The UN has denounced Israel’s targeting journalists in besieged Gaza, emphasizing the “alarming” number of reporters killed.
Asked about an Al Jazeera photojournalist being targeted by Israeli army gunfire while covering the situation in northern Gaza, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said at a news conference that “we’ve continued to deplore the killing of all journalists.”
“No journalists should be killed in this conflict, and yet you’ve seen an alarming number of journalists both killed and injured. Our thoughts go out to your injured colleague,” he said.
The number of journalists killed since the Israeli onslaught began on Gaza has reached 176.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon reported that Israeli fire targeted their headquarters in the southern town of Naqura, injuring two Blue Helmets. The UN mission accused Israel of “repeatedly” striking their positions.
“Earlier today, two peacekeepers were injured when an IDF Merkava tank fired at an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters, hitting it directly and causing the peacekeepers to fall,” the mission said, referring to the Israeli military.
UNIFIL peacekeepers have been stationed in southern Lebanon since 2006 under a UN Security Council mandate to support regional stability. Any intentional attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.
Global Reactions to Israel’s Attack
Türkiye
Türkiye condemned Israel’s attack on the UN force, following what it described as “massacres of civilians” in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. Türkiye contributes to UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force with a corvette/frigate and personnel at the UN headquarters.
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell denounced the attack as “inadmissible” and without justification, stating that Israel had crossed a dangerous line. He reiterated the EU’s full support for UNIFIL and its Security Council-mandated mission.
Finland
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned the attack as “highly condemnable” and called for a full investigation into the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Italy
The Italian government summoned Israel’s ambassador to Rome, formally protesting the attack on UN troops. Italy, which has made significant contributions to regional stability under the UN mandate, called the attack “unacceptable” and urged for de-escalation in the region.
Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. He stressed the need for a diplomatic solution and full implementation of UN resolutions, including the disarmament of armed groups like Hezbollah, while calling for an end to Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.
