U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern concerning the potential of the Israel-Gaza battle spreading past the borders to the broader area, as he criticized Israel for violating worldwide legislation.
“I remain deeply concerned about the risk of a dangerous escalation beyond Gaza and urge all leaders to exercise utmost restraint to avoid a wider conflagration,” Guterres stated in an announcement.
He stated he’s “alarmed by the intensification of the battle between Israel and Hamas and different Palestinian armed teams in Gaza.
“This includes the expansion of ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces accompanied by intense air strikes, and the continued rocket fire toward Israel from Gaza,” he stated.
Stating that civilians have borne the brunt of the combating from the outset, Guterres stated the safety of civilians on each side is “paramount and must be respected at all times.”
The U.N. chief reiterated his condemnation of the Oct. 7 assault by the Palestine resistance group, Hamas.
“There is never any justification for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians. I appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of those civilians held hostage by Hamas,” he stated.
Guterres condemned Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza and stated he’s “dismayed by studies that two-thirds of those that have been killed are ladies and youngsters.
“International humanitarian law establishes clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively. All parties must abide by it, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” he stated.
He cautioned that escalation solely will increase the immense struggling of civilians.
“The level of humanitarian assistance that has been allowed into Gaza up to this point is completely inadequate and not commensurate with the needs of people in Gaza, compounding the humanitarian tragedy,” he stated.
Guterres reiterated his name for a direct humanitarian cease-fire and unimpeded humanitarian entry to these in Gaza in want.
The loss of life toll from the continuing Israeli assaults within the Gaza Strip has climbed to eight,525, the Health Ministry within the blockaded enclave stated Tuesday.
The Israeli military widened its air and floor assaults final weekend on the Gaza Strip, which has been beneath relentless airstrikes because the shock offensive by Palestinian group Hamas earlier this month.
Over 1,538 Israelis have been killed in Hamas assaults.
Source: www.dailysabah.com