Interim Afghan premier condemns ongoing Israeli 'genocide' in Gaza

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Afghanistan’s interim Premier Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Friday condemned the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to a statement from his office.

Akhund condemned the Israeli attacks and "genocide" in Gaza, labeling the situation as a "major humanitarian disaster," according to a statement on X published by the Taliban interim administration deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat.

The interim premier noted that humanitarian aid routes into Gaza are being "blocked," the deceased are not being able to be transported, and "dangerous" weapons are being used by the Israeli army, adding that nations, humanitarian institutions, and relevant organizations are "either silent or have taken little action."

Akhund urged the world to take positive steps as soon as possible to stop "the ongoing atrocities and horrors" in Gaza.

He also urged the Afghans to recite the Holy Quran after Friday prayers and offer prayers in support of Palestinians' struggle.

Meanwhile, Afghan people, in all 34 provinces, took to the streets to protest Israeli operations in Gaza, state-run Hurriyat Radio English reported.

The demonstrators lamented that children, hospitals, and journalists are being targeted amid silence by the global community.

Israel has pursued a devastating offensive in Gaza since October 2023, killing over 54,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Aid agencies have warned about the risk of famine among the enclave's more than 2 million population.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war crimes against civilians in the enclave.