Ethiopian women who fled the ongoing fighting in Tigray region, gather in Hamdayet village near Sudan-Ethiopia border. Reuters

The United Nations urged Ethiopia on Monday to ensure the protection of civilians, a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave Tigrayan forces 72 hours to surrender before a military offensive on the regional capital of Mekelle.

Ethiopians arrive in Hamdayet village near the Sudan-Ethiopia border.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, have been killed in fighting that erupted on Nov.4 between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray’s regional army, sending more than 30,000 refugees into neighbouring Sudan.