Israel's pretext of exercising 'right to self-defense' unethical, war crime: North Korea

ANKARA

North Korea said Thursday that Israeli atrocities under the pretext of the “right to self-defense” are unethical human rights violations and war crimes that openly ignore international laws and norms.

The Foreign Ministry accused the US of hyping the solution to the Middle East crisis.

"Israel’s attack on hospitals in the Gaza Strip literally reveals the aggressive and barbarous character of Israel," it said in a statement published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Pyongyang criticized the US’ role in the conflict and said Israel’s barbaric massacre of civilians are committed under the "patronage, connivance and support" of Washington.

"This can be easily seen if we follow the steps of the U.S. since the outbreak of the Middle East crisis," it said.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.

It has since killed more than 15,000 victims, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

"There are about 6,500 missing individuals, including more than 4,700 children and women, either under the rubble or their fate is still unknown," the head of the Gaza Media Office told Anadolu on Wednesday.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid