LONDON: There must be “transparent” accountability for the deaths of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, the UN Security Council has said, noting its “deep concern over the human toll of the conflict, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and the threat of imminent famine in Gaza.”

In a statement, the UNSC said it “expressed grave concern over the Israeli air strikes” that killed seven members of the World Central Kitchen, bringing the total number of aid workers killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s campaign in the enclave to at least 224.

The council added that an Israeli investigation into the air strikes on April 1 needs to be “full, transparent and comprehensive,” calling for all findings to be made public.

The UNSC also demanded that the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities and operations under international law be respected by all sides in Gaza.

It praised the “outstanding and admirable efforts of all humanitarian, medical and United Nations workers serving in Gaza,” adding that the situation on the ground is “extremely difficult and dangerous,” requiring “tremendous courage.”

The UNSC called for all “barriers to the delivery of humanitarian aid” into Gaza to be removed, noting Israel’s decision to open the Erez crossing into the enclave, and to permit aid to be delivered via the port at Ashdod.

However, the council said more still needs to be done, and “insisted on the need to immediately and fully … allow, facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip, consistent with Resolution 2720 (2023).”

The UNSC reiterated its call for international law to be respected by all parties, and for a “lasting, sustainable ceasefire, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

The council also reaffirmed support “for the work of (the) Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza (and) the lifesaving efforts of all UN personnel and agencies, including UNRWA, that are working to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.”

The UNSC condemned “all violence and hostilities against civilians, and all acts of terrorism.”