CAIRO (Egypt): The adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip came late and is still far from what is expected to be achieved, which is a complete ceasefire, says secretary-general of the Arab League, Ahmad Aboul Gheit.
“Resolution No. 2272, which was adopted yesterday, Friday, is an attempt to prevent famine in the Gaza Strip and to save people, especially women and children, from a catastrophic situation, but it is not enough to stop Israel’s war machine, particularly as it does not include a ceasefire,“ Aboul Gheit said in a statement, as reported by the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA).
He said the decision came after stalling and delay at the request of Israel, stressing that what is required is not only the introduction of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip but also primarily the protection of civilians from continuous bombing, achieving a sustainable ceasefire, and immediately starting a major relief operation to include hundreds of thousands of people who lack the minimum necessities for life.
“Every step to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza is in the right direction, but addressing the humanitarian catastrophe cannot be achieved through partial measures or palliatives to absorb the anger of world public opinion over what is happening in Gaza.”
Aboul Gheit stressed that rejecting an immediate ceasefire is a “licence to kill”, explaining that Arab efforts will not stop to reach an end to the war. He called on the United States to reassess the situation and take the correct decision from both a humanitarian and political standpoint instead of being led by the desire of the Israeli extreme right to inflict collective punishment and revenge against 2.3 million people in the Gaza Strip.
The UNSC resolution titled “Scaling Up and Monitoring Aid to Gaza” adopted on Dec 22 in New York, calls for immediate, safe and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza and create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The resolution also calls for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and, in this regard, deplores all attacks against civilians and civilians’ objects, as well as all violence and hostilities against civilians, and all acts of terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said the UNSC’s adoption of a resolution on delivering aid to Gaza is a step in the right direction, despite its delay.
It said that the adoption of the UAE-backed resolution is a step in the right direction to stop the Israeli aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, starvation, and deprivation of the means of life. - Bernama, Wafa
