(NewsInsights.org) – The Israel-Hamas war has been an extremely bloody conflict so far, as the Jewish State continues to bombard the Strip. National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Adrienne Watson released a statement on Wednesday, January 24, saying the Biden Administration is “gravely concerned” about an attack that occurred against a UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility in southern Gaza. The raid killed 12 and injured at least 75.
Watson noted the neighborhood housed over 30,000 displaced Palestinians. She said the conflict had already killed “tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians” and added the administration “mourn[ed] every single civilian life” lost in the conflict.
The NSC spokesperson admitted the administration was still gathering information about the incident. She reiterated the State Department’s unwavering assurance that the US supports “Israel’s right to defend itself.” However, she qualified the statement by saying Israel must consistently conform to international humanitarian laws because the nation remains responsible for protecting civilians.
Israel has claimed that Hamas combatants wear street clothes and hide among non-combatants, going so far as to hide facilities beneath hospitals, clinics, schools, and apartment buildings. More recently, Israel has claimed the militant group has set up operations within refugee camps and aid centers.
Thomas White, the Gaza-based UN deputy humanitarian coordinator, issued a statement on Thursday, January 25. He called attacks on civilian sites in and around Khan Younis “utterly unacceptable” and demanded a stop to fighting around hospitals and shelters. White said fighting around the UNRWA training center, which hosted thousands of refugees, had intensified during the last several days. He reported that two shells hit the center on Wednesday, causing the deaths and injuries.
Additionally, White claimed forces denied the UN access to assess the situation or treat the wounded until Wednesday evening. He reminded all parties that international law explicitly mandates the protection of hospitals, clinics, UN premises, and medical personnel.
The Israeli military denied responsibility for the attacks but was investigating whether actions nearby could have resulted in crossfire from Hamas forces striking the center, according to media sources.
Copyright 2024, NewsInsights.org
