UN Chief Condemns Israel’s Tactics in Gaza, Calls for Accountability for Civilian Deaths

NEW YORK, Nov 8 (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his grave concern on Wednesday regarding the high number of civilians killed in the Gaza Strip, which raises serious questions about Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.

Guterres said, “There are violations by Hamas when they have human shields. But when one looks at the number of civilians that were killed with the military operations, there is something that is clearly wrong,” during the Reuters NEXT conference.

Israeli forces reportedly struck Gaza, an enclave of 2.3 million people, from the air, imposed a siege, and launched a ground invasion following an attack by Hamas militants which resulted in the death of 1,400 people and more than 240 hostages.

Palestinian officials revealed that 10,569 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, including 40% of the victims being children.

Despite the severe condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel, Guterres alongside the UN is urging Israel to recognize its humanitarian obligations. Guterres drew comparisons between the number of children being killed in Gaza with the toll in conflicts around the world, calling Gaza “a graveyard for children.”

Meanwhile, Guterres expressed the UN’s efforts in negotiating for a humanitarian ceasefire to provide aid access to Gaza. Additionally, the UN is working vigorously to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to the region. Guterres acknowledged the need for a transition period negotiated with the Palestinians and Israel while emphasizing “a serious negotiation for the two-state solution.”

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