The death toll from the bombing of the United Nations shelter in Khan Yunis has risen to 12, the head of UNRWA said.
Clouds of smoke rise over Gaza's Khan Younis on Monday. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
The death toll from the bombing of a United Nations shelter in Khan Yunis has risen to 12, UNRWA director Thomas White said in a statement on Thursday.
Another 75 people were injured, 15 of them critically, White said.
A section of the UNRWA training center, home to thousands of people, was hit by two projectiles and caught fire, White said.
United Nations staff were able to reach the base west of Khan Younis on Wednesday night after being denied access on several occasions, White said.
“The continued attacks on civilian sites in Khan Yunis are completely unacceptable and must stop immediately,” White said.
According to the IDF statement, an air or artillery attack by Israeli forces was not reported by the UN. Israel Defense Forces have “currently” denied attacking the compound.
“After a review of our operational systems, the IDF has now ruled out that this incident was the result of an IDF aircraft or artillery attack,” the statement said.
The IDF said a “detailed review of the operations of nearby forces is underway,” adding that it is “investigating whether the attack may have been the result of Hamas fire.”
Some background: Over the past week, the IDF has intensified its assault on Khan Younis, which has hit medical facilities housing displaced civilians and health workers. The IDF maintains that Hamas fighters are in hospitals in the area.
