Airstrikes blasted United Nations shelters, a high-ranking UN official said Monday, as Israel announced a complete encirclement of Gaza City as part of its ongoing offensive against Hamas.
This most recent development in the conflict marks a sharp uptick in civilians being caught up in the violence, with reports of targeted strikes on the Al Shifa hospital and UN-run clinics in Gaza.
The UN source stated Monday that at least three air strikes had targeted UN-run shelters for displaced Palestinians. He said these reports, which have been largely unconfirmed by officials, amount to an “appalling” and “unacceptable” disregard for the safety of civilians.
These reports come amid an onslaught of airstrikes in Gaza, as Israel continues to broaden its military campaign against Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched its ground offensive earlier this month, and has since announced the complete encirclement of Gaza City.
The IDF states that these movements are in pursuit of the terrorist organization, as it seeks to degrade its capabilities and weapons stockpiles. IDF spokesperson Ron Hefetz says that they are taking action from the air, ground, and sea as part of its “Operation Protective Edge”.
Human rights groups have criticized Israel’s offensive measures and stated that civilians are inhumanely caught in the crossfire; other groups have called on the international community to end what they describe as “collective punishment” against the people of Gaza.
The offensive is set to continue as the two sides remain at odds over how to settle the dispute. The increasingly violent conflict has claimed the lives of nearly 800 Palestinians and 35 Israelis so far.
