MEZIESBLOG

Israel’s military actions had a “catastrophic” impact on children’s rights in Gaza, a UN committee has said.

The committee condemned severe violations by Israel since the war began in October last year.

“The committee condemns in the strongest terms the severe violations of rights under the convention in the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territories], including the tremendous loss of life as a result of the state party’s military actions,” the four-person committee said in a document, referring to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Earlier this month Israel’s delegation argued in a series of UN hearings the treaty did not apply in Gaza or the West Bank – and said it was committed to respecting international humanitarian law.

Israel will use ‘all means necessary’ to secure northern border

An Israeli government spokesman is holding a news conference in Tel Aviv and taking questions from journalists.

In his opening remarks, the spokesperson repeats Israeli war aims and reports the number of IDF casualties in Gaza, 713, but fails to mention the attacks in Lebanon this week.

On ceasefire negotiations, he says Benjamin Netanyahu refutes the claim that he “jeopardised any deal whatsoever due to political considerations”.

Asked whether Israel is preparing for ground operations against Hezbollah, he says: “Israel is prepared for both defence and attack.”

He continues: “The current situation is simply not sustainable.

“The prime minister has said that the change in the balance of forces on our northern border is needed and necessary.”

Referring to cross-border attacks, the spokesman says: “Israel is responding with force to this aggression by Hezbollah. We will use all means necessary to restore security to our northern border, and to safely return our citizens to their homes.

“We will respond with force to this unprovoked aggression from Hezbollah,” he says, referring to rocket attacks launched from Lebanon.

Asked about the relationship between the UK and Israel, he says: “Israel considers an ally any country that understands the unique situation of this country in this difficult neighbourhood. We’re standing up for freedom here.”