Sweden says all parties in Gaza conflict must comply with international humanitarian law

Sweden said Tuesday that attacks against civilians are unlawful and called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"Direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are unlawful under international humanitarian law," the Swedish Foreign Affairs Ministry's Press Office said in response to a question by Anadolu on whether it thinks more health facilities in Gaza will be hit by Israel.

Last week, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari did not rule out the possibility of Israeli forces attacking Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip.

"In this war, all options are on the table," he said.

Israel claims that the medical facility acts as the main headquarters for the Palestinian group Hamas.

"All parties must comply with international humanitarian law," said the Foreign Ministry, stressing it is essential that humanitarian access is granted and food, water, medicines and fuel can pass through "promptly and securely."

It noted that the Swedish government supports efforts by the European Union and the UN to establish a humanitarian corridor in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a surprise offensive was launched by Hamas against Israel on Oct 7.

The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has climbed to 8,525, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said Tuesday.

"The victims include 3,542 children and 2,187 women, while 21,543 other people were injured," ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told a press conference in Gaza City.

More than 1,538 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire, saying it would be a "surrender" to Hamas.