International backlash intensifies as Israel recommences airstrikes targeting Gaza civilians

Over 400 Palestinians, among them women and children, lost their lives on Tuesday as hostilities resumed in Gaza, shattering a delicate two-month ceasefire with the Palestinian group Hamas. The escalation marks a significant breach in efforts to maintain peace in the region.

In a recent statement, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his profound dismay over the Israeli assault, highlighting the severe hardship experienced by Palestinians in Gaza as reaching an “intolerable level of suffering.” Meanwhile, Philippe Lazzarini, who leads the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warned that resuming hostilities would exacerbate conditions, likening it to creating a “hell on Earth.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned the recent airstrikes and shelling that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, describing the situation as “horrifying.” He called for an immediate cessation of the violence, saying, “This nightmare must end immediately.”

In a statement, Turk expressed concerns that the strikes could exacerbate the existing crisis, describing them as potentially adding “tragedy onto tragedy.” He urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and called for the unconditional release of individuals held captive and abducted by both Hamas and the Israeli authorities.

He stated that the past 18 months of violence have unequivocally demonstrated the absence of a military solution to the crisis, urging instead for a political resolution in accordance with international law. He warned that Israel’s continued use of military force would only exacerbate the dire situation faced by the Palestinian population, which is already enduring severe hardship.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Muhannad Hadi, has condemned Israel’s latest military actions, labeling them as “unconscionable.”

UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to children’s welfare, has expressed grave concern over the situation in Gaza, stating that recent reports and images are profoundly distressing. The agency indicated that certain airstrikes have allegedly targeted provisional shelters where families and children were residing, underscoring the dire reality that no location in Gaza offers refuge.

UNICEF has issued a dire warning regarding the plight of one million children in Gaza, who are already enduring significant hardships from prolonged conflict. The organization highlighted the escalating dangers and fears these children now face and has appealed to Israel to restore the ceasefire without delay. UNICEF is also urging global leaders to take swift action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

UNICEF has issued a call for adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need for the safeguarding of civilian lives and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid. The organization stressed that “the attacks and violence must cease immediately.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a civil rights and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC, released a statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for renewing what it described as “horrific and genocidal attacks” on Gaza. The organization highlighted concerns over the rapidly escalating conflict, citing the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including men, women, and children, within a short timeframe.

Save the Children’s humanitarian director stationed in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, Rachael Cummings, described the breakdown of the ceasefire as “tantamount to a death sentence for the children of Gaza.”

The withholding of aid during the sacred month of Ramadan constitutes “a serious violation against children,” she stated.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, expressed his sorrow over the developments in Gaza, urging for an end to hostilities and adherence to the ceasefire agreement. In a statement posted on platform X, Costa emphasized the necessity for the release of all hostages and detainees and called for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid.

The European Union’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Hadja Lahbib, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza, describing the situation as “devastating”. She highlighted the severe hardships faced by civilians, emphasizing that the intense suffering must come to an end.

**Global Nations Respond**

Jordan, a key ally of the United States with a standing peace agreement with Israel, has denounced the strikes by the regime as “aggressive and barbaric.”

Egypt, a nation maintaining diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv and instrumental in brokering the mid-January truce, has condemned the bombing as a “blatant breach” of the ceasefire agreement.

Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire agreement, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attacks. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern that Israel’s “escalating policies” could potentially inflame regional tensions and jeopardize both security and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the renewed attacks by Israeli occupation forces. The statement specifically criticizes the direct bombardment of areas densely populated with unarmed civilians.

The spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, expressed serious concern over the ongoing situation, urging all involved parties to refrain from any actions that might heighten tensions. Mao emphasized the need to avert a broader humanitarian crisis.

The Kremlin has issued a cautionary statement regarding a potential “spiral of escalation” following Israel’s renewal of military strikes on the Gaza region.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed deep concern over reports indicating significant civilian casualties. “We are closely monitoring the unfolding events,” Peskov stated, emphasizing the hope for a swift return to peace and stability.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the civilian casualties resulting from the overnight Israeli strikes as “appalling.” The spokesperson emphasized the urgent need to reinstate the ceasefire agreement at the earliest opportunity.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of the recent strikes, urging for “an immediate cessation of hostilities.” The Ministry emphasized that the ongoing violence is endangering efforts to secure the release of hostages and posing a significant threat to the lives of civilians in Gaza.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed significant concern regarding the Israeli military actions in the besieged region.

In a statement, Baerbock expressed deep concern over recent developments, describing the scenes of burning tents in refugee camps as “shocking.” She emphasized that children and internally displaced individuals escaping conflict should never be exploited as tools in diplomatic negotiations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concerns that the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza could jeopardize the potential agreement for the release of captives.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep concern over the renewed hostilities in Gaza, stating that the escalation threatens critical objectives. Speaking before the Italian Senate, Meloni highlighted the collective goals of securing the release of all hostages, achieving a lasting ceasefire, and reinstating comprehensive humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares condemned Israel’s recent military actions in the coastal region, stating that he is at a loss for words to adequately describe the situation in Gaza.

He expressed a call to action, urging collective mourning and condemnation of the latest surge in violence and bombings that have indiscriminately impacted civilians.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot issued an appeal on the platform X, urging the involved parties to execute the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. Prevot emphasized that this step is crucial to laying the groundwork for reconstruction efforts and achieving lasting peace for everyone involved.

In a strong rebuke, Prevot condemned the latest Israeli military actions, highlighting the significant casualties they have caused. He further criticized Israel’s blockade on humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, describing it as a “serious violation of international law.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp expressed on X his call for a definitive cessation of all hostilities.

The Netherlands has issued a statement urging all involved parties to adhere to the recently established ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza. The call emphasizes the protection of all civilians, stating that it is imperative for all conditions of the agreement to be fully enacted. This includes the immediate release of the remaining hostages and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who are in urgent need.