United Nations Radio

As a result of intensifying fighting in Gaza Thursday, a number of medical and humanitarian aid facilities have been shelled.

smoke rises during an air strike in Gaza

The Al-Quds Hospital run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza City was hit by explosions and fire broke out, putting at risk the lives of around 100 patients and the medical staff caring for them.

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross -ICRC Jakob Kellenberger says "it is unacceptable that wounded people receiving treatment in hospitals are put at risk." He says "these recent developments are particularly alarming in that the Gaza hospitals are already overcrowded and overstretched, and the number of casualties is growing."

Kellenberger who has just completed a three-day visit to the area that included a stop at Shifa Hospital in Gaza, insisted that all parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law. During meetings held in Tel Aviv Thursday morning with Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Mr. Kellenberger insisted once again that the rules of international humanitarian law oblige the parties to a conflict to spare civilians and to protect medical personnel and medical facilities at all times.
He requested systematic access to all parts of Gaza for humanitarian assistance, especially medical assistance.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio

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