Russia categorically rejected accusations of war crimes over the bombing of hospitals in Syria.

Moscow’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said “those who make such statements are not capable of backing them up with proof.”

Up to 50 people were killed as a result of missile attacks on at least four hospitals and two schools in rebel-held areas of northern Syria on Monday.

The UN said the “deliberate” targeting of such facilities “could amount to war crimes”.

Russia has been accused, by Turkey among others, of being responsible for the attacks.

Meanwhile, a Turkish official on Tuesday said Turkey would back a ground operation in Syria, but only “with our international allies”.

“There is not going to be a unilateral military operation from Turkey to Syria,” the unnamed official told reporters in Istanbul.