12 September 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General condemns the death of at least 18 people, including children, women, and six UNRWA staff, in Israeli airstrikes that hit a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on 11 September. This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220. The IDF stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.
The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and the essential needs of civilians met. The Secretary-General calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes. All parties to the conflict have the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law at all times.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This horrific violence must stop.
Document Sources: Secretary-General
Subject: Armed conflict, Casualties, Ceasefire, Gaza Strip, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Refugees and displaced persons, UNRWA, Violence
Publication Date: 12/09/2024
URL source: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-09-12/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-gaza