ป้ายกำกับ: Humanitarian

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UN Urges Israel to Comply with ICJ Ruling on Gaza Amidst Allegations and Humanitarian Concerns

In a significant development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that Israel would “duly comply” with the recent ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The court ordered Israel to take immediate action to prevent acts of genocide in war-torn Gaza, following a landmark case initiated by South Africa.

Guterres, through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, emphasized the legally binding nature of ICJ decisions and urged all parties to comply with the court’s order. Despite the ICJ’s decision being binding, Israel had previously indicated its unwillingness to abide by the ruling.

The ICJ’s ruling, issued on Friday, called for Israel to “take all measures” to limit the death and destruction caused by its campaign in Gaza, but stopped short of explicitly calling for a ceasefire. This decision comes amidst the UN chief’s repeated calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza due to concerns about the unprecedented number of civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Meanwhile, Australia has decided to “temporarily pause” the disbursement of recent funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following allegations that some of its staff were involved in the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the allegations are deeply concerning, and while Australia welcomes UNRWA’s swift response, it will temporarily halt funding as investigations proceed.

The main UN agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA, revealed on Friday that Israel had accused some of its staff of involvement in the October 7 attacks, leading to the immediate termination of their contracts. The United States has also announced a pause in funding in response to these allegations.

Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms about declining humanitarian access in parts of Gaza. Israeli protesters, organized by families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, blocked aid trucks from entering through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Thursday and Friday. OCHA warned that the inability to deliver food, water, and medical aid would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The protests at Kerem Shalom have disrupted aid deliveries, with families demanding the return of all abductees before allowing aid to reach Gaza. OCHA reported that only about 15 percent of planned humanitarian aid missions in northern Gaza between January 1-25 were facilitated, with 29 being denied.

The situation in Rafah, a southern governorate with 1.3 million Palestinians, has been highlighted by the head of the UN Human Rights Office, Ajith Sunghay. He expressed deep concern about deteriorating conditions, with displaced people living on the streets amid sewage and conditions conducive to a complete breakdown in order. Sunghay emphasized the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to all those in need.

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UN Humanitarian Official Condemns Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict on International Human Rights Day

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, delivered a somber assessment of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hastings criticized Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, deeming it disproportionate and a violation of human rights.

While condemning the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, Hastings underscored the obligations of non-state armed actors under international law. She insisted that those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable for the deaths, sexual violence, and kidnappings that traumatized the affected populations.

Since October 7, Israeli forces have inflicted widespread destruction in Gaza, turning much of it into a wasteland. Airstrikes have resulted in the displacement of nearly 2 million people, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, according to the UN.

Hastings vehemently criticized Israel’s actions, stating that the airstrikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the ongoing siege depriving Gaza’s population of essential resources, cannot be justified. She expressed disbelief that in 2023, such statements had to be issued, remarking, “It is as if we have learned nothing in the past 75 years.”

Amid the ongoing conflict, the official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, reported dozens of Palestinian civilian casualties in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday. The Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza witnessed violent air raids, resulting in the deaths of 45 civilians, with additional individuals reportedly trapped under rubble. Nine more civilians were killed in Jabalya al-Balad.

In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, a series of airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted residential areas, resulting in casualties. Hospitals in Khan Younis faced increased pressure, with reports of wounded individuals lying on the ground due to a shortage of beds, medicines, and medical supplies.

The Israel Defense Forces had issued an urgent appeal for civilians to evacuate much of Khan Younis, citing it as a main stronghold of Hamas. However, the lack of communication networks and internet availability in Gaza raised questions about the effectiveness of the instruction.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with escalating casualties and strained medical facilities adding to the challenges faced by the affected population.