The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found its Gaza headquarters last night, at the center of a distressing incident as it became the target of Israeli airstrikes.
The attack resulted in casualties among Palestinian refugees who had sought shelter within the UNDP premises.
This alarming turn of events was confirmed in a statement released by the UN agency on its official website this Saturday.
Expressing profound concern over the tragic loss of lives and injuries suffered by those taking refuge within its facilities, the UNDP underscored the critical need to prioritize the protection of civilians and civil infrastructure in conflict zones.
The statement emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining the sanctity of United Nations facilities, which are intended to serve as safe havens for vulnerable populations during times of crisis.
As the international community grapples with the consequences of this incident, there has been no official response from Israeli authorities at the time of this report.
The UNDP’s call for the safeguarding of civilians and adherence to humanitarian principles resonates globally, urging all parties involved to ensure the safety of those seeking refuge within UN facilities.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in conflict zones and the imperative for international actors to collectively address and prevent further harm to innocent lives caught in the crossfire.