Reports that over 100 Palestinians were killed overnight in a wave of Israeli airstrikes mainly on residential buildings, IDP tents and schools across the Gaza strip, following the death of an Israeli soldier, are appalling. The laws of war are very clear on the paramount importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Israel must comply with its continuing obligations under international humanitarian law and is accountable for any violations.
It is distressing that these killings occurred just as the long-suffering population of Gaza started to feel there was hope that the unrelenting barrage of violence may be at an end. I repeat that all parties to the conflict must act in good faith to implement the ceasefire and call on States, especially those with particular influence, to do all in their power to ensure compliance.
The past two years have brought untold suffering and misery, and the near wholesale destruction of Gaza. We must not allow this opportunity for peace and a path towards a more just and secure future to slip from our grasp.
