New York [US], September 11: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the continued loss of life in Gaza and strongly condemns today's Israeli air strikes in an Israeli-designated zone for displaced persons in Khan Younis.
"The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable. Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and search of safety, after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities,'' said Guterres in a statement released by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General during his daily briefing.
"As the Secretary-General has repeatedly said, there is no safe place in Gaza. He repeats yet again his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and other nationalities still being held in Gaza.''
Earlier today, Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, in his own statement strongly condemned the attack. He said that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.
He also emphasised that civilians must never be used as human shields.
"Despite this incident, our partners were able to start the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza today. This is the third phase of the campaign and is expected to continue through Thursday. UNRWA says thousands of children in northern Gaza have been vaccinated so far. We hope to have more details later or tomorrow,'' he added.
The World Health Organisation says vaccines, cold chain equipment, and finger markers - which are used to track who's actually been vaccinated - were delivered successfully to Gaza yesterday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that work is ongoing to deliver more fuel to ensure that vehicles used by vaccination teams remain functional, and to resupply hospitals so that they can maintain essential services.
Source: Emirates News Agency