The UN condemned an Israeli airstrike on a school converted into a shelter in northern Gaza that killed at least 80 Palestinians.
“The UN Secretary-General condemns the continued loss of life in Gaza, including women and children. The attacks have claimed many lives and come amidst ongoing horror, displacement and suffering in Gaza,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Monday (12/8).
Haq also said the school, which was converted into a shelter, reportedly housed hundreds of displaced families. The attack occurred as people were performing morning prayers in the school's prayer room.
According to Haq, nearby hospitals were “overwhelmed” by the mass casualty incident.
Israel has repeatedly ordered mass evacuations as its troops return to the badly damaged area, where they previously fought Palestinian militants.
Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, in a strip of land about 40 kilometers long and about 11 kilometers wide.
Meanwhile, Hamas appeared to reject the resumption of talks on Thursday on a new ceasefire proposal. In a statement, it urged mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar to present a plan to implement what was agreed last month, based on a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden. (ab/lt)
