By Erol Avdovic and Michael Hernandez
UNITED NATIONS and WASHINGTON D.C.
The UN and U.S. have both appealed for calm as the violence between Israel and Palestine threatens to spiral into further bloodshed.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for calm as a “dangerous escalation of violence” between Israel and Palestine threatens further casualties.
In a written statement released by the UN’s New York headquarters on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon specifically condemned rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza as well as indiscriminate Israeli military attacks on Palestinians.
His spokesman said: “The Secretary General condemns the recent multiple rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. These indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas must stop.
“The Secretary General is extremely concerned at the dangerous escalation of violence, which has already resulted in multiple Palestinian deaths and injuries as a result of Israeli operations against Gaza.
“He reiterates his call on all actors to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further civilian casualties and overall destabilization. It is imperative now to restore calm.”
Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, further condemned the rocket attacks from Gaza while speaking to the media on Tuesday. He said: “No country can accept rocket fire aimed at civilians and we support Israel's right to defend itself against these vicious attacks.”
The U.S. State Department called for cooler heads to prevail while placing the onus for escalating tensions on Gaza-based militants.
“We think all sides should act responsibly. All sides should take steps to de-escalate,” Jen Psaki, the State Department spokeswoman said. “But again, it's important to note where the rocket attacks are coming from.”
The violence escalated last week after three Israeli teenagers were found dead in the West Bank and a Palestinian boy was apparently murdered in retribution.
Palestinian officials have said at least 15 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes while the Israeli military said it was considering “all options,” including a land incursion into Gaza.
Israel has authorized the call-up of up to 40,000 military reservists while Palestinian militant group Hamas said all Israelis are now targets.
www.aa.com.tr/en
