Wed Sep 11 22:06:13 UTC 2024: ## UN Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Shelter, Warns of Dire Situation in Gaza and West Bank

**New York, September 11, 2023** – The United Nations today condemned Israeli airstrikes on a UNRWA school in Gaza, which was being used as a shelter. The Secretary-General expressed deep concern that this is the fifth strike on the same location in the past 11 months, despite the site being previously deconflicted with Israeli forces. Reports indicate that some UNRWA staff members were killed in the attack, and the UN is currently working to confirm the casualty figures.

The UN also denounced the airstrikes that occurred in Khan Younis, killing civilians including women and children. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas, deeming it unconscionable.

Meanwhile, the UN is facing challenges in Yemen, where Houthi authorities have made allegations against UNICEF, UNESCO, and other humanitarian partners, accusing them of colluding to destroy Yemen’s education system. The UN firmly rejects these allegations, calling them baseless and a threat to the safety of staff.

The UN is also grappling with the dire situation in Gaza, where the healthcare system is in dire straits, with half of all essential medicines unavailable. The UN and its partners are continuing to support Palestinian civilians impacted by the recent Israeli security operation in Jenin and Tulkarm, but the situation remains critical.

In West Africa, the UN is responding to devastating flash floods in Nigeria, which have impacted hundreds of thousands of people. The UN is mobilizing resources to support the Government’s response and providing humanitarian aid.

In other developments, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic is working to combat the possession and circulation of illicit arms, which pose a threat to peace and development.

The Secretary-General is expected to address the General Assembly on Wednesday, September 18th, ahead of the opening of the 79th high-level session.

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