During the clashes between Israel and Hamas that have been going on since Saturday, images emerged that were claimed to be the moments when Israel used internationally banned phosphorus bombs in Gaza. The images became a trending topic all over the world. NATO and the UN also issued warnings to Israel regarding humanitarian aid and proportionate use of force in Gaza.
HUMAN RIGHTS MESSAGE
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a statement to the press about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the UN building in New York. Stating that he is closely following the developments in Israel and Gaza, Guterres stated that he is in close contact with regional leaders. “We must avoid the spread of conflict,” Guterres said. He noted that he was concerned about the mutual fire from the border defined as the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel and the attacks from the south of Lebanon.
Calling on all parties and those with influence on the parties to prevent the increase and spread of tension, Guterres said, “I call for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.” he said. Guterres gave the message that civilians must be protected and international humanitarian law must be respected.
Stating that approximately 220 thousand Palestinians are currently sheltered in 92 UN Assistance Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) facilities in Gaza, Guterres emphasized that UN facilities, hospitals and schools should never be targeted.
“NO TIME TO LOSE”
Guterres stated that UN staff worked to support the people of Gaza and said, “I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the greatest price for this.” he said.
“Vital supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza. We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access right now.” Guterres thanked Egypt for its constructive attitude in facilitating humanitarian access through the Rafah border gate and making Al Arish Airport ready for humanitarian aid.
The UN Secretary General concluded, “There is no time to waste. Every minute is important.” He finished by saying.
“I EXPECT THE RESPONSE TO BE PROPORTIONAL”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference at the end of the first day sessions of the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting. Asked whether he was concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict spreading to the region, Stoltenberg stated that Israel was subjected to terrorist attacks over the weekend, innocent people lost their lives, and that Israel had the right to defend itself against such terrorist attacks.
Stoltenberg said, “I expect Israel’s response to be proportionate. It is important that Israel does its best to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians while this conflict continues.” said.
Emphasizing that countries hostile to Israel should not use the current conflict situation, Stoltenberg reminded that the USA has increased its military presence in the region.
“This is an important deterrence message to prevent the escalation of the conflict,” Stoltenberg said. he said.
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
Hamas’s armed wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on the morning of October 7, called the “Aqsa Flood”.
While thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, Palestinian armed groups raided and seized the Beit Hanun-Erez Border Gate on the Gaza-Israel border.
Armed groups then entered the settlements within Israel from here, and the Israeli army launched an attack on the Gaza Strip with dozens of warplanes.
It was reported that 1200 Israelis lost their lives in the attacks carried out from Gaza.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that 1055 people died and 5 thousand 184 people were injured in Gaza in Israel’s attacks.
In the occupied West Bank, it was reported that 24 people lost their lives and approximately 130 people were injured in attacks by Israeli soldiers. In addition, Israeli police killed 2 Palestinians during the incidents in the Silvan town of occupied East Jerusalem.