Briefing ambassadors in the Security adviceThe deputy secretary general for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, said that more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since mid-June, many of them looking for help.
Citing figures from the Gazan health authorities, he indicated that the total number of Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023 had exceeded 56,500.
“” The level of suffering and brutality in Gaza is unbearable“Said Mr. Khiari.The continuous collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable.“”
Killed while trying to access the help
Mr. Khiari cited several incidents involving the opening fires of the Israel Defense Forces (FDI) near food distribution points.
On June 17, at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured in Khan Younis when an FDI reservoir opened fire on a crowd while waiting for the United Nations World Food Program (Wfp) Help trucks.
Once again a week later, the TSAhal troops would have opened fire near the sites of the Gaza humanitarian foundation, this time killing 49 Palestinians and injuring 197 others.
“We strongly condemn the loss of lives and the injuries of the Palestinians in search of aid to Gaza,” said Khiari. “We call an immediate and independent investigation into these events and that the authors must be held responsible.”
He stressed that the UN “will not participate in any aid delivery modality which does not respect the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality”, a feeling that other UN officials have also said on several occasions.
Strong conviction
Mr. Khiari reiterated the strong condemnation by the UN of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups for their attacks in Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led more than 250 to be taken hostage. Fifty hostages, including a woman, remain in captivity.
“” Nothing can justify these acts of terror. We remain dismayed that hostages can be subject to in progress ill -treatment and that the hostage bodies continue to be retained“He said.
At the same time, He also condemned “the widespread murder and the injuries of civilians in Gaza, including children and women, and the destruction of houses, schools, hospitals and mosques”.
Increased violence in the West Bank
In occupied West Bank, Israeli raids and the violence of the settlers have increased.
Khiari reported that a 15 -year -old boy and an elderly woman had been killed in separate incidents on June 25. The armed settlers also killed several Palestinians during attacks in Surif and Kafr Malik.
“” The climbing of violence in occupied West Bank is alarming“Said Khiari, warning that military operations and the expansion of settlers lead to deaths, movements and destruction.
The ceasefire Iran-Israel brings hope to the region
Mr. Khiari concluded his briefing with comments on the wider region of the Middle East, in particular the recent push between Israel and Iran.
He praised the ceasefire agreement of June 24 between the two countries, announced by American president Donald Trump, and credited American and Qatari mediation.
“” We hope that this cease-fire can be reproduced in other conflicts in the region-nowhere is it necessary in Gaza,He said.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
