Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – The UN chief addressed the escalating loss of life in Israel and Palestine, 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, involving the use of airstrikes and missiles fired from drones.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, 12 people were killed, including three children, during what Israel described as a counter-terror operation. At least 120 were wounded, including 20 still in critical condition.
“All those injured must have access to medical care, and humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need,” he said. “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”.
