A statement released here expressed concern over the killing of seven members of the NGO World Central Kitchen in several coordinated air strikes by Israeli forces against three of their vehicles despite the fact that those were identified and the route had been previously agreed upon.

In that regard, the world’s highest peacekeeping body recognized the need for a full, transparent and thorough investigation into the incident reported last week.

Following the incident, the total number of humanitarian workers slaughtered in the conflict in Gaza Strip is over three times the number killed in any single conflict in a single year, the text warned.

Council members stressed the need for accountability for all such incidents and demanded that all sides fully respect the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities and operations under international law.

They further demanded respect for humanitarian notification and conflict resolution mechanisms and that any deficiencies in the latter be remedied immediately.

The communiqué expressed concern about the human cost of the hostilities, the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the threat of imminent famine in the Strip at once, and demanded the immediate lifting of all barriers to the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale.

“Much more must be done to provide the necessary relief given the magnitude of the needs in Gaza,” the UN noted as it insisted on the implementation of the resolutions passed for the entry of aid and the cessation of hostilities leading to a lasting and sustainable ceasefire, along with the release of all hostages.

ef/omr/mem/ebr