An airstrike damaged a temporary camp for displaced persons in the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel's air attack on a displacement camp in the densely populated humanitarian security zone designated by Israel and the killing of civilians, including women and children, through a spokesperson on Tuesday.
The camp in Khan Younis reportedly housed thousands of displaced Palestinians at the time, and at least 19 people were killed in the attack.
There is no justification for the use of heavy weapons in populated areas
Guterres noted that there is no justification for the use of heavy weapons in populated areas.
He noted that, under repeated instructions from the Israel authorities, displaced Palestinians had moved to that area of Khan Younis to seek refuge and safety, but that the results showed that there was no safe place in Gaza.
Condemn the interception of UN vaccination convoys
In his statement, Guterres also noted that humanitarian workers were horrific on Monday while transporting life-saving polio vaccines. Twelve United Nations staff members were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to support a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza, and their movements were fully coordinated with the Israel army and details were shared in advance. Israel forces fired live ammunition and the United Nations convoy was crushed by a military tank and a bulldozer, trapping staff inside. The convoy was detained at the checkpoint for seven and a half hours and was ultimately unable to complete its humanitarian mission.
Guterres strongly condemned the incident.
He noted that all parties to a conflict must at all times respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks. He also called for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, and for humanitarian access to be facilitated.
He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire agreement and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
