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(JTA) — Antonio Guterres has been one of many extra Israel-friendly secretary-generals of the United Nations. Since assuming his place in 2017, he has criticized anti-Israel bias within the U.N. system, visited Israel, mentioned denying Israel’s proper to exist is antisemitism and reaffirmed the traditional Jewish ties to Jerusalem.
However after Israel’s raid this week on the West Financial institution metropolis of Jenin, which killed 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier, Guterres mentioned “there was an extreme pressure utilized by Israeli forces,” The Related Press reported.
“Israeli airstrikes and floor operations in a crowded refugee camp have been the worst violence within the West Financial institution in a few years, with a big affect on civilians,” Guterres mentioned at a press briefing in New York. “I as soon as once more name on Israel to abide by its obligations below worldwide legislation, together with the obligation to train restraint and use solely proportional pressure.”
“I perceive Israel’s reliable considerations with its safety however escalation isn’t the reply,” he added. “It merely bolsters radicalization and results in a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed.”
In response, Gilad Erdan, Israel’s consultant on the U.N., advised the Occasions of Israel on Thursday that Guterres’ criticisms have been “shameful, farfetched, and fully indifferent from actuality.”
Israel has mentioned the raid was essential to stem terrorist assaults on civilians which have accelerated over the previous 12 months and that each one 12 who have been killed have been militants. The raid injured 90 folks and drove many out of properties destroyed throughout the assault.
The Palestinian Authority referred to as the operation a “warfare crime” and the highest United Nations human rights official mentioned in an announcement that the operation “raises a bunch of significant points with respect to worldwide human rights norms and requirements.” The U.S. Nationwide Safety Council, in contrast, mentioned in an announcement that it “help[s] Israel’s safety and proper to defend its folks,” although it added, “It’s crucial to take all doable precautions to stop the lack of civilian lives.”
Guterres referred to as out the usage of airstrikes throughout the raid, saying they have been “inconsistent with the conduct of legislation enforcement operations.”
Israel, because the occupying energy, “has a accountability to make sure that the civilian inhabitants is protected in opposition to all acts of violence.”
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