UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday he was “deeply concerned” by the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. He argued that “international humanitarian law is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively”.
“International humanitarian law lays down clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively. They must be respected by all parties, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Guterres said in a statement.
He reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and consistent provision of humanitarian access to meet the urgent needs of the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Guterres urged all leaders to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a “wider conflagration”.
He noted that the brunt of the current struggles has been borne by the people from the very beginning. He described the protection of civilians on both sides as “primary” and emphasized that it must always be respected.
“I am deeply concerned by the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. This includes the expansion of ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces, accompanied by intensive airstrikes, and continued rocket fire into Israel from Gaza,” Guterres said in a statement.
He condemned the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of those civilians held hostage by Hamas. He condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and said he was “appalled” by reports that two-thirds of those killed were women and children.
Guterres expressed dismay at the level of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza so far, describing it as “grossly inadequate” and inadequate to the needs of the people of Gaza, compounding the humanitarian tragedy.” He mourned and honored the UN. colleagues who were killed in the bombing of Gaza.
In an interview with X, Guterres said: “I am deeply concerned about the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. As too many Israeli and Palestinian lives have already been lost, this escalation only adds to the immense suffering of civilians.” “
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said ground troops took control of a Hamas “military stronghold” in the northern Gaza Strip and killed about 50 terrorists during operations on Tuesday, The Times of Israel. reported.
According to the IDF, infantry forces and tanks led by the Givati Brigade seized the compound in western Jabaliya. The IDF said the compound was used by the Hamas Jabaliya battalion. According to the IDF, the complex includes tunnels, missile launch positions, and weapons storage, The Times of Israel reported.
Image Source: Egyptian Streets
