The Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Virgina Gamba, and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Ms. Mô Bleeker, are gravely concerned by yesterday’s reports of extensive Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. These strikes mark the first major military action in the region since a ceasefire was established two months ago. Initial reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds more injured. “These developments signal a troubling and dramatic escalation of violence with irreversible consequences. It is essential that the mutual imperatives of peace process, integrating aspects of prevention and protection are prioritized urgently,” emphasized the Special Advisers.

Ms. Gamba and Ms. Bleeker also expressed their deep concern at the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s decision on 2 March to suspend the entry of aid into the territory. This move has been widely condemned, among other also by multilateral humanitarian organizations, the United Nations and a number of Member States, who warn that any further delay in the delivery of humanitarian assistance risks further starvation and suffering among Gaza’s civilian population.

“In line with the prevention of genocide and the responsibility to protect frameworks, we urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, prevent further loss of life and engage in a solid political solution,” said Ms. Gamba and Ms. Bleeker, who also share the Secretary-General’s expression of “profound shock at these developments” and echo his urgent calls “for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian access to be restored, and for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.”