Slovenian president calls for cease-fire in Gaza before start of Ramadan

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Joining a growing international chorus, Slovenia’s president on Thursday called for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is set to start next week.

''The United Nations Security Council is not meant to serve the narrow interests of countries, but to sit and act in the name of humanity. Because of this irresponsibility, we get pictures from Gaza that make us close our eyes, in horror and in shame,” Natasa Pirc Musar said in a video message posted on X.

“Dead, wounded, sick, and even starving children are not a matter of politics and state interests, alliances and international support or self-defense. It is simply a crime and a denial of any humanity."

Pirc Musar called on the member states of the UN Security Council to order a cease-fire in Gaza.

''I call on the member states of the Security Council, who have that power, to restore at least basic dignity to the people who are suffering and dying in Gaza. This would allow for a ceasefire, at least somewhat,'' she said.

She said Slovenia will continue to strive to achieve a cease-fire and urgent humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in accordance with its capabilities, knowledge, and experience.

"The whole conscientious domestic and international public is asking for a ceasefire before the beginning of the month of Ramadan. As the president of Slovenia, I am ready to actively participate in those efforts at any time," said Pirc Musar.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack last Oct. 7 which Tel Aviv said killed some 1,200 people.

More than 30,700 Palestinians have since been killed and over 72,000 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.