Yemen: United Nations Secretary-General condemns reported coalition airstrike on rural hospital that leaves 11 dead
On 16 August, reiterating his call on all warring parties in Yemen to immediately implement the cessation of hostilities, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the reported coalition airstrike on a hospital in the rural town of Hajjah that killed 11 people.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson, the Secretary-General notes that the parties to the Yemeni conflict have damaged or destroyed over 70 health centres to date, including three other MSF-supported facilities, and he “is deeply disturbed” by the intensification of airstrikes and continuing ground fighting and shelling, especially in populated areas.
The media has reported that more than 19 people were also wounded when an airstrike hit a hospital supported by the Paris-based Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, in the rebel-held town.
The statement further notes that hospitals and medical personnel are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law and any attack directed against them, or against any civilian persons or infrastructure, is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. All such attacks should be investigated through prompt, effective, independent and impartial.
Photo: UNICEF/Magd Farid
