Earlier today, a school being used as a U.N. shelter was shelled in Gaza, killing at least 17 Palestinians and injuring 90. Israel took some responsibility for the attack, explaining that its military "fired back after its soldiers were targeted by mortar rounds launched from the vicinity of the school." The U.S. condemned the shelling without blaming Israel.

White House spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said the U.S. is "extremely concerned" that Palestinians aren't safe in U.N. shelters. "All of these actions, and similar ones earlier in the conflict, are inconsistent with the U.N.'s neutrality," she said. "This violence underscores the need to achieve a cease-fire as soon as possible."

Meehan also said the U.S. condemns the practice of hiding weapons in U.N. shelters, which Hamas has been accused of doing.

[Image via AP]