ISTANBUL

The UN Middle East peace envoy strongly condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday on a “humanitarian safe zone” in the southern Gaza Strip.

“Such actions only underscore that nowhere is safe in Gaza,” Tor Wennesland said in a statement.

At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday on a tent camp in Khan Younis in al-Mawasi area, which Israel has designated as a “humanitarian safe zone” for displaced civilians in Gaza.

Gaza’s civil defense service said the Israeli missiles set refugee tents ablaze and caused craters as deep as nine meters (30 feet) in the area.

“I underline that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times. I also emphasize that civilians must never be used as human shields,” the UN envoy said.

Wennesland renewed his call for Israel and Hamas “to immediately reach an agreement that will bring about the release of all hostages and a cease-fire.”

“The killing of civilians must stop, and this horrific war must end,” he said.

“Ultimately, only a political path that outlines tangible, irreversible steps towards ending the occupation and establishing a two-state solution can put a durable end to the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis.”

Israel has systematically targeted civilian facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, amid its ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Under the rules of war, targeting such civilian facilities can constitute a war crime.

Israel has continued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 41,000 people, mostly women and children, have since been killed and nearly 95,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

An ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.