UN Chief: Gaza Hospital Tragedy Not A Justification For Collective Punishment Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

UN Chief condemns Gaza hospital blast, questions collective punishment. International concerns arise over Israel's actions. World leaders react.

Written by: Shivani Kumari

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: October 18, 2023

Summary: On the 12th day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, a significant explosion occurred just before the anticipated visit of US President Joe Biden to Israel, demonstrating his support for the nation during its ongoing war with Hamas.

On the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict's 12th day, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his condemnation of the tragic hospital explosion in Gaza, which claimed the lives of at least 500 individuals. Guterres emphasized that the earlier Hamas attack on Israel should not be used as an excuse for punishing individuals collectively. He voiced his outrage at the hospital attack and highlighted that the Israeli military accused it of errant rockets fired by other Palestinian militants, while Palestinian officials accused an Israeli bombing.

Israeli officials had already advised people to take shelter from the increasing bombardments in communities close to southern Gaza when this tragic tragedy took place. There have been demonstrations in the West Bank that have been occupied, Istanbul, and Amman as a result of this incident, which is said to have had the most casualties of any one occurrence during the current conflict.

Just prior to a planned visit by US President Joe Biden to Israel as a gesture of support during the conflict with Hamas, a significant explosion occurred. In the aftermath of the attack, Jordan's Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, decided to cancel a summit that was scheduled to take place in Amman, involving Biden, the Egyptian leader, and the Palestinian leader. Consequently, President Biden's visit will now be limited to Israel alone, as confirmed by a White House official.

On Tuesday, the United Nations raised concerns regarding Israel's Gaza blockade and its order to evacuate the northern region of the enclave, suggesting that these actions could potentially qualify as a forcible transfer of civilians, potentially violating international law. "Forcible transfer" refers to the involuntary relocation of civilian populations and constitutes a crime against humanity, subject to prosecution by the International Criminal Court. In the midst of these developments, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday, where he will engage in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasize Israel's right to self-defense, as announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Subsequently, President Biden will proceed to Jordan for discussions on expediting humanitarian aid to Gaza.