JERUSALEM, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 (WAFA) – United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, today condemned the death of Palestinian civilians in the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip this morning.

"I am deeply alarmed by developments in Gaza after Israel launched a military operation this morning targeting members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ),” he said in a statement.

“The Israeli airstrikes inside Gaza resulted in the killing of 13 Palestinians, including three members of PIJ, a doctor, five women and four children, and more than 20 injured. I condemn the deaths of civilians in the Israeli airstrikes. This is unacceptable.”

Wennesland urged “all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid an escalation. I remain fully engaged with all sides in an attempt to avoid a broader conflict with devastating consequences for all."

M.K.