United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented some options in order to protect Palestinians in Israeli-occupied territories. He has suggested sending UN rights monitors and unarmed observers and deploying a military or police force under UN mandate.
Taking note of surge of violence in Gaza, where 171 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since late March the General Assembly issued a report containing the suggestions. However, the UN chief stressed the need for cooperation by Israel and the Palestinians to strengthen UN efforts to ensure the well-being of Palestinians.
He proposed creating a civilian observer mission that would be present in sensitive areas such as checkpoints and near Israeli settlements. He also proposed deploying an armed military or police force, under a UN mandate, to provide physical protection to Palestinian civilians.
Guterres said, “The targeting of civilians, particularly children, is unacceptable.” “Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable”, he added.
It remains to be seen whether Israel would agree to the proposals.