UN diplomatic sources say arrangements are underway for the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting as early as Tuesday following Israel’s deadly airstrike on a school in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza officials say the attack on Saturday killed more than 100 people and wounded dozens of others.
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on social media Saturday that days of horror continue in Gaza, where another school was hit and dozens of Palestinians, including women, children and older people, were reportedly killed.
He added, “It’s time for these horrors unfolding under our watch to end.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, noted that the latest strike on a school in Gaza is the 21st since July 4, bringing the total number of deaths in such attacks to at least 274.
OCHA condemned Israel for carrying out repeated airstrikes on places where displaced Palestinians are taking shelter despite the Israeli military’s statement that it is taking all measures to avoid civilian harm.
The UN office pointed out that the impact on civilians is predictable, suggesting that Israel fails to strictly comply with obligations required by international humanitarian law.
US Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Saturday that “far too many civilians have been killed” in Saturday’s Israeli strike.
She said, “Israel has a right to go after the terrorists that are Hamas,” but that the country also has “an important responsibility to avoid civilian casualties.”
Harris noted that President Joe Biden and she have been working on this issue “around the clock.”
She stressed the need to get the ceasefire deal done immediately and bring the hostages home.