A statement released here called the new attack on the Al Tabaeen school in Gaza City, where hundreds of Palestinian families stayed, devastating.

The text called on Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations and demanded protection for civilians and unimpeded and safe humanitarian access to and through the Strip.

International humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks, must be respected at all times, the note added.

Guterres praised the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar while insisting on his calls for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

Saturday’s attack joins a growing wave of Tel Aviv attacks on educational centers where hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians take refuge, the U.N. Human Rights Office said.

The Al Tabaeen school was hit at least three times “with apparent disregard for the high rate of civilian deaths,” the agency denounced in a statement.

Since July 4, the UN has counted 21 attacks on shelter facilities that have left at least 274 dead, including women and children.

According to the human rights body, the current offensive suggests a strict non-compliance with the obligations required by international humanitarian law.

In turn, local authorities estimate that more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and 91,000 wounded in the ongoing war.

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