NEW YORK – The recent escalation in rocket attacks, culminating in the wounding
of a young girl, should be met “with utmost seriousness” and a response from the
UN, Ambassador to the UN Meron Reuben wrote in a letter to Secretary-General Ban
Kimoon and the Security Council on Tuesday.
“The incidents of the past
several days are part of an escalation of terrorist attacks emanating from Gaza
that target Israeli civilians, towns and military personnel,” the letter
read.
RELATED:IDF predicts violence to subside despite Gaza poundingEditorial: Remember Cast Lead“Israel holds the de facto authority in the Gaza Strip completely
responsible for all of these incidents, which are carried out in clear violation
of international law. In response to such attacks, Israel has exercised and will
continue to exercise its right to selfdefense.
“With the intention of
preventing the continued escalation of conflict, the security council, the
secretary-general and the international community must send a clear and resolute
message that these attacks are unacceptable,” Reuben’s letter
continued.
Reuben also requested that the Security Council give attention
to arms-smuggling into Gaza, “which continues to fuel violence and instability
in our region – in violation of numerous Security Council resolutions, including
Resolution 1860.”
Robert Serry, the UN special coordinator for the Middle
East peace process, on Wednesday condemned the rocket and mortar fire from
Gaza.
“These attacks are in clear violation of international humanitarian
law and endanger civilians in Israel,” Serry said, adding that Israel has “a
right to self-defense consistent with international humanitarian law.
“I
urge Israel to exercise maximum restraint and take every precaution to ensure
that its forces do not endanger civilians in Gaza, who all too often bear the
brunt of escalations in violence,” Serry said.