Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, warned in a statement that civilians are bearing the brunt of escalating violence in Gaza Strip. I recently visited Gaza, where I met with people who were frustrated, angry and understandably wary, but treated me with warmth and respect amid a brutal and unthinkable situation, Sunghay pointed out.

“They explained to me how they fled their homes to seek refuge, how children have not been going to school for months, and their schools had been destroyed as well as their universities,” the UN official recounted.

Sunghay assured that he was very concerned after personally hearing “the testimonies of those who have endured so much pain and suffering.”

I fear that many more civilians will die due to the continued targeting of specially protected facilities, such as hospitals, bringing about more civilian casualties, Sunghay underscored.

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