"I am appalled by the strike on Al Ahli hospital and the deaths of hundreds of patients, staff and civilians taking shelter. The full facts of what happened must be established and those responsible must be held to account.

"The rising toll of civilian casualties and civilian suffering – in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territories - since Hamas’ brutal attack on 7 October is horrifying. I echo the UN Secretary General’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those now in desperate need in Gaza. Humanitarian corridors must be urgently established. Hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. The international community must work urgently to de-escalate this situation."