UN Middle East envoy condemns Hamas attack on Israel

ISTANBUL (AA) - UN envoy for the Middle East Tor Wennesland on Saturday condemned attacks on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas and voiced concern over the well-being of civilians.

“I vehemently condemn this morning’s multi-front assault against Israeli towns and cities near the Gaza Strip, and barrage of rockets reaching across central Israel by Hamas militants,” Wennesland said in a statement.

“I am deeply concerned for the well-being of all civilians,” he said. “I am in close contact with all concerned to urge maximum restraint and call on all sides to protect civilians.”

“This is a dangerous precipice and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink,” he added.

Hamas launched on Saturday Operation Al Aqsa Flood, saying its surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis. Hundreds of Israeli settlers forced their way into the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

In turn, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while Israeli authorities put their death toll at 200.