United Nations — UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for an “independent and transparent investigation” after many Palestinians were killed and hundreds more wounded during clashes with the Israeli military, a spokesman said. “The secretary general calls for an independent and transparent investigation into these incidents,” said a statement by Guterres’ deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, which also reaffirmed “the readiness” of the world body to revitalize peace efforts. Haq added that Guterres “also appeals to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm’s way.” Kuwait requested an emergency meeting to discuss the unraveling situation in Gaza, which saw the conflict’s deadliest single day since the 2014 Gaza war. “There is fear that the situation might deteriorate in the coming days,” said assistant UN secretary general for political affairs, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, urging maximum restraint. However, a defiant Israel said it will target what it described “terror organizations” in Gaza if violence along the territory’s border with Israel drags on Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis, the chief army spokesman, denied allegations of excessive use of force, saying those killed by Israeli troops were men between the ages of 18 and 30 who were involved in violence and belonged to militant factions. Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital received 284 injured people Friday, the majority with bullet injuries, said spokesman Ayman Sahbani. He said 70 were under the age of 18 and 11 were women. He said 40 surgeries were performed Friday and that 50 were planned Saturday. “These are all from live bullets that broke limbs or caused deep, open wounds with damage to nerves and veins,” he said. Among those recovering from surgery was 16-year-old Marwan Yassin who was shot in both legs. One of his legs was wrapped in bandages and the other had a cast and metal fixtures. On Saturday, a few hundred people gathered at five tent encampments that have been set up several hundred meters from the border fence. The tents serve as the launch points for marches. Protest organizers have said mass marches would continue until May 15, the 70th anniversary of Israel’s creation. — Agencies