Singapore condemns shelling of U.N. school

Singapore has condemned the shelling of the Jabalia Elementary Girls School in Gaza, a designated United Nations (UN) shelter for displaced Palestinians, calling it an “unpardonable” act.

“UN humanitarian operations, personnel and premises must remain inviolable,” said a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman. “This incident and the rising number of civilian deaths further strengthen the urgent need for an immediate cessation of all hostilities so that humanitarian aid can be provided to all those affected by the conflict. ”

In a Facebook post yesterday, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim also condemned the attack on the UN-run school as well as that in a crowded market on Wednesday. “I am deeply saddened and concerned at the continuing loss of innocent lives including that of women and children in the conflict.

“We need stronger condemnation by the international community to stop these senseless killings. We hope both sides will urgently exercise restraint and hit the negotiation table so that peace can prevail in the region,” he said.

The Israeli military had said it was responding to mortar fire coming from the area of the school.