Condemnation issued by UN Secretary-General Guterres over the slaying of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza continues to escalate, with Israel preparing for a major military offensive targeting Gaza City [1][5]. The Israeli military plans to move Palestinians from northern and central Gaza to southern Gaza ahead of the offensive, which is expected to be intense and prolonged.
International responses reflect deep concern and calls for de-escalation. Several countries, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, have announced the recognition of a Palestinian state while criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military plans as potentially exacerbating the conflict [1].
The United Nations Security Council and top UN officials strongly warn that there is no military solution and emphasize the urgent need for protection of civilians, release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. They caution that Israel's plan to militarily control Gaza City and displace around 800,000 Palestinians risks triggering further regional instability [3].
The UN General Assembly had previously called for a humanitarian truce, reflecting broad international desire for cessation of hostilities [2]. The UN human rights office has condemned the killing of Gaza journalists by the Israeli military, and Pope Leo has spoken out in support of Palestinians in Gaza, following the footsteps of Pope Francis [6].
In addition, the killing of at least six journalists, including Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al Sharif, has been condemned by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Qatar [7]. Al Jazeera rejects the Israeli military's claim that Anas Al Sharif led a Hamas militant cell and was involved in rocket attacks on Israel [8].
Meanwhile, Norway's sovereign wealth fund has sold its investments in 11 Israeli companies due to the war in Gaza [9]. Pop star Madonna has urged Pope Leo to visit Gaza and help save the children [10].
Amidst this turmoil, the number of children with acute malnutrition in Gaza is accelerating, and at least five more Palestinians, including a child, have died of malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours [4].
In the midst of this, there is significant pressure for ceasefire and negotiations toward a two-state solution. Some states in Latin America and others have severed or downgraded diplomatic relations with Israel in protest of its military actions [2][4].
Brussels Airlines will resume flights to Tel Aviv from Wednesday, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is "gravely concerned" about the repeated attacks on journalists in Gaza [11][12]. Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has said Israel's government has "lost its reason and humanity" over Gaza and signaled an openness to potential sanctions [13]. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have welcomed Australia's plan to recognise Palestine as a state [14].
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided, with some countries expressing solidarity with Israel's right to self-defense, while others call for immediate ceasefire and negotiations. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories [15].
References:
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- UN News
- BBC News
- The New York Times
- CNN
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- The Jerusalem Post
- Billboard
- BBC News
- The Independent
- Reuters
- Al Jazeera
- The Jerusalem Post
- The Israeli military's plan to move Palestinians from northern and central Gaza to southern Gaza ahead of a major offensive is a significant concern for several countries like France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, who believe it may worsen the ongoing conflict.
- The UN General Assembly has called for a humanitarian truce to help stop the hostilities, reflecting a broad international desire for a cessation of violence.
- The UN human rights office has criticized the Israeli military for killing Gaza journalists, including Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al Sharif, with Al Jazeera rejecting the military's claim that he led a Hamas militant cell.
- The community health situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition on the rise, and at least five more Palestinians, including a child, dying from malnutrition and starvation within the past 24 hours.
- The United Nations Security Council and top UN officials have warned against a military solution in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for civilian protection, hostages' release, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, as Israel's plan to militarily control Gaza City could trigger further regional instability.
- Pop star Madonna has urged Pope Leo to visit Gaza and help save the children, while some countries in Latin America and others have severed or downgraded diplomatic relations with Israel, in protest of its military actions.
- In efforts to de-escalate the conflict, some states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have welcomed Australia's plan to recognize Palestine as a state, and Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has hinted at potential sanctions against Israel, claiming the government has "lost its reason and humanity" regarding Gaza.
