s obligations,” OHCHR said in a statement issued on Friday.
It called for Israel to conduct a thorough, prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the incident and hold perpetrators of violations to account.
No clashes or confrontations were occurring at the site, and according to information gathered by OHCHR, most of those killed were not armed or being sought by the Israeli security forces. A majority were killed in their homes or simply passing by in the street.
Israeli forces claimed that they had killed a local Hamas leader, who was allegedly planning to carry out attacks on Israeli settlements, as well as other alleged terrorists.
Highly concerning pattern
OHCHR further noted that the strike was part of “a highly concerning pattern” of unlawful use of force by Israeli forces during military-like operations in the West Bank that have caused widespread harm to Palestinians, as well as significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Since 7 October 2023 – when Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups attacked communities in southern Israel – Israeli forces have killed 697 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 161 children and 12 women, according to OHCHR. Of those, 186 deaths were due to airstrikes.
In Tulkarem alone, 174 Palestinians have been killed, including 88 by airstrikes.
“Such incidents cannot become normalized as an acceptable method of law enforcement,” OHCHR stated.
Attacks against schools in Gaza
Meanwhile in Gaza, the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) said on Friday that three of its schools had been hit over the previous two days, reportedly killing 20 people. The schools had been sheltering about 20,000 people.
The agency added that since the war began, more than 140 of its schools have come under attack, stressing that schools are not a target and cannot be used for any military purposes by anyone.
According to UN Children Fund’s (UNICEF) estimates, at least 87 per cent of school buildings in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged since October last year, including a third of UNRWA schools.
Humanitarians must be allowed to save lives
UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Wednesday they had visited the site of an attack the previous night in the Maan area, east of Khan Younis, Mr. Dujarric told journalists.
“Our colleagues report that ambulances trying to evacuate the injured could not reach them due to the ongoing incursion,” he said.
“Hours later, when first responders were finally able to access the area, their bulldozer ran out of fuel while recovering bodies from beneath the rubble.”
He reiterated that emergency teams in Gaza must have the equipment, fuel and most importantly the safe and unimpeded access they need to save lives.
Source: https://human-wrongs-watch.net/2024/10/05/united-nations-strongly-condemns-deadly-west-bank-airstrike-attacks-on-gaza-schools/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.