New York, United States - August 13, 2024

The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday held an emergency meeting on the situation in Gaza at the request of Algeria following deadly Israeli airstrikes on a school, with various countries calling for adherence to the UN Security Council resolutions and a ceasefire agreement.

Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing and Partnerships of OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), briefed the Security Council on the situation of the Gaza Strip.

On Aug 10, Israeli warplanes targeted the Al-Taba'een school in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in central Gaza while displaced people residing in the school were performing the daily Fajr prayer, killing at least 100 Palestinians and injuring dozens more, Palestinian medical and security sources said, adding that many women and children were among the victims.

DiCarlo said that Israel's devastating attack on the school once again underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement, the release of detainees, and the expansion of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. DiCarlo also pointed out that the threat of further escalation in the region is more evident now than ever before.

Doughten told the Security Council meeting that Israel's attacks on schools in Gaza have become increasingly frequent, with at least 21 attacks on schools used as shelters since July 4 of this year. She called on all parties to take immediate action to end the suffering of the people in Gaza.

Algeria, Mozambique, and several other countries have urged all parties to heed the voice of the international community, reach a ceasefire agreement, and comply with the various resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said that Israel has not implemented the Security Council's resolution requirements and is ignoring international law.

Mansour called on the Security Council members to take action to save the lives of Palestinian people and halt Israel's actions.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's Permanent Representative to UN, said that the Israeli attack on Aug 10 targeted a Hamas command center.

Shotlist:
New York, NY, USA - Aug 13, 2024:
1. United Nations (UN) headquarters, national flags;
2. UN flag;
UN Headquarters, New York City - Aug 13, 2024
3. Meeting in progress;
4. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, speaking;
5. Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing and Partnerships, OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), speaking;
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Amar Bendjama, Algeria's Permanent Representative to United Nations (partially overlaid with shots 7-8):
"Our Council must and now fulfill its responsibilities and honor its commitment. It's a responsibility to hold the occupying power accountable using all legal means, including sanction mechanism.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
7. Meeting in progress;
8. Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for State of Palestine
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Pedro Comissario Afonso, Permanent Representative of Mozambique to United Nations:
"It is imperative that all parties involved, particularly Israel, comply with international legal norms and agreements. In particular, they must abide by all orders and judgments enacted by the International Court of Justice on the matter.";
10. Meeting in progress;
11. Mansour speaking;
12. Gilad Erdan, Israel's Permanent Representative to UN, holding placard reading "Israeli schoolchildren murdered in Majdal Shams by terrorists", speaking;
13. Meeting in progress.

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