UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the escalating
loss of life in Israel and Palestine on Thursday, voicing strong
condemnation for all acts of violence against civilians,
including acts of terror.
“Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee
camp were the worst violence in the West Bank in many years,”
said António Guterres, referring to the two day long military
assault in Jenin which began on Monday morning, involving the use
of airstrikes, and missiles fired from drones.
According to the Palestinian health ministry 12 people were
killed during what Israel described as a counter-terror
operation, including three children. At least 120 were wounded,
including 20 still in critical condition.
Gun battles broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinian
militants, with some roads torn up, and many homes and properties
damaged. At least 3,000 were reportedly forced to flee their
homes.
A car ramming attack in Israeli’s largest city Tel Aviv in
apparent retaliation for the Jenin operation, left nine injured.
The Palestinian man who drove the vehicle into pedestrians was
shot dead at the scene.
On Thursday, Israel said it had responded with artillery fire
after a rocket was launched into Israeli territory from southern
Lebanon.
Exercise restraint
Addressing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York, the
Secretary-General noted that schools and hospitals had been
damaged in Jenin, along with water and electricity networks.
“All those injured must have access to medical care, and
humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need.
“I once again call on Israel to abide by its obligations under
international law, including the duty to exercise restraint and
use only proportional force and the duty to minimize damage and
injury and respect and preserve human life.”
He described the use of airstrikes as “inconsistent with the
conduct of law enforcement operations”, and reminded Israel that
as the Occupying Power, it is responsible for ensuring civilians
are “protected against all acts of violence.”
More violence ‘is not the answer’
Mr. Guterres said he understood Israel’s legitimate concerns over
its security: “But escalation is not the answer. It simply
bolsters radicalization and leads to a deepening cycle of
violence and bloodshed.”
He said it was in Israel’s long-term interest to abide by the
two-State solution, which envisages an independent Palestine next
door.
“Restoring the hope of the Palestinian people in a meaningful
political process, leading to a two-State solution and the end of
the occupation, is an essential contribution by Israel to its own
security.”
