Doctors forced to amputate the leg of a three-year-old Gaza resident. Gaza: UN Secretary-General ‘unequivocally condemns ongoing violence’ Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has “unequivocally” condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahia. The Secretary-General recalls that such actions lead to massive civilian casualties, including the deaths of women and children.
The UN press service reported this on Monday. In his statement, the UN Secretary-General reminds the parties to the conflict of their responsibility to protect civilians from attacks. Guterres, the document says, remains deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, including mass displacement and lack of basic necessities.
The Secretary-General calls for immediate unimpeded access for humanitarian workers and rescuers to all those in need of assistance.
“The recent attacks on hospitals in northern Gaza are exacerbating an already grave humanitarian crisis and putting the lives of tens of thousands of people at grave risk,” the Secretary-General stressed. “Patients and medical staff must be protected. Hospitals must not be targeted. Access to essential health services and essential supplies must be a priority – this is important to prevent further loss of life.”
According to him, the violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict in Gaza are unacceptable. He added that those responsible for crimes on both sides must be punished.
The Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
‘The nightmare is intensifying’
Thor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said yesterday that “the nightmare in Gaza is intensifying.”
There are no safe places in Gaza, he said. He condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians. The war must stop, the hostages held by Hamas must be released, the displacement of Palestinians must cease and civilians must be protected wherever they are, Wennesland said.
Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya also drew the international community’s attention to what is happening in northern Gaza, “where Palestinians continue to suffer unspeakable horrors under siege by Israeli forces.” She said “these atrocities must stop.”