UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly Pakistani air strike on a hospital in Kabul. The attack, which occurred overnight Monday-Tuesday, resulted in more than 400 casualties, as reported by Afghanistan’s Taliban government. Guterres has emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the incident, citing the importance of upholding international law that protects medical facilities and personnel.
The Secretary-General reiterated the significance of respecting and safeguarding patients, medical staff, and hospitals under international law. He called for an impartial probe into the matter, highlighting that attacks on medical facilities are considered war crimes under international humanitarian law. Guterres also urged for de-escalation and an immediate halt to hostilities, emphasizing the obligation of all parties to adhere to international legal norms, particularly in safeguarding civilians.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that ten health facilities suffered damage due to the air strikes. The ongoing conflict has led to significant devastation in Afghanistan, with air strikes and cross-border attacks affecting multiple provinces, including Kabul. The situation has forced approximately 115,000 individuals to flee their homes, with over 300 shelters destroyed or damaged. Moreover, around 160,000 people are currently facing food insecurity amidst the escalating crisis.
