The UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday he
was following the latest exchanges of fire between Israeli forces
and militants in the Gaza Strip with “deep concern” over the
escalating conflict, and “risk of further loss of life.”
In a statement released by his Spokesperson, António Guterres
said that he condemned the civilian loss of life, that occurred
during Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday aimed at the militant
Islamic Jihad group, three of whose leaders were killed.
In total, 13 Palestinians were killed during Tuesday’s early
morning attacks, including five women and four children.
Killing of civilians must end
Mr. Guterres said that the deaths of the women and children were
“unacceptable and must stop immediately”, the statement
continued.
“Israel must abide by its obligations under international
humanitarian law, including the proportional use of
force and taking all feasible precautions to spare
civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of
military operations.”
According to news reports, in response to Tuesday’s strikes,
Palestinian militants in the occupied Gaza enclave bordering
Israel had fired more than 460 rockets, while Israel had hit more
than 130 targets inside Gaza.
Local medical authorities reported that six people had died on
Wednesday, with more than 40 injured.
Some Israelis were reportedly hurt while rushing to seek shelter
from rockets, but most were intercepted or fell on open ground.
End indiscriminate rocket-fire
In his statement, the Secretary-General also condemned
“the indiscriminate launching of rockets from Gaza into
Israel, which violates international humanitarian law
and puts at risk both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.”
Mr. Guterres urged all parties to the latest uptick in violence
to “exercise maximum restraint” and work towards ending the
fighting immediately.
“He reiterates his commitment to supporting Palestinians and
Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant
United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral
agreements.”
