UN 'appalled' by Israel's deadly attack on residential building sheltering women, children in Gaza

​​​​​​​By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern Tuesday about Israel's attack on a multistory residential building sheltering children, women and the elderly in the northern Gaza Strip.

It demanded a prompt, transparent and detailed investigation.

"Civilians are protected under international humanitarian law," spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in a statement that indicated his agency is "appalled" by the attack in Beit Lahiya.

He urged a transparent investigation, referring to statements by Israeli authorities that they are inquiring into the attack.

"There must be a prompt, transparent and detailed investigation into the circumstances of this strike and responsibilities for it," he said.

Noting that the strike left 93 dead or missing, including at least 25 children, Laurence noted that it is one of the deadliest single attacks in Gaza in nearly three months.

"Severe restrictions by Israel on access to North Gaza by humanitarian aid agencies continue to prevent lifesaving assistance to civilians in need. There must be a ceasefire now," he added.

More than 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its war against the enclave on Oct. 7, 2023, with most of the dead being women and children, and more than 101,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

More than a year into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice.