Arab Parliament calls on international, regional organizations to stop Israel's 'crimes'

By Ahmed Gouda

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Arab Parliament urged international and regional organizations on Wednesday to immediately intervene to stop "the Israeli occupation's crimes" against the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, it said it will hold an emergency meeting in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Thursday to support the Palestinian people across the occupied territories.

The statement called on the international community and international organizations to work for securing the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza.

It also stressed its absolute rejection of any call to forcibly transfer Palestinians from Gaza, adding that such a move would "obliterate the Palestinian cause."

It also described the bombing of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza as a war crime and a crime against humanity that must not be tolerated.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 injured in the Israeli airstrike on the hospital late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the start of the operation.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar