The United Nations condemned the violence between Israel and Palestinian groups on Saturday, calling for the attacks to immediately stop.
Tor Wennesland, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said in a statement that he was “in close contact with all concerned to urge maximum restraint and call on all sides to protect civilians.”
“I vehemently condemn this morning’s multi-front assault against Israeli towns and cities near the Gaza Strip, and barrage of rockets reaching across central Israel by Hamas militants,” Wennesland said.
“These events have resulted in horrific scenes of violence and many Israeli fatalities and injuries, with many believed to be kidnapped inside the Strip. These are heinous attacks targeting civilians and must stop immediately.”
The UN’s condemnation comes amid a sharp escalation in violence between Israel and Palestinian groups in recent days. On Friday, at least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, while Palestinian militants fired dozens of rockets into Israel.
The latest round of violence has raised concerns about a wider conflict in the region. The UN has called on all sides to exercise restraint and to take steps to protect civilians.
I vehemently condemn the multi-front assault against Israeli towns & cities near #Gaza, & barrage of rockets reaching across central #Israel by Hamas militants. These are heinous attacks targeting civilians & must stop immediately.
🔗https://t.co/S8Dyvjxo6k
My full statement👇 pic.twitter.com/fz2aJWUsGW
— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) October 7, 2023
