Annan deplores fatal Israeli helicopter attack

Annan deplores fatal Israeli helicopter attack in Gaza, urges respect for international law

Kofi Annan
26 September – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan deplored the Government of Israel’s latest deadly military action today in Gaza City, in which a helicopter attacked a heavily populated civilian area, and urged the country to respect international humanitarian law.

Two Palestinians were killed and more than 25 civilians – including at least a dozen children – were wounded in the assault.

In a statement released by his spokesman, the Secretary-General pointed out that the incident comes on the heels of Tuesday’s adoption by the Security Council of a resolution demanding the complete cessation of all violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction. The Council also reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law under all circumstances.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of this attack,” the statement said. “He calls on the Government of Israel to halt such actions and conduct itself in a manner that is fully consistent with international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a clear responsibility to protect the lives of civilians.”

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UNSG's Statement

New York, 26 September 2002 - Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine

The Secretary-General deplores the Government of Israel's military action today in Gaza City. This helicopter attack in a heavily populated civilian area, in which two Palestinians were killed and more than 25 civilians including at least a dozen children were wounded, follows the adoption three days ago by the Security Council of resolution 1435. That resolution reiterated the Council's demand for the complete cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction. It also reiterated the need for respect in all circumstances of international humanitarian law.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of this attack. He calls on the Government of Israel to halt such actions and conduct itself in a manner that is fully consistent with international humanitarian law, under which Israel has a clear responsibility to protect the lives of civilians.

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