UN chief calls for immediate end to Israeli aggression on Gaza
Last updated on: 20 May,2021 08:56 pm
US chief said "If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza."
UNITED NATIONS (Dunya News) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to tensions following an Israeli aggression on Gaza.
"I am deeply shocked by the continued air and artillery bombardment by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza," Guterres said of the salvos that have killed more than 200 Palestinians, including 60 children.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN General Assembly that “if there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza”.
He said the bombing on Gaza had killed more than 200 Palestinians. There should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, several hospitals were destroyed in the Israeli bombardment and thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, while nine members of the same family were martyred in the bombing at the refugee camp.
The UN chief went on to say that there was also concern over the destruction of a media building in Gaza, adding that the protection of journalists is necessary. He said UN facilities had also been targeted in Gaza and asked Israel to pave way for humanitarian aid. “Tensions must be stopped, the conflict in Palestine cannot be ignored.”
"It is imperative that we achieve de-escalation, to prevent an uncontainable crossborder security and humanitarian crisis," Guterres said, calling for the "resumption of negotiations" pursuing "a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines."
"We are in contact with Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire, and all member states should put pressure on both sides for a ceasefire," he said. He said Israeli government must avoid violation of war crime laws, adding that the civilians can never be targeted, and bombing of densely populated areas must be avoided.