HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING
BY FARHAN HAQ, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
FRIDAY, 11 JULY 2014
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U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF ALARMED AT ATTACKS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed alarm today at the Israeli military operations resulting in the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, as well as the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel. She appealed to all sides to abide by their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
- Ms. Pillay warned in particular that attacks must not be directed against civilians or civilian objects, nor should military assets be located in densely populated areas or attacks be launched from such areas. The High Commissioner expressed deep concern about the prospect of a ground offensive and strongly echoed the Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire.
- The Secretary-General said on Thursday that it is imperative not only to restore calm today, but to establish a political horizon for tomorrow. Without the prospect of an end to the conflict, the sides will grow ever more polarized. He added that deepening violence and distrust will only complicate diplomatic efforts, and will surely resound around the region, with potentially dangerous consequences for all.
- Asked about the Secretary-General’s efforts to resolve the crisis, the Spokesman noted that the Secretary-General has been in regular contact with key officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He also recalled the Secretary-General’s remarks at the Security Council on Thursday, warning about the consequences of the dangerous escalation in and around Gaza.
- In response to further questions about the casualties in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian emergency in Gaza following Israel’s launch of its military operation on 7 July.
- The work of humanitarian organisations has clearly been affected by the ongoing military operation. An Emergency Operations Centre, managed by OCHA, has been set up in Gaza to coordinate the humanitarian response by agencies on the ground.
- Haq said that humanitarian partners are calling for immediate respect of international humanitarian law, including the prohibition of targeting of civilians and civilian objects and prohibition of indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks.
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Document symbol: NoonBriefing_110714
Document Type: Briefing, Highlights of the Noon Briefing
Document Sources: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Secretary-General
Subject: Armed conflict, Casualties, Ceasefire, Gaza Strip, International presence, Negotiations and agreements, Peace process, Security issues
Publication Date: 11/07/2014
Document Type: Briefing, Highlights of the Noon Briefing
Document Sources: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Secretary-General
Subject: Armed conflict, Casualties, Ceasefire, Gaza Strip, International presence, Negotiations and agreements, Peace process, Security issues
Publication Date: 11/07/2014