Palestine calls on UN to act against Gaza genocide, forced displacement

By Awad Rjoob

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Palestine on Friday called on the UN Security Council to intervene to stop the genocide and displacement in the Gaza Strip and warned of the risks of any deals that would entrench the separation of the territory.

A statement from the Palestinian Foreign Ministry called on the UN Security Council to “fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by taking action to immediately stop the genocide and displacement of our people, push for a prisoner exchange deal, and take the necessary decisions and actions to ensure Gaza’s return to the fold of the Palestinian state and its legitimate institutions.”

The ministry also warned against any proposed plans aiming to “entrench the division between the two territories of the Palestinian homeland, jeopardizing the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state.”

The statement said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “does not have the authority or legitimacy to veto the Palestinian state’s administration of Gaza” and stressed that Gaza is an integral part of the occupied State of Palestine.

The ministry emphasized that the internationally recognized Palestinian legitimacy is the only gateway capable of resolving the crisis, achieving freedom for the Palestinian people, and ensuring national independence.

The statement also urged countries that advocate for a two-state solution to respect and implement their commitments to ensure security and stability for all parties.

For the 14th consecutive day, the Israeli military has continued its offensive in northern Gaza, particularly in the town and refugee camp of Jabalia, imposing a tight siege, carrying out bombardments, and destroying homes.

This marks the third ground operation in the Jabalia camp since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel has continued a brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

At least 42,500 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 99,500 injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.