Blinken calls on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza after deadly strike on UN shelter

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed calls on Thursday for Israel to protect civilians, after a deadly Israeli strike on a UN facility on Wednesday killed at least 12 Palestinians and wounded dozens of others.

The US condemned the strike but avoided assigning blame, while Israel said it was probing the matter, according to Israeli media.

Two tank shells struck the UN shelter, leaving widespread devastation. 

During a visit to Angola, Blinken told reporters that the UN shelter “is essential and it has to be protected".

“We have reaffirmed this with the government of Israel, and it is my understanding that they are, as is necessary and appropriate, looking into this incident,” Blinken said, without saying at what level discussions took place.