New York – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli attack on the town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, which led to a horrific massacre in which a large number of Palestinian civilians were killed, including children and women.
This came in a statement issued by United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric, yesterday, Wednesday, regarding the position of the Secretary-General of the organization regarding the massacre committed by Israeli forces in Beit Lahia yesterday, Tuesday.
The statement indicated that Guterres felt “deep shock” at the news of the killing of many people, including children, as a result of the Israeli attack in Beit Lahia.
According to the statement, Guterres expressed his categorical condemnation of the killing, wounding and displacement of a large number of civilians.
He called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law and protect civilians, stressing the need to declare an immediate ceasefire.
On Tuesday, the government media office in Gaza announced the killing of 93 Palestinians, in addition to the loss of more than 40 others, as a result of Israeli warplanes bombing a five-story residential building in Beit Lahia.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with absolute American support, has been waging a “genocidal” war on Gaza, resulting in more than 144,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing people, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly. In one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
On October 5, the Israeli army began unprecedented bombing operations on the northern Gaza Strip, before invading it the next day under the pretext of “preventing the movement of Palestinian factions from regaining their strength,” while the Palestinians say that Israel wants to occupy the region and displace them.
This attack, which coincided with a tight siege, caused the hospitals of the North Governorate to be out of service, and also led to the cessation of civil defense services and ambulances belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
On October 18, the army imposed complete isolation on the North Governorate from the outside world by cutting off the communications network and the Internet, which affected the official authorities’ access to information from their sources there.
The Palestinians confirm that Israel is working to occupy northern Gaza and turn it into a buffer zone and displace citizens, under a strict siege that prevents the entry of food, water, and medicines, and intense bombardment that has killed at least a thousand Palestinians.
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**Interview with Dr. Lena Kassem, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kassem. The recent attack on Beit Lahia has garnered international attention, especially with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ strong condemnation. Can you provide us with context about the situation in Gaza that led to such tragic events?
**Dr. Kassem:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza is complex and deeply rooted in longstanding conflicts. Tensions have escalated recently due to ongoing military operations, economic hardship, and political instability. The attack on Beit Lahia, which has tragically resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children, reflects the dire consequences of these tensions.
**Editor:** Guterres expressed “deep shock” and condemned the violence against civilians. How significant is the UN’s response to such incidents in the broader conflict?
**Dr. Kassem:** The UN’s statements are critical as they not only highlight the humanitarian impact of the violence but also call for accountability and adherence to international law. When the Secretary-General calls for a ceasefire, it signals to both warring parties that the international community is watching and concerned about the humanitarian consequences. It can also create pressure for negotiations or dialogue.
**Editor:** In his statement, Guterres emphasized the need for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians. What role does international law play in this context, and how can it be effectively enforced?
**Dr. Kassem:** International law mandates that all parties in a conflict must protect civilian lives and avoid targeting non-combatants. While the UN and other international bodies can offer frameworks and resolutions, enforcing these laws is often challenging, especially in conflict zones where power dynamics are at play. Increased diplomatic efforts and pressure from global powers are essential to ensure compliance.
**Editor:** what can the international community do to mitigate the effects of such violence and contribute to a lasting peace in the region?
**Dr. Kassem:** The international community can take several steps: advocating for immediate ceasefires, increasing humanitarian aid to affected populations, and fostering dialogue between conflicting parties. Additionally, it’s vital to address the underlying issues—such as land rights, governance, and economic conditions—that often fuel these conflicts. Active engagement from major powers can help facilitate a pathway to peace.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kassem, for your insights into this tragic situation and the international response. We hope for a swift resolution that prioritizes the safety and rights of civilians.
**Dr. Kassem:** Thank you for having me.
