In a significant development, the UN Security Council has expressed its profound concern about the recent massacre in Gaza, referring to the incident as the tragic fate of “the hungry people of Gaza.” The deadly incident occurred during an aid convoy on Thursday, leading to the loss of over 100 lives and leaving several hundred others injured, some with gunshot wounds. The incident, involving Israeli forces, has prompted an ongoing investigation by Israeli authorities.
The Security Council issued a statement on Saturday, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard civilians in Gaza and demanding that all necessary measures be taken to protect both civilians and civilian infrastructure. Members of the Council stressed the obligation of all parties involved in conflicts to adhere to international law.
The statement highlighted the deep concern regarding the potential for acute food insecurity affecting the entire population of Gaza, which exceeds two million people. The Council called on all parties to refrain from obstructing civilians in Gaza from accessing basic services and humanitarian assistance.
Reiterating their earlier demand, the Council urged all parties to allow the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population across the Gaza Strip. In a specific call to Israel, the Council urged the keeping of border crossings open for humanitarian aid, the facilitation of additional crossings for meeting humanitarian needs, and support for the rapid and secure delivery of relief items to people throughout the enclave.
As the international community reacts to the tragic incident in Gaza, the UN Security Council’s statements emphasize the urgent need for accountability, protection of civilians, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to address the escalating crisis in the region.
