The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Falker Turks, reinstated concern about the “pain experienced by people in Gaza” during his intervention at the UN Security Council, which met on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue.
His appeal for the international community to take action, though not new, comes at a time when the devastating consequences of the conflict are incalculable and constantly intensified.
The dramatic situation in Gaza
As of March 1, Israeli military operations have caused the deaths of more than 1,200 Palestinians, including at least 320 children.
The image of the complete disaster left by Israeli forces, with bombings in homes, hospitals, schools and other vital infrastructure shocking the international community.
Turkish also denounces the constant rocket launches by Hamas against Israel, noting that this aggression violates international humanitarian law and intensifies the situation.
The situation in Gaza is particularly dramatic, as 50% of the soil is in evacuation mode or a prohibited zone has been declared.
The increasing use of violence, the destruction of infrastructure and the enhancement of settlement activity on the West Bank are boosting concern about stability in the region.
At the same time, the fact that humanitarian aid and supplies remain blocked, exacerbating the collective punishment experienced by the Palestinian people, with the High Commissioner underlining that this may constitute the use of hunger as a means of war, which is condemned by the law.
The death of “15 Health and Humanitarian Aid workers” is also denounced, which raises “serious concerns about the commission of war crimes” by the Israeli army.
Greece’s position
Greece, through its UN ambassador, Evangelos Sekeris, condemned the deterioration of the situation, highlighting the problem of humanitarian aid workers’ security.
“We are sorry for the conditions that led the Secretary -General to make the difficult decision to reduce the presence of the UN in Gaza, despite the increased humanitarian needs and the growing concern about the protection of civilians,” Mr Sekeris said.
Our country called on Israel to allow the safe entry of humanitarian relief and to restore basic infrastructure, such as electricity and water, which is absolutely necessary for the survival of Gaza citizens.
At the political level, Greece supported the solution of the two states, calling for a permanent truce and returning to the negotiating table.
It underlines the need for a fair and sustainable peaceful solution that will allow the two peoples to coexist safely, equality and respect for international law.
The international community, and especially countries playing a role in mediation, such as Egypt, Qatar, the United States, France and Saudi Arabia, must make every effort to achieve peace and restore humanitarian aid.
The urgent need for diplomatic resolution of the conflict, respecting the values of international law and human dignity, is more urgent than ever.
