Global condemnation follows deadly Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, with calls for immediate de-escalation. International leaders express concern over civilian casualties, urging both sides to cease hostilities. The UN calls for urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing more than 400 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The deadly Israeli airstrikes marked the most intense assault on the territory since a ceasefire was put in place in January.
Strikes were reported in multiple locations, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah in central and southern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian Response
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for “urgent international intervention” to stop what it described as “genocide and displacement” of its people. Hamas accused Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was responsible for the hostilities. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also condemned the strikes, blaming Israel for “sabotaging all efforts” to maintain peace.
Israeli Government’s Stance
The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military actions would intensify in response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that operations would continue until all Israeli objectives were met.
Global Condemnation of Deadly Israeli Airstrikes
Governments and organizations worldwide strongly criticized the renewed violence.
- United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock, urging an immediate halt to hostilities. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the situation as an unfolding “tragedy.”
- Saudi Arabia: Condemned the “direct bombardment of civilian areas” by Israeli forces.
- Turkey: Called the strikes “a new phase” in Israel’s “genocide policy,” accusing Netanyahu’s government of violating international law.
- Russia: Expressed concern over the high civilian death toll and called for de-escalation.
- Egypt: Denounced the airstrikes as a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire.
- Jordan: Referred to the bombardment as “aggressive and barbaric.”
- Qatar: Urged a return to negotiations to reinstate the ceasefire.
- China: Called for the parties to avoid any actions that could escalate the situation.
Calls for Peace
France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union called for an immediate end to the violence. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Palestine, Muhannad Hadi, stressed the need to reinstate the ceasefire, describing the attacks as “This is unconscionable. A ceasefire must be reinstated immediately.”
The ongoing conflict continues to spark outrage across the world, with growing calls for a lasting solution to prevent further suffering.
