Cease-fire only way forward for both Palestinians, Israelis: UN official

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) – The UN representative in Jerusalem stressed on Wednesday that the only way forward for both Palestinians and Israelis is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva via video link, Lynn Hasting, deputy special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, expressed concern about a growing health crisis in Gaza Strip.

On Dec. 6, Israel announced it would revoke Hasting’s residence visa from Dec. 20 due to her position on the Gaza war.

“Right now, what is happening on the ground is not going to bring peace and security to either the Palestinians or Israelis for many, many years, if not generations to come," said Hastings.

So, she said, a cease-fire is in everybody's interests.

“And then of course, we're also continuing to be very concerned about the release of hostages, which would be able to happen if there were a cease-fire,” said Hastings.

Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for protecting the Palestinian civilian population, said the UN official.

This compels Israel to provide for basic needs and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.

“With respect to the situation on the ground, we're over two months into the crisis. And, of course, it doesn't seem like there will be a let-up," said Hastings, adding that the shelters for displaced people have long ago exceeded their full capacity, with people lining up for hours just to get to a toilet.

She said one toilet available for hundreds of people creates a severe health problem.

"Almost half of Gaza's population is now in Rafah, which is the small part of Gaza in the southeast corner," noted Hastings.

Infectious diseases are breaking out, she said, citing World Health Organization statistics estimating about 360,000 are susceptible to diseases such as meningitis, jaundice, chickenpox, and upper respiratory tract infections, which have all been recorded.

“Most of the hospitals are not functioning to capacity. So, it just means people are not being treated for all the various diseases and injuries that they're suffering from," she added.