Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica, održao je govor na izvanrednoj sjednici Vijeca sigurnosti UN-a o stanju na Bliskom istoku.
My Government shares the sense of urgency and utmost concerns regarding the ongoing violence in South Israel and Gaza, in particular its heavy toll on civilians. We deeply regret the loss of civilian life. Our sympathies go to the families of innocent victims on both sides.
We join the calls, expressed by this Council on 28 December 2008 and the international community at large, that all violence be immediately brought to a halt, as it is only through peaceful means that we can hope to achieve a just and lasting peace.
We urge the parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law. It is essential to avoid further civilian casualties, as every loss of life is one too many. In that, we should not forget that the tenets of humanitarian law, notably the duty to protect civilians, apply to all sides.
Croatia is deeply concerned with the desperate situation of Gaza's civilians and hopes to see swift humanitarian action on the ground, including deliveries of humanitarian supplies, unhindered humanitarian access and the facilitation of the evacuation of injured persons. We appreciate the efforts of UNRWA and other UN agencies, as well as the initiative by the Government of France in that regard.
However, we cannot address the situation in Gaza, including the latest military actions of the IDF, in isolation from its context.
Hamas and the militants in Gaza Strip, deliberately positioned in and among the civilian infrastructure, have been consistently carrying out rocket attacks on Israel. The terror of daily rocket attacks that Hamas is launching at the population of South Israel increased in frequency as well as in range over the past days.
Israel cannot be denied its inherent and legitimate right to defend itself and the obligation to defend and protect its citizens. However, civilian casualties must be avoided.
We do not condone violence and continue to believe in peace.
Only two weeks ago this Council sent out a strong message of support for the Annapolis peace process. It is essential that we stand firmly behind the messages contained in resolution 1850 which laid the ground for a political settlement and the continuation of the process.
This calls for responsibility from all actors, notably those in the region. We will continue support every constructive effort aimed at curbing the violence. We shall study very carefully the draft resolution proposed by the Libyan delegation.
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