United Nations secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, is following with deep concern the latest security developments in Gaza, the ongoing escalation and risk of further loss of lives.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, said in a statement that the secretary-general condemned the loss of lives, including civilians, children and women, which he viewed as unacceptable and must stop immediately.
He said Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations.
The UN chief also condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, which violated international humanitarian law and put at risk both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, said the spokesman.
“The secretary-general urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to work to stop hostilities immediately,” Mr Haq said.
He reiterates his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.
(Xinhua/NAN)
