“During the past ten days, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel has deteriorated at an alarming rate,” she said. Permit.
“The situation in Sheikh Jarrah in occupied East Jerusalem, as a result of threats to the forced eviction of Palestinian families; the heavy presence of Israeli security forces and violence around the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan; and the severe escalation of attacks to and from Gaza; Losses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel. ”
“Instead of seeking to de-escalate tensions, it appears that inflammatory rhetoric from leaders on all sides seeks to stir up tensions rather than calm them,” Bachelet added.
The Security Council meets on Sunday
Meanwhile, the loss of life is increasing in the exchanges between the Israel Defense Forces and the armed group Hamas that controls Gaza. at. Saturday, UNICEF Palestine reported on Twitter that eight children were killed overnight in Gaza, and that 40 children there, and two in Israel, had died.
United nations Security Council He will meet on Sunday morning to discuss the crisis. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tour Winnisland, will address the ambassadors.
Ms. Bachelet warned that the firing of large numbers of indiscriminate rockets into Israel by Palestinian armed groups, including in densely populated areas, amounted to war crimes.
There are also concerns that some of the attacks launched by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza “have targeted civilian targets that do not, under international humanitarian law, meet the requirements of being considered military objectives.”
In her statement, she said that failure to adhere to the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in carrying out military operations “amounts to a serious violation of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes.”
I urge the parties to ensure strict respect for their obligations under international law. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that Israel, as the occupying power, has a duty to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the Gaza Strip without hindrance. “Those found responsible for the violations should be held accountable.”
Mob violence, inflammatory language
Ms. Bachelet also called on the Israeli government to take action against “an alarming outbreak of violence” between extreme right-wing groups, including Israeli settlers and Palestinian citizens of Israel, in several cities of the country.
She was particularly concerned about “the apparently highly organized nature of some of the attacks as well as the inflammatory language that may amount to incitement to racial and religious hatred and violence”.
Reports also indicate that in some cases, organized convoys have arrived from Israeli settlements in the West Bank to join local groups. Some Palestinian citizens of Israel committed violent attacks.
“I am particularly concerned about reports that the Israeli police have failed to intervene as Palestinian citizens of Israel have been violently attacked, and that far-right groups are using social media to mobilize people to bring in ‘weapons, knives, batons and knuckles’ for use against Palestinian citizens of Israel. Mrs. Bachelet said.
She reminded the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect all residents and citizens, and urged political leaders to refrain from actions that would inflame tensions and to work instead to prevent and address incitement to hatred and violence.
Investigate all violations
The High Commissioner was also deeply disturbed by reports of live ammunition being used by Israeli security forces during protests and clashes in the West Bank, resulting in the killing of 10 Palestinians on Friday alone.
Ms. Bachelet called for independent, transparent and thorough investigations to be conducted into all allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
“We know from recent history how such a dangerous situation could progress with dire consequences for thousands of civilians,” she said.
“There can be no winner, and no sustainable peace resulting from the escalation of the cycle of violence. I urge all parties – and powerful states – to take immediate measures to ensure respect for international law, to reduce tensions, and to work to resolve the conflict rather than fuel it.”
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