Iran appears to have blamed the 200 reported deaths of Palestinians after an Israeli operation to free four hostages on “inaction” by world governments and the United Nations.
According to Reuters, it was not immediately clear whether the hostage rescues and an Israeli air assault were part of the same operation.
Both took place in central Gaza’s al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up area.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said: “These horrific and shocking crimes are the result of the inaction of governments and responsible international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, in the face of eight months of war crimes and violations by the Zionist regime (Israel).”
The number of Palestinians killed was 210, according to Dr Khalil Al-Dakran, spokesman for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.
A further 400 people have been wounded, the doctor added.
Cameron’s thoughts with ‘all innocent lives’ affected by the conflict
The foreign secretary has echoed the prime minister (see previous post) in saying that the rescue of Israeli hostages will be a “huge relief to their families”.
In a statement on X, Lord Cameron has called for a ceasefire agreement to “secure the release of all hostages and end the fighting”.
He added: “My thoughts [are] also with [the] families of those still captive, and all the innocent lives affected by the conflict.”
‘Huge relief’ to see hostages freed, Sunak says
Rishi Sunak has said it is a “huge relief” that four Israeli hostages have been freed.
The prime minister said they had been through an “unimaginable ordeal” and it was “heart-warming to see the pictures of them reunited with their families”.
He added on X: “We will continue to strive towards an end to the fighting as well as safety and security for all.”
Leave a Reply