Israel-Palestine: The head of the United Nations strongly condemns the increase in violence, terrorist acts
“Israel air strikes and ground operations against a crowded refugee camp are the worst violence in the West Bank in years,” said António Guterres, referring to the two-day military offensive. in Jenin, which began Monday morning, involved the use of weapons. of air strikes and missiles fired from drones.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 12 people were killed, including three children, in what Israel described as an anti-terrorist operation. At least 120 people were injured, 20 of whom are still in critical condition.
Gunfights have broken out between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, with several roads destroyed and many homes and properties damaged. At least 3,000 people are believed to have been forced to flee their homes.
A car crash attack in Israel’s largest city, Tel Aviv, apparently in retaliation for Operation Jenin left nine people injured. The Palestinian man who drove his car into a pedestrian was shot dead at the scene.
On Thursday, Israel said it responded with artillery fire after a rocket was launched into Israeli territory from southern Lebanon.
Lessons of restraint
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General noted that schools and hospitals in Jenin along with electricity and water networks had been damaged.
“All injured people must have access to medical care and humanitarian workers must be able to reach those in need,” he said. only use force proportionately and have an obligation to minimize damage and injury as well as respect and protect human life.”
The Jenin Refugee Camp borders the city of Jenin and is the northernmost camp on the West Coast.
He described the use of airstrikes as “inappropriate for the conduct of law enforcement operations” and reminded Israel that as the Occupying State, it has a responsibility to secure civilians. protected from all acts of violence”.
More violence ‘not the answer’
Mr. Guterres said he understood Israel’s legitimate concerns about its security, “but escalation is not the answer; it simply promotes radicalization and leads to a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed.”
He said that it is in Israel’s long-term interest to adhere to the two-State solution, which envisages an independent Palestine next door.
“Restoring the hope of the Palestinian people in a meaningful political process that leads to a Two-State solution and an end to occupation is an essential Israeli contribution to its own security.”
See the full text of the UN Secretary-General’s speech to the UN Security Council stakeout, where he also talks about the crisis in Haiti:
