DiCarlo issued the call while briefing the 15-member UN Security Council about the latest situation in war-ravaged Gaza and the occupied West Bank on Wednesday evening local time.
She hailed the continued efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, saying recent meetings in Doha and Cairo have attempted to bridge the gaps, but major differences remain.
More steps must be taken to reach an agreement without further delay. The United Nations remains committed to supporting all efforts to this end, DiCarlo said, warning that “the situation on the ground is dire and deplorable, with Israeli military operations continuing throughout Gaza and the death toll growing tragically”.
The UN Deputy Secretary General also touched on a large-scale Israeli offensive in the occupied West Bank that began over a week ago.
While we focus on ending the killing and destruction in Gaza, we cannot ignore the alarming situation in the West Bank, she said, emphasizing the need to maintain status quo of holy places in occupied al-Quds.
I am worried about the attacks Israeli settlers are carrying out against the Palestinians as well as provocative actions of an Israeli minister, this senior UN official stated, calling them “unacceptable”.
DiCarlo said that Israel must fulfill its obligations based on international laws to protect civilians and ensure their safety, and all perpetrators of violence must be held to account.
IRNA