UN warning on Gaza: We are worried
UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern about the increasing attacks on Gaza in a written statement from the UN spokesperson.
Drawing attention to the Israeli military’s expansion of ground operations accompanied by intense airstrikes and continued rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, Guterres said: “I am deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. in Gaza.” saying.
Guterres emphasized that civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict from the beginning, drawing attention to the importance of protecting civilians on both sides and saying: “I condemn the killing of civilians in Gaza, and I am shocked by the news of that two thirds of those murdered were women and children.” he shared his statement.
“GREAT SUFFERING OF CIVILIANS INCREASES”
Expressing his sadness and condolences for the UN staff who tragically lost their lives in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza over the past three weeks, Guterres emphasized that international humanitarian law sets out clear rules that cannot be ignored and cannot be addressed in a haphazard manner. selectively.
“All parties must comply with this, including the principles of discrimination, proportionality and precaution,” Guterres said. “Given that so many Israelis and Palestinians have already lost their lives, this escalation only compounds the immense suffering of civilians.” he made the assessment of it.
Noting that the level of humanitarian aid allowed so far into Gaza is completely inadequate and that this exacerbates the tragedy, the UN Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to meet the urgent needs created by the disaster. in Gaza.
“I remain deeply concerned about the risk of a dangerous escalation of tensions beyond Gaza and call on all leaders to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a broader conflagration,” Guterres said. he said.
“THEY ARE STRIVING FOR GAZA”
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stated that the number of aid workers who lost their lives in Gaza was 66. Noting that aid workers are always on the front lines in different conflicts around the world, Dujarric He stated that the numbers may be much higher in some regions. “Attacking humanitarian aid workers is unacceptable,” Dujarric said. he said.
Noting that this situation has been observed in South Sudan, Ukraine and now in Gaza, Dujarric recalled that approximately 13,000 humanitarian aid workers work in Gaza.
Dujarric stressed that the majority of the staff are Palestinians and are trying to help people in very difficult conditions, saying: “They are making an effort to provide the assistance they can to the people of Gaza.” saying.
LATEST SITUATION IN GAZA
While Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on the morning of October 7, in response to Israel’s continued violations “against the Palestinians and their sacred values, especially the Masjid al-Aqsa”. The Israeli army also concentrated on the Gaza Strip and launched aerial bombardments.
Israeli officials announced that more than 1,400 Israelis, including 315 soldiers, were killed and 5,132 people were wounded in the attacks carried out from Gaza.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said there are 240 Israeli prisoners held by the al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 8,525 Palestinians, including 3,542 children and 2,187 women, were killed and 21,643 people were wounded in Israeli attacks.
In attacks by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, 124 Palestinians were killed and approximately 2,000 Palestinians were injured.
35 journalists lost their lives in Gaza and 1 journalist in Lebanon during the Israeli bombardment.
Due to Israel’s intense attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip, Internet communication, landline and mobile telephone services in the region have stopped.
The Israeli military began expanding limited ground operations on October 26 and further increased the dose of airstrikes.
The Shifa hospital, the largest health center in Gaza with thousands of wounded and civilians, was also attacked by the Israeli army.
In clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah since October 8, 48 Hezbollah members and 4 Israeli soldiers have been killed so far.