UN: We are preparing for a ceasefire

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq responded to journalists’ questions at the daily press briefing. Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, Haq recalled that it is too early to talk about this issue, but that the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has demanded a humanitarian ceasefire from the beginning.

Haq said: “We are holding meetings with necessary authorities. “If there is a ceasefire, we will be able to provide humanitarian aid much more effectively.” saying.

Noting the importance of the measures to be taken by the parties on the ground, Haq said: “We are making preparations for the possibility of a ceasefire.” he said.

“HOSPITALS MUST BE PROTECTED”

Regarding Israel’s attacks on Al-Awde Hospital and Indonesia Hospital in the Cibaliya region of the northern Gaza Strip, Haq said: “The parties to the conflict must ensure the protection of hospitals and staff in accordance with international humanitarian law”. he said.

Haq also drew attention to the situation in UN facilities and stated that approximately 930,000 displaced people have taken refuge in 156 facilities of the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) since November 19. .

“WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISK OF INCREASE TENSIONS”

“We are deeply concerned about the risk of an escalation of tensions on the Lebanese border,” Haq said. saying.

Referring to the killing of two journalists at the border, Haq said: “Journalists must always be protected and we condemn their killings.” he said.

Haq stressed the need to reduce tension in the region.

LATEST SITUATION IN GAZA

While Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on the morning of October 7, claiming that Israel was “responding to its continued violations against the Palestinians and their sacred values, especially the Masjid al-Aqsa”, the Israeli army also launched intense airstrikes against the Gaza Strip. The bombing began.

It was announced that 1,200 Israelis, including more than 310 soldiers, were killed and 5,132 people were injured in the October 7 attacks in Israel.

According to the Israeli army, 68 Israeli soldiers have been killed in clashes in Gaza and 6 on the Lebanese border since October 7.

According to Israel, there are 239 Israeli prisoners held by the Qassam Brigades.

According to the Gaza government, 13,300 people, including 5,600 children and 3,550 women, have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli attacks since October 7.

Since October 7, 218 Palestinians have lost their lives in attacks by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.

The Israeli army attacked the campuses or main buildings of dozens of Gaza hospitals, where tens of thousands of wounded and civilians took refuge, to force their evacuation. Some hospitals were raided during the occupation. Hundreds of people were killed and injured in the attacks.

77 Hezbollah members have been killed in clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the border since October 8. (AA)