The UN Secretary-General on Monday said that he recognized the
legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people and the
legitimate security concerns of Israel, but underlined his
rejection of terrorist acts and upheld the need to protect
civilians.
António Guterres was speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters
in New York following meeting with senior UN leaders on
what he called the "unprecedented developments" in Israel and the
Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Let me begin by repeating my utter condemnation of the abhorrent
attacks by Hamas and others against Israeli towns and villages in
the Gaza periphery, which have left over 800 Israelis dead and
more than 2,500 injured,” he said.
“Sadly, these numbers are expected to rise as the attacks are
ongoing and many remain unaccounted for,” he added.
He further noted that over 100 Israelis - civilians and
military, including women, children and the elderly - have been
reported captured by armed groups. Some are being held hostage
inside Israel and many others have been taken inside the Gaza
Strip.
Meanwhile, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have launched
thousands of indiscriminate rockets that have reached central
Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
No justification for terror
“I recognize the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people.
But nothing can justify these acts of terror and the
killing, maiming and abduction of civilians,” he said. “I
reiterate my call to immediately cease these attacks and release
all hostages.”
In the face of these unprecedented attacks, Israeli airstrikes
have pounded Gaza, he continued.
“I am deeply alarmed by reports of over 500 Palestinians --
including women and children -- killed in Gaza and over 3,000
injured. Unfortunately, these numbers are rising by the
minute as Israeli operations continue,” he said.
Respect international humanitarian law
“While I recognize Israel’s legitimate security concerns, I also
remind Israel that military operations must be conducted in
strict accordance with international humanitarian law.”
The Secretary-General stressed that civilians must be respected
and protected at all times, and that civilian infrastructure must
never be a target.
He pointed to reports that Israeli missiles had struck
health facilities inside Gaza as well as multi-storied
residential towers and a mosque. Two schools run by UNRWA,
the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees, that were
sheltering displaced families in Gaza were also hit.
Overall, some 137,000 people are currently sheltering in UNRWA
facilities, he continued, adding that numbers are increasing.
Humanitarian concerns
Mr. Guterres was deeply distressed by the announcement that
Israel will initiate a complete siege of the Gaza Strip.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before
these hostilities; now it will only deteriorate exponentially,”
he said.
“I urge all sides and the relevant parties to allow United
Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to
Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip. I
appeal to the international community to mobilize immediate
humanitarian support for this effort.”
End the violence
The Secretary-General said this most recent violence “does not
come in a vacuum” but “grows out of a long-standing conflict,
with a 56-year long occupation and no political end in sight.”
He appealed for an end to "the vicious cycle of bloodshed, hatred
and polarization."
“Israel must see its legitimate needs for security materialized –
and Palestinians must see a clear perspective for the
establishment of their own state realized,” he said.
“Only a negotiated peace that fulfills the legitimate national
aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis, together with their
security alike – the long-held vision of a two-State solution, in
line with United Nations resolutions, international law and
previous agreements – can bring long-term stability to the people
of this land and the wider Middle East region.”
