The large -scale air strike decision of Israeli on Gaza on March 18 was criticized by some countries that were intermediaries negotiating ceasefire between Israel and Hamas forces. In particular, Egypt condemned the attack that “violated” the ceasefire from January 19, AFP reported.
These air strikes are “dangerous escalation, threatening to cause serious consequences for the stability of the region”, according to the statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cairo also called on international immediately to take action to prevent Gaza from falling into a new violent vortex.
The Palestinians in northern Gaza evacuated after Israel issued a evacuation on March 18
In addition to Egypt, an intermediary negotiated, Qatar on March 18, also strongly condemned the Israeli attack. The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that Tel Aviv’s escalation policy will eventually spark the Middle East, security and stability of the region. A number of Arab countries in the Middle East such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia also issued a declaration of Israel.
Meanwhile, the allies of Israel is the United States, also an intermediary reconciliation, which is said to have “turned the green light” for the Israeli attack, according to the newspaper. The Wall Street Journal March 18. The White House also confirmed Israel had informed the United States before attacking Gaza.
“President Donald Trump stated: Hamas, Houthi and Yemen forces, who want to threaten not only Israel but also the US, will have to pay the price,” the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. The US government stated that Hamas chose to fight when refusing to release hostages.
United Nations spokesman Rolando Gomez said that Secretary General Antonio Guterres was shocked by the information of Israeli air strikes on Gaza. “Mr. Guterres called for respect for ceasefire, re -establishing humanitarian support and releasing hostages unconditionally,” said Gomez spokesman. Similarly, the British government urged the parties to restrain their ceasefire as soon as possible.
Russia and China also expressed concerns about the situation in Gaza. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Moscow regretted knowing that Israel continued to operate in the Gaza Strip. Experience showed that it was impossible to solve the problem of rescuing hostages with force. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ninh said Beijing called on Israel and Hamas to continue executing ceasefire, avoiding escalating actions and preventing humanitarian disaster from spreading.
The Israeli army on March 18 launched a large -scale air strike aimed at Hamas in Gaza. Israeli officials claim to continue fighting until all hostages were released and Hamas was defeated. The Gaza Health Agency said the attack killed more than 400 people and more than 500 injured. Israel did not comment this number.
Iran condemned the Israeli attack, and accused the United States directly responsible. Tehran’s ally, Houthi forces in Yemen also condemned Israel, announced it would strengthen the group’s activities to support Hamas Allies, and threaten to continue attacking on Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
Israel and Hamas accuse the other party delayed to stop the ceasefire. Stage 1 ceasefire agreement has expired since the beginning of March, but the parties have not found a common voice to agree.
