Children queue for bread in Khan Younis. UN Special Coordinator Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza, Calls for Peace Peace and Security
Muhannad Hadi, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Monday on behalf of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Thor Wennesland, spoke about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the West Bank and the region as a whole. He called for an immediate end to the violence and renewed efforts to achieve peace.
“The horrors in Gaza continue, with no end in sight,” said Muhannad Hadi. The escalation of the conflict, which began more than a year ago after Hamas launched attacks on Israel, has left more than 44,000 Palestinians, 1,700 Israelis and hundreds of foreigners dead. Tens of thousands have been injured.
Gaza Crisis
According to Hadi, Israel’s military actions in northern Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacement. He particularly noted the recent airstrikes in Gaza that have killed dozens of women and children. The Deputy Special Coordinator also recalled cases of looting, with armed Palestinians looting humanitarian aid.
“On November 18, more than 20 people were reportedly killed by armed Palestinians in an operation allegedly carried out by the Gaza Interior Ministry against looters stealing humanitarian aid,” said Muhannad Hadi.
He also noted that the amount of humanitarian aid coming to Gaza is not enough to meet the enormous needs of the population.
The destruction of homes, infrastructure and the forced displacement of thousands of people is worsening the situation. Israeli troops are creating so-called “buffer zones”, which, according to Hadi, could reduce the territory of Palestine in the long term.
West Bank Escalation
Violence has also escalated in the West Bank, with 32 Palestinians killed there in recent weeks. At the same time, the number of attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities has increased, including during the olive harvest. Palestinian attacks on Israelis also continued.
Israel continues to expand its settlements, demolish Palestinian homes, and some ministers openly call for the annexation of the West Bank.
“I reiterate that annexation is a violation of international law and must be firmly rejected,” Muhannad Hadi said.
He called for support for the Palestinian Authority to avoid further deterioration of its financial and political situation.
Call for peace
The Deputy Special Coordinator warned that ongoing violence jeopardizes efforts to achieve peace. He stressed the need to find a political solution.
“We need a ceasefire, we need to free the hostages, we need to ensure the delivery of vital aid in a safe environment, and we need to ensure the security of Palestinians and Israelis in the long term,” Muhannad Hadi said.
“And at the same time, we must not forget our main goal – the creation of two states – Israel and a fully independent, democratic, territorially contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” he added.
Muhannad Hadi thanked his colleagues, UN agencies and their partners, especially those working in Gaza under extreme conditions. He called on the international community to redouble its efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.
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