Attack on school in Gaza, Highlights of the noon briefing by Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General – 12 August 2024

12 August 2024

(Excerpt)

ATTACK ON SCHOOL IN GAZA

The Secretary-General condemns the continued loss of life in Gaza, including women and children, as we witness yet another devastating strike by Israel on the Al-Taba’een school in Gaza City, sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians families, with scores of fatalities, amidst continued horror, displacement, and suffering in Gaza.

The Secretary-General is dismayed to see that the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) remain unimplemented. He welcomes the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar leaders, and urges both sides to rejoin negotiations and conclude the ceasefire and hostages release deal.

The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He also again underscores the need to ensure the protection of civilians and for unimpeded and safe humanitarian access into and across Gaza. The Secretary-General underlines that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that ongoing bombardment and hostilities continue to kill, injure and displace Palestinians – as well as damage and destroy the homes and infrastructure they rely on.

Regarding the Al Taba’een School in Gaza City, which was hit by Israeli military on Saturday, at the time of the attack, the school-turned-shelter was reportedly hosting hundreds of displaced families and people were performing the dawn prayer at the school’s prayer hall.
Casualties were brought to Al Ahli hospital, which is one of the 16 hospitals that remain only partially functional in the Gaza Strip. The hospital is overwhelmed by this mass casualty incident amid shortage of medications, clean water and beds.

Humanitarian partners on the ground helped families who returned to the school – including drinking water, food parcels, hot meals, hygiene kits, and clothing. They also provided psychological first aid and psychosocial support activities for children and their parents.

According to the UN Human Rights Office, this is at least the 21st strike on a school, each serving as a shelter, since 4 July. These strikes have resulted in at least 274 fatalities, including women and children.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that two evacuation orders were issued by the Israeli military over the weekend for Khan Younis, mostly for areas that were previously placed under evacuation. Initial mapping indicates that the areas affected by these orders encompass about 23 displacement sites, 14 water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and four educational facilities.

In total, about 305 square kilometres, or nearly 84 per cent of the Gaza Strip, have been placed under evacuation orders by the Israeli military.

Once again, the UN calls for all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects. This includes allowing civilians to leave for safer areas and allowing their return as soon as circumstances allow. People must be able to receive humanitarian assistance, whether they move or stay.

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