U.S. Envoy Criticizes Israel for Targeting Schools and Civilians in Gaza
The U.S. envoy to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Israel’s military for targeting schools, humanitarian workers, and civilians in Gaza, displaying growing American frustration with its ally as the genocidal war approaches its first anniversary. In a U.N. Security Council meeting, Thomas-Greenfield condemned recent strikes by the Israeli military that resulted in injuries and deaths of U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers, calling them preventable.
Israel’s Defense and Calls for Investigation
Israel claims to target Hamas members in retaliation for an earlier incursion in southern Israel, but the strikes have raised concerns due to civilian casualties. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the incidents, including an Israeli strike on a former school turned civilian shelter run by UNRWA where several employees were killed.
U.S. Demands Changes
Thomas-Greenfield urged Israeli military leaders to implement fundamental changes in their operations to protect humanitarian activities and avoid targeting civilian facilities. The U.S. also expressed outrage over the death of Turkish American activist Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank, emphasizing the need to prevent such incidents. The U.S. continues to push for Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations in Gaza and safeguard humanitarian workers and facilities in the conflict zone.
Impact of the Conflict
With over 41,000 Palestinians killed in the ongoing conflict, the situation remains dire in Gaza, requiring urgent international attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis.