United Nations, November 16 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has insisted on a ceasefire in the face of the dramatic loss of human lives in hospitals in the Gaza Strip.   The UN chief expressed his concern in a statement released by his spokesman Sthéphane Dujarric, while the Al-Shifa hospital is the focus of Israel Defense Forces operations.

The Tel Aviv forces claim that Hamas set up a command center underneath the health facility, an accusation denied by the medical staff.  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 135 attacks on health facilities in the coastal enclave over the past month.

According to WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, this is the highest number recorded in such a short period of time.  Harris warned of a "growing trend" of attacks on health care.