The large-scale offensive that Croatia began against ethnic Serbs on 4 August escalated the conflict and was regrettable. The shelling of civilian targets was again condemned, and it was noted that violations of international humanitarian law had been committed and that the people who fled were in a serious situation. The rights of the local Serb population had to be protected, while violence against the United Nations personnel which resulted in three fatalities was also condemned by the Council.[2]