US expresses concern over Israeli military’s actions in Gaza

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing them of striking schools, humanitarian workers, and civilians in retaliation for attacks that initiated the war in the region. Thomas-Greenfield expressed frustration at the preventable strikes that have injured or killed U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers in recent weeks. The U.N. Security Council discussed a recent Israeli strike on a former school being used as a civilian shelter, resulting in the death of UNRWA staff and other individuals.

While Israel claimed to have targeted a Hamas command center in the compound and alleged that Hamas militants were posing as UNRWA workers, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into the incident. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations in Gaza and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and facilities. She also condemned the accidental killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Eygi during a protest in the West Bank by Israeli Defense Forces.

The U.S. envoy called for fundamental changes in Israeli military operations to prevent conflicts with humanitarian activities and avoid targeting civilian facilities. Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the urgency of reaching a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and hostage release deals. The United States is working with mediators Egypt and Qatar to encourage both sides to agree on a resolution. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was described as dire by the top U.N. humanitarian official, with over 41,000 Palestinians reportedly killed during Israel’s offensive.

Responding to claims of impeded humanitarian efforts by Israel, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Gaza emphasized the critical need for effective aid delivery to meet the basic requirements for a dignified human life. Despite Israel’s assertion of unparalleled humanitarian efforts, concerns were raised about strikes on humanitarian convoys and facilities. The focus was directed towards addressing the pressing needs of the people in Gaza, ensuring their safety, and improving humanitarian access in the region.