UN calls for end to destruction of hospitals in Syria

"The United Nations is deeply disturbed by the ongoing destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly medical facilities" across Syria, and the world body called for an end to the destructive action and save the hospitals from war damage in the country, a UN spokesman said here Tuesday.

"Over recent days, the UN has received reports of five hospitals hit by airstrikes, including three in Aleppo governorate and one each in Dara'a and Idleb," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

Dozens of casualties and injuries resulting from these strikes have been reported, including pregnant women and children."

Prior to the reported strikes, these medical facilities provided life-saving healthcare to tens of thousands of people, he said, adding that as a result of the destruction, "many of the facilities are no longer functioning."

Further attacks on civilian infrastructure, including those on July 31 and Aug. 1, reportedly damaged Aleppo's electricity and water distribution infrastructure, Dujarric said. "This has resulted in an electricity blackout throughout the city and has left residents throughout Aleppo with no access to water through the public water network."

"The UN continues to call on all parties to the conflict to end the destruction of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure that is essential for the civilian population, and to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and the International Human Rights Law," he said.

In late April, airstrikes have hit a hospital in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo, killing at least 27 people, including three children and the city's last paediatrician, reports said. Endit