UN chief strongly deplores violence, acts of terror, loss of life in the Middle East

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 7th July. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday addressed the escalating loss of life in Israel and Palestine and expressed his strong condemnation for all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, to reporters in New York at press stake out..

He said “Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee camp were the worst violence in the West Bank in many years.”

Guterres referred to a two day long military assault in Jenin which began on Monday morning, involved 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, UN stated.

Media reports said gun battles broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, with some roads torn up, and many homes and properties damaged.

Over 3,000 were reportedly forced to flee their homes.

The UN said that a car attack in Israel’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.

Mr. Guterres 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 said.

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.”

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.

Guterres added “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.