London: The UK is to hold “urgent talks” at the United Nations about the “dire” humanitarian crisis affecting residents in western Libya. The rebel-held western town of Misrata has been under attack from Colonel Gaddafi’s forces for over five weeks.
On Sunday, six civilians were reported to have died and more have been injured in a barrage of rocket fire.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would not invade and it was important to adhere to the UN mandate.
Opponents of Libyan leader Col Gaddafi also say at least 47 people were wounded when his forces shelled Misrata, on Sunday morning. Pro-government fighters are also said to have shelled Ajdabiya in the east.
UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell will discuss plans to increase aid and medical supplies and ensure better access during a meeting at the UN in New York, on Monday.
Media reports said hundreds of civilians had left Misrata in recent days and there was “increasing anxiety” among rebel leaders and doctors about the situation in the city where 300,000 people live.
Members of the Transitional National Council have called on Nato to target Col Gaddafi’s long range rocket launchers.
On Sunday, about 100 wounded people from the city were taken to Tunisia by a boat operated by medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres.
The UK’s Department for International Development said: “Reports from within Libya indicate that the humanitarian situation in certain areas in western Libya, where international agencies have no access, is dire.”
It said approximately 300 civilians had been killed and a further 1,000 injured in Misrata since late February.
Agencies have said there are shortages of critical supplies and attacks targeted against civilians and medical facilities, preventing staff from working.
There is concern medical centres are operating at maximum capacity and some severely injured people cannot leave the city for treatment because of the fighting.
The UN is also said to be worried that there could be outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
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