UNSMIL announced that it is extremely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Tripoli and its surroundings as a result of the intensification of fighting in the past few days.

It reported at least 28 civilians injured and five killed, including women and children, due to the dramatic increase of ‘‘indiscriminate shelling on civilian-populated areas’’, including Ain Zara, Al-Swani, Tareeq al Shoak, Souq Al-Juma, Al-Krimya, Al-Furnaj and Arada.

It said these attacks have also resulted in renewed displacement and damage to civilian properties and infrastructure.  On 17 April, the Royal Hospital in Tripoli was also hit, resulting in extensive damage to the intensive care unit and the evacuation of staff and patients, it added.

It renewed its call for a humanitarian truce to allow Libyans to prepare for the holy month in peace and the authorities to provide the urgently needed services, to treat the wounded and address the mounting threat of COVID-19.