UN Secretary-General Denounces Israel’s Violation of Humanitarian Law as Gaza Death Toll Rises
The death toll in Gaza continues to rise exponentially as Israeli attacks surpass those of Hamas. In response to this ongoing violence, the United Nations chief and leaders of non-Western countries have condemned Israel’s violation of humanitarian law and called for a ceasefire.
Gaza City has been devastated by the conflict, with the health ministry reporting a staggering number of casualties. Since October 7th, over 5,791 people have been killed, and disturbingly, 40 percent of these victims are children. The Israeli attacks have reached unprecedented levels, causing more than 700 deaths overnight and 50 within just one hour. In comparison, the attack by Hamas on October 7th resulted in approximately 1,400 Israeli casualties.
Speaking at a special session of the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the clear violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. He reminded the international community that no party involved in an armed conflict should be above these fundamental laws. Guterres further contextualized the recent Hamas attack, stating that it followed over five decades of suffocating occupation.
Leaders from different nations also voiced their concerns over the situation. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed the need for a peace deal that allows both sides to retain their territories. He denounced the killing of millions in Gaza, stating that Hamas’ attack on Israel does not justify such devastating consequences.
Additionally, Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki strongly criticized the lack of action from the UN Security Council in halting the massacres in Gaza. He expressed his disappointment at the council’s inexcusable inaction and called for the immediate cessation of ongoing massacres.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the UN Security Council of worsening the crisis in Gaza by favoring Israel. He claimed that the international community is failing to respond effectively to Israel’s unlawful and unrestrained attacks on civilians.
Qatar’s emir, Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, declared that Israel has been given a free pass to kill. He called for a united regional and international stance against the dangerous escalation of violence, emphasizing that enough is enough.
While Israel denounced UN Secretary-General Guterres’ position, the United States proposed considering humanitarian pauses instead of a full ceasefire, arguing that it would benefit Hamas. Canada also expressed support for a humanitarian pause.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged solidarity with Israel in its fight against Hamas but stressed the importance of adhering to rules and regulations during military operations.
Considering the situation in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Guterres stated that the international aid being delivered to the region is merely a drop in the ocean compared to the immense need.
As the conflict in Gaza persists, it remains to be seen how the international community will address the mounting death toll and the blatant violation of humanitarian law. The calls for a ceasefire and condemnation of Israel’s actions by non-Western leaders highlight the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.
