Jakarta –
The UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting amid the brutality Israel attacking the Gaza Strip, Palestine. During the meeting, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that Hamas attacks could never justify Israel’s ‘collective punishment’ against Palestinians.
“At the same time, attacks carried out by Hamas can never justify collective punishment against the Palestinian people,” said Guterres as reported by AFP, Saturday (9/12/2023).
The brutality of Israel’s attacks on Gaza has claimed many lives. The Ministry of Health in Gaza noted that weeks of fighting had killed 17,487 people in Gaza, mostly women and children.
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Guterres and a group of Arab countries are working towards an immediate ceasefire. He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hundreds of hostages.
“Around 130 hostages are still being held hostage. I call for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as humane treatment and visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross until they are freed,” said Guterres.
Israel responded to the Hamas attack on October 7 with an attack that bombarded Gaza and sent tanks and ground troops. However, Guterres reiterated that the attack which left 1,200 Israelis dead could not justify Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza.
“I condemn the attacks. I am shocked by the reports of sexual violence,” said Guterres.
“There is no justification for deliberately killing around 1,200 people, including 33 children, injuring thousands more, and taking hundreds of people hostage,” he added.
Guterres is seeking a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to prevent potentially worse impacts for the Palestinian people and the entire Middle East.
However, United States (US) Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said that although the US strongly supports lasting peace, where Israel and Palestine can live in peace and security, the US does not support calls for an immediate ceasefire.
“This will only be the seed for the next war,” added Wood.
(fas/fas)
2023-12-08 20:25:21
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