The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that the most prominent policy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been and continues to be the prevention of the realization of a Palestinian state with its known geographical components and significant demographic elements.
The ministry added in a press statement that Netanyahu continues to attack the Palestinian National Authority on various occasions, boasting about his rejection of any role for it in the Gaza Strip, as an extension of his anti-peace policy that he has been implementing for decades. This policy has led to the destruction of agreements signed between the two sides, thwarted all chances and forms of a political solution through negotiations to the conflict, exploited the division to entrench separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and committed ongoing violations and crimes. Furthermore, he closed the political horizon for resolving the conflict, utilized all his resources to weaken the Authority and undermine its credibility, and attempted by all means to challenge the unity and legitimacy of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s representation of the Palestinian people.
The ministry emphasized that Netanyahu’s goal, in all instances, has been and remains to prevent the unity of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, sow seeds of division, and perpetuate the state of division, with the aim of preventing the return of authority to Gaza in terms of security, despite its administrative and service management throughout the past period.
The recent situation in Gaza is marked by severe devastation and a dire humanitarian crisis. Israeli attacks have caused significant damage, destroying or damaging over half of Gaza’s homes, numerous educational facilities, hospitals, groundwater wells, and places of worship. The healthcare sector, already fragile due to years of blockade, is at a breaking point with hospitals overflowing and a critical shortage of medical supplies and personnel.
The Security Council adopted a key resolution aimed at providing urgent humanitarian access and creating conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. However, challenges remain in implementing these measures effectively, as evidenced by the failed amendment proposed by Russia and the abstention of the US and Russia from the final vote.
The healthcare crisis is exacerbated by attacks on health facilities and personnel, with WHO reporting significant damage to health infrastructure and the loss of health workers. Hospitals are beyond capacity, treating an alarming number of patients daily, and concerns about the spread of diseases are rising due to the compromised healthcare system and overcrowded conditions.
Oxfam has described the conflict as the deadliest in the 21st century, with a tremendous impact on the civilian population, including a massive displacement of residents. The UN has made urgent appeals for the release of hostages and for the protection of civilians, highlighting the impossibility of evacuating vulnerable individuals from certain areas of Gaza and stressing the need for immediate humanitarian access.
