Palestinian Foreign Minister Accuses Israel Of War Crimes, Ambassador Gilad Erdan Accuses Hamas Of Conspiracy

Illustration of israeli police. (Wikimedia Commons/Israel Police)

JAKARTA - The United Nations Security Council held an online meeting, discussing Palestinian clashes with Israel over the past week that have killed hundreds of people.

At least 192 Palestinians were killed, including children. Meanwhile, 12 Israelis have also been killed in the past week. Dozens of buildings were also heavily damaged and destroyed, as a result of rocket attacks and airstrikes carried out by both sides.

Opening the online meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the violence 'horrific', urging Palestinian militants Hamas to stop firing rockets at Israel.

Instead, Israel also urged Guterres to halt the intensive airstrikes he carried out in the Gaza Strip, resulting in destruction and casualties.

"The fight must be stopped. It must be stopped immediately", Guterres said, addressing The National News on Monday, May 17.

"It has the potential to unleash an intolerable security and humanitarian crisis and to further encourage extremism, not only in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel but in the region as a whole", he said.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al Maliki, accused Israel of war crimes, due to a large number of civilian casualties.

"Act now to end aggression and attacks on our people, our homes, our land. Act now so that freedom prevails, not apartheid", Al Maliki said.

Al Maliki added that Israel cannot hope not to bear the consequences for its actions as an occupier of colonial rule.

Instead, Israel through its ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan pointed to tensions that occurred entirely planned or conspiratorial by Hamas, as part of an internal power play after the Palestinian authority postponed the long-awaited General Election.

"Are you really sure that this property dispute is what caused Hamas to launch a massive attack on the Israeli people?", asked Mr. Erdan.

Erdan also urged the UN Security Council to condemn Hamas, saying Israel is making every effort to avoid civilian casualties.