UN: The Palestinian people are subject to a suffocating occupation
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Guterres spoke at the high-level session between Israel and Palestine held at the UN Security Council.
Noting that the situation in the Middle East is worsening “by the hour,” Guterres said that “the war in Gaza is becoming increasingly violent and the risk of it spreading to the region is increasing.” he warned.
Guterres stated that he condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on October 7 and continued his words as follows:
“However, we must also be aware that Hamas attacks do not happen out of nowhere. The Palestinian people have been subjected to a suffocating occupation for 56 years. He witnesses the gradual takeover of his lands by settlements and violence. Their economies have been destroyed, people have been displaced and their homes have been razed. “Their faith in a political solution began to disappear.”
“MASS PUNISHMENT CANNOT BE LEGITIMATE”
Noting that the situation at hand cannot justify Hamas’ attacks, Guterres said: “The terrible attacks (by Hamas) cannot justify collective punishment against the Palestinian people. Even wars have rules,” he said.
Guterres claimed that the ruthless bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces caused huge civilian casualties and the destruction of entire neighborhoods, saying: “The situation is very alarming.” saying.
Stating that he lost 35 colleagues from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Guterres expressed his condemnation of the attacks that led to this.
“I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED”
Noting that protecting civilians is of great importance in armed conflict, Guterres said: “Protecting civilians does not mean using them as a shield. Protecting civilians does not mean forcing a million people to go to the south, where there is no shelter, food, water, medicine or fuel, and bomb there. I am deeply concerned by the violations of international humanitarian law that we are clearly witnessing in Gaza. “No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.” he said.
Stating that as a result of intensive efforts, a small amount of humanitarian aid has begun to enter Gaza, Guterres said: “The aid coming in is equivalent to a drop of water in a place where aid is needed as much as the sea.” . he made the assessment of it.
Guterres stressed that the UN’s fuel in Gaza is about to run out, saying: “This will lead to another disaster.” He warned.
Emphasizing the importance of providing continued aid to Gaza, Guterres noted that aid must be provided without restrictions.
Guterres reiterated his call for a humanitarian ceasefire, saying: “We must oppose all forms of anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and hate speech.” he said. (AA)