The United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, expressed extreme concern on Friday over what he described as "the ongoing escalation between Palestinian militants and Israel," including the targeted killing of a leader of the Islamic Jihad within Gaza. Wennesland stated that the continuous escalation is very dangerous, calling for an immediate cessation of rocket fire and urging all parties to avoid further escalation. He added that there are no justifications for targeting civilians, noting that progress made in opening Gaza since late May may be jeopardized by the current situation. The UN envoy warned of the potential for deteriorating conditions, resulting in humanitarian needs that are difficult to meet in the current global context. He noted that the United Nations is engaged with all parties to avoid further conflict that could have devastating consequences, especially among civilians.
This statement from the UN envoy came as the Israeli army announced earlier on Friday the launch of "Operation Dawn," targeting Islamic Jihad sites in the Gaza Strip, while declaring a "special situation" for the home front in Israel. In turn, the Secretariat of the Arab League condemned the Israeli military operations, calling on the international community, especially the Security Council and human rights organizations, to "take immediate and effective action." Similarly, the Arab Parliament condemned the Israeli military operations in Gaza, stating that they pose a blatant challenge to international law and violate human rights principles.
Egyptian efforts to contain the situation have also emerged, with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announcing on Saturday that it is conducting intensive communications to contain the situation in Gaza, with the aim of working towards de-escalation and preserving lives and property. On Friday, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes on the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, resulting in the injury of four Palestinians, while the Israeli army carried out a military operation named "Operation Dawn" targeting Islamic Jihad positions. Previous strikes have led to eight fatalities, including a five-year-old girl and Islamic Jihad leader Taysir al-Jabari, as well as dozens of injuries. The army noted that Jabari "had been keen in recent days to carry out attacks with anti-tank missiles against Israeli citizens and Defense Forces soldiers."
According to sources speaking to Sky News Arabia, intensive reconnaissance flights by Israeli aircraft were reported over the skies of Gaza. Meanwhile, sirens were heard in Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Gaza envelope settlements, while the Israeli Iron Dome intercepted several rockets launched from Gaza.
