“The Secretary-General underscores that medical facilities and medical personnel are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law. He calls for a prompt, effective and impartial investigation into today’s incident,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.

Ban had condemned an earlier incident on 27 October during which a hospital run by MSF in Sa’ada province was hit by airstrikes.

“The Secretary-General reminds all parties of the utmost necessity to respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law to prevent attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the statement concluded.

Photo:Almigdad Mojalli/IRIN