“Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee camp were the worst violence in the West Bank in many years,” mentioned António Guterres, referring to the two-day-long navy assault in Jenin, which started on Monday morning, involving the use of airstrikes and missiles fired from drones.
According to the Palestinian well being ministry, 12 folks have been killed, together with three youngsters, throughout what Israel described as a counter-terror operation. At least 120 have been wounded, together with 20 nonetheless in crucial situation.
Gun battles broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, with some roads torn up and lots of houses and properties broken. At least 3,000 folks have been reportedly compelled to flee their houses.
A automotive ramming assault in Israeli’s largest metropolis, Tel Aviv, in obvious retaliation for the Jenin operation left 9 injured. The Palestinian man who drove the automobile into pedestrians was shot useless on the scene.
On Thursday, Israel mentioned it had responded with artillery hearth after a rocket was launched into Israeli territory from southern Lebanon.
Exercise restraint
Addressing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General famous that colleges and hospitals had been broken in Jenin together with water and electrical energy networks.
“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.”
© UNRWA/Dominiek Benoot
Jenin refugee camp borders the Jenin municipality and is the northernmost camp within the West Bank.
He described the use of airstrikes as “inconsistent with the conduct of law enforcement operations”, and reminded Israel that because the occupying Power, it’s chargeable for guaranteeing civilians are “protected against all acts of violence”.
More violence ‘is not the answer’
Mr. Guterres mentioned he understood Israel’s legit issues over its safety, “but escalation is not the answer; it simply bolsters radicalization and leads to a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed.”
He mentioned it was in Israel’s long-term curiosity to abide by the two-State answer, which envisages an unbiased Palestine subsequent door.
“Restoring the hope of the Palestinian people in a meaningful political process, leading to a two-State solution and the end of the occupation, is an essential contribution by Israel to its own security.”
Watch the UN chief’s full remarks on the UN Security Council stakeout, the place he additionally speaks concerning the disaster in Haiti:
