Venezuela denounces the 'reprehensible killing' of Al Jazeera journalists and opposes Israel's proposed occupation of Gaza
Since October 2023, the Israel-Palestine conflict has continued to escalate, with Israeli forces engaging in relentless bombing of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians and the displacement of millions [1]. This violent offensive has left entire communities in ruins, with essential infrastructure, cultural and historical landmarks, and entire neighbourhoods razed to the ground.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with 500,000 people on the brink of famine, according to the World Food Programme (WFP) [1]. The ongoing conflict has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with more than 200 people recently starving to death due to inadequate and insufficient humanitarian aid provision [1].
The Israeli military's operations have not spared food distribution efforts, with hundreds of Palestinians killed during these operations [1]. The occupation forces' advancement into Gaza City has displaced up to 800,000 civilians, with tens of thousands of reservists expected to be mobilized soon [1].
The United Nations and international officials have repeatedly stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and have urged a two-State solution while calling on Israel to protect civilians, release hostages, and allow humanitarian relief into Gaza [1]. The UN’s humanitarian agencies report ongoing severe conditions, including starvation and restricted access to basic services in Gaza, with continuous armed clashes also causing casualties in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem [3].
Regarding the alleged targeting of journalists and war crimes concerns, while the search results do not explicitly mention attacks on journalists as of August 2025, the larger pattern of widespread hostilities and urban combat with extensive civilian displacement raises significant protection concerns under international law [1]. The UN and other humanitarian observers have consistently called for civilian protections and adherence to international humanitarian law; violations by any parties would be grounds for investigation by bodies such as the International Court of Justice, whose provisional measures under the Genocide Convention remain relevant [1].
International responses to the crisis include urgent Security Council briefings prompted by Israel to discuss the status of hostages held by Hamas, with global powers like France, the UK, and the US supporting Israel’s call for efforts to recover hostages and condemn Hamas’s actions [4]. Out of approximately 250 hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks, around 49 remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed alive but under harsh conditions [4].
Venezuela, which broke diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv in 2009, has repeatedly condemned the obstruction of international humanitarian efforts and Israel's plan to invade and occupy Gaza [5]. The Maduro government has urged recognizing Palestine as a full UN member with East Jerusalem as its capital, restoring its 1967 borders, and ensuring the safe return of all Palestinians [5].
In summary, the conflict is marked by escalating Israeli military operations in Gaza City and a continuing humanitarian catastrophe. The international community calls for civilian protection, prosecution of any war crimes including those potentially involving journalists, and resolution through diplomacy rather than force [1][4]. The crisis underscores the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
References: [1] Amnesty International. (2025). Israel/Palestine: Escalating crisis in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/israelpalestine-escalating-crisis-in-gaza/ [2] BBC News. (2025). Israel-Gaza: Israel prepares for Gaza City offensive. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59412693 [3] UN OCHA. (2025). Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. [online] Available at: https://ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory [4] Reuters. (2025). Israel, Western powers urge Hamas to free hostages. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-western-powers-urge-hamas-free-hostages-2025-08-12/ [5] Venezuela Analysis. (2025). Venezuela Condemns Israel's Plan to Invade and Occupy Gaza. [online] Available at: https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/17386
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Palestine, as seen in Gaza, have led to significant political discussions and general-news coverage about the humanitarian crisis.
- Despite international calls for a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, continuing crime-and-justice issues including the obstruction of humanitarian efforts persist, creating an urgent need for accountability under international law.
