Edit: Ahmed Al-Kumi

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterich stated today that military operations in Ethiopia represent a challenge to the peace process and instability.

Earlier, the United Nations Human Rights Office had expressed concern about "numerous and deeply disturbing reports" of airstrikes in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, saying that at least 108 civilians had been killed since the beginning of the year.

The spokeswoman for the Office, Lisa Throsel, said that the Ethiopian army had launched numerous attacks, including targeting a private bus, airport and camp for displaced persons, adding that at least 59 people had died in the strike on the camp, making it the worst hit in terms of casualties. "At least 108 civilians have been killed and 75 injured since the beginning of the year during airstrikes reportedly carried out by the Ethiopian Air Force."

Throsel called on the Ethiopian authorities and their allies to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international law, which requires verification that the targets are military, and stated that "failure to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality may amount to war crimes."

Moreover, thousands in Ethiopia, especially diabetic patients, are at risk of dying, amid fears of running out of medical supplies in the country, amid a crisis in food, fuel and medicine caused by the conflict that has been going on for more than a year.