In view of the worsening of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, the Chilean Government, in coordination with other Governments of our region, has resolved to call to Santiago its Ambassador of Chile in Tel Aviv, Jorge Montero for consultation.
Chile notes with great concern and discouragement that such military operations – that at this point in their development represent a collective punishment of the Palestinian civil population in Gaza- fail to observe the fundamental rules of International Humanitarian Law, as demonstrated by the thousands of civil victims, including women and children, as well as the attack to schools and hospitals.
Although Chile will continue condemning the launching of Hamas's rockets against civil populations in Gaza, it is compelled to stress that the escalation and intensity of Israel's operations in Gaza violate the principle of proportional use of force, an indispensable requirement to justify legitimate defense.
Chile supports the call by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban ki-moon who, after learning that 10% of Gaza's population has sought refuge under the UN flag, has requested Israel and all the parties to make better efforts to guarantee the safety of United Nations sites and that of the people seeking refuge there.
Chile reiterates its call for an immediate end of hostilities, making it possible to display a humanitarian aid operation to help the thousands of internally displaced and civilian casualties, including children.