The US has reiterated its expectation for all parties in Gaza to uphold international humanitarian law amid recent claims of civilian casualties, including those of aid workers. The situation remains critical as tensions escalate following recent military actions.
US Calls for Compliance with Humanitarian Law Amidst Gaza Violence
US Calls for Compliance with Humanitarian Law Amidst Gaza Violence
US State Department emphasizes the need for adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In a significant response to the escalating violence in Gaza, the US State Department expressed its call for all involved parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law. The comments came in light of reports indicating the deaths of 15 individuals, including paramedics and a UN worker, massed in a grave after a military strike by Israel on March 23. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce attributed the ongoing civilian impact in Gaza directly to Hamas, steering attention from the actions of the Israeli military.
The UN's humanitarian agency reported disturbing details regarding the incident, highlighting that five ambulances, along with a fire truck, were targeted during the military operation. Paramedics' bodies were discovered dressed in their uniforms, prompting urgent calls for accountability. Jonathan Whittall of the UN mentioned the establishment of a mass grave marked with an emergency light from an affected ambulance, calling the events an atrocity.
The Israeli Defense Forces defended their actions, claiming the vehicles attacked were "advancing suspiciously" and contained Hamas militants. However, specifics regarding the incident's impact on civilians were not addressed comprehensively.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian landscape is dire as the ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities in Gaza since mid-March, with over 50,350 reported killed since the larger escalation began in October 2023, following a devastating attack on Israel by Hamas.
Calls for humanitarian protections and accountability are intensifying as the international community watches closely amid fears of escalating violence and further civilian casualties.
The UN's humanitarian agency reported disturbing details regarding the incident, highlighting that five ambulances, along with a fire truck, were targeted during the military operation. Paramedics' bodies were discovered dressed in their uniforms, prompting urgent calls for accountability. Jonathan Whittall of the UN mentioned the establishment of a mass grave marked with an emergency light from an affected ambulance, calling the events an atrocity.
The Israeli Defense Forces defended their actions, claiming the vehicles attacked were "advancing suspiciously" and contained Hamas militants. However, specifics regarding the incident's impact on civilians were not addressed comprehensively.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian landscape is dire as the ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities in Gaza since mid-March, with over 50,350 reported killed since the larger escalation began in October 2023, following a devastating attack on Israel by Hamas.
Calls for humanitarian protections and accountability are intensifying as the international community watches closely amid fears of escalating violence and further civilian casualties.
