The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza following a deadly attack on the Nasser Hospital in the southern Strip on Monday.
At least 20 people were killed in the two airstrikes, including four health workers and five journalists, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus said in a tweet.
Fifty other people were injured, including critically ill patients who were already receiving care.
Healthcare under attack
"While people in Gaza are being starved, their already limited access to healthcare is being further crippled by repeated attacks," Tedros remarked.
"We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on healthcare. Ceasefire now."
He said the hospital's main building, which houses the emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit, was hit. The strikes also damaged the emergency staircase.
Global indifference and inaction
The head of UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA also took to social media in the wake of the news.
"Silencing the last remaining voices reporting about children dying silently and famine with the world's indifference and inaction is shocking," said Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
He called for compassion to prevail, saying "let us undo this manmade famine by opening the gates without restrictions, protecting journalists and humanitarian and health workers," stressing the need for political will now.
The UN recently noted that more than 240 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began nearly two years ago following deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
Roughly 1,200 people were killed and 250 hostages were taken to the enclave, some of whom remain in captivity.
Guterres calls for investigation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the deadly airstrikes and called for a prompt and impartial investigation.
"These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict," UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
The Secretary-General reiterated that medical personnel and journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, intimidation, or harm, in full accordance with international humanitarian law.
He also renewed his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unfettered humanitarian access across the enclave, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The number of deaths in Gaza has surpassed 61,000, according to the local health authorities.
Last week, food security experts confirmed that famine has taken root in Gaza Governorate, projecting that it will spread.
