The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations has urged member states to vote to halt the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and increase aid to the 2.3 million Palestinians in the besieged territory. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour made an impassioned plea for humanitarian intervention during a speech to the UN General Assembly. He also pointed out what he saw as a double standard in how the conflict is perceived, questioning why the same level of outrage isn’t felt when Palestinians are killed. The General Assembly convened for an emergency session, as humanitarian organizations and rights groups warned of a critical situation in Gaza after more than two weeks of sustained Israeli attacks.
Israel’s actions were in response to Hamas, which governs Gaza, launching attacks on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 people according to Israeli officials. Gaza authorities report that over 7,000 people have been killed in the Israeli bombardment. Additionally, Israel has cut off essential supplies like food, water, electricity, and fuel to the territory.
Israeli envoy Gilad Erdan characterized the Hamas attack as a “pogrom,” alleging that it was a cover for further violent actions. Erdan accused Hamas of invading Israel by sea, land, and air with the intent to indiscriminately kill.
The General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution proposed by Arab states, calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, speaking on behalf of Arab states, accused Israel of turning Gaza into a perpetual “hell on earth,” with consequences that will impact generations to come.
The Israeli siege and assault on Gaza have drawn increasing criticism, as the death toll rises and aid officials warn of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe.
