New York, SANA- Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, urged Security Council to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages, warning that the war has become “a nightmare of historic proportions” and it is “long past time” for the fighting to end and for hostages to return home.
During Security Council open debate on situation in the Middle East, Khiari painted a grim picture of conditions on the ground, citing expanded Israeli military operations, particularly in Deir Al-Balah, which have led to further mass displacement.
Khiari went on saying that at least 1,891 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since 30 June, according to figures from local health authorities, including 294 people reportedly killed while attempting to collect aid near militarized distribution points.
He added that evacuation orders continue to force repeated displacement while food insecurity and malnutrition are worsening despite a limited uptick in the entry of humanitarian supplies.
Since 9 July, Israel has allowed limited fuel deliveries through the Kerem Shalom/Karim Abu Salem crossing after 130 days of a full blockade, however, the amount is “a fraction of what is required to run essential life-saving services in Gaza, where nearly every aspect of life depends on fuel, Khiari warned.
Khairi called on the parties to end the war and allow Palestinians in Gaza to receive humanitarian aid they desperately need.
Turning to the occupied West Bank, Mr. Khiari reported high levels of violence, including deadly Israeli military operations, attacks by settlers on Palestinians and retaliatory attacks by Palestinians against Israelis.
Rafah al-Allouni/ Manar Salameh
