New York: The UN Security Council has expressed serious concern regarding the tragic killing of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza by Israel. The council issued a press statement on Thursday, highlighting that these devastating attacks have brought the total number of humanitarian personnel casualties in Gaza during the ongoing conflict to at least 224. This figure surpasses the casualties seen in any single conflict within a year, as reported by news agency.
Emphasizing the imperative for accountability in such incidents, the council noted Israel’s announcement of initial investigation results into the matter. However, it stressed the necessity for a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive investigation that is made fully public.
Furthermore, the council demanded that all parties involved in the conflict uphold the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities, and operations in accordance with international law. They called for adherence to humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms and urged prompt rectification of any shortcomings in these mechanisms.
The council reiterated its profound concern over the human suffering caused by the conflict, the dire humanitarian situation, and the looming threat of famine in Gaza. It urged the immediate removal of all barriers obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population and urged unrestricted distribution of such assistance.
