UN Chief ‘Deeply Alarmed’ by Israeli Strike on Al-Ahli Hospital in GazaNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) — The United Nations Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres is “deeply alarmed” at Sunday’s strike by Israeli
occupation forces on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

“Under international humanitarian law, wounded and sick, medical
personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be
respected and protected,” the UN chief said in a statement.

He said the attack dealt “a severe blow to an already devastated
healthcare system in the Strip”, adding there was strong concern that
medical supplies are running low while mass casualties continue to
fill hospitals.

Guterres noted that nearly 70% of Gaza is now under Israeli-issued
displacement orders or within a “no-go” zone, leaving Palestinians in
Gaza with no safe place to go and little to survive on.

The Secretary-General once again voices his strong concern as aid
continues to be blocked, with Israel not having allowed any
humanitarian aid or other essential supplies in for more than seven
weeks.

The humanitarian consequences are devastating, with food stocks
running out, water production drastically dropping and shelter
materials almost totally depleted, he warned.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the United Nations will not
participate in any aid delivery arrangement that does not fully
respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality,
independence and neutrality.

Civilians must be respected and protected at all times and they must
have the basic necessities to survive, and a ceasefire must be
restored and renewed without delay, he stressed.— Ends/Khalid