In a statement On Wednesday, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said that two days after world leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh to support the U.S.-led peace initiative, “this is a moment of great but tenuous hope.”
“It is also clear from the public reaction to progress that Palestinians, Israelis and people across the region want this peace to settle” said Mr. Fletcher.
“SO, we must not fail to complete the full implementation of the agreements reached.»
He said UN humanitarian operations had finally begun to scale up “after months of frustration and blockages”, with the delivery of food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas and tents to those in need.
New setbacks
However, he warned that new setbacks now threatened to undermine this fragile progress.
“We are now being put to the test to see if we can ensure that these measures will not prevent the progress the president desires.” [Donald] Trump, the UN Secretary General and many leaders insisted,” he said.
Mr. Fletcher called on Hamas to “make strenuous efforts to urgently return all the bodies of the deceased hostages,” and expressed concern regarding “evidence of violence against civilians in Gaza.»
He also pressed Israel to allow “the massive influx of humanitarian aid – thousands of truckloads per week – on which so many lives depend.” Additional border crossings must be opened, he said, and remaining logistical barriers must be removed to ensure the free flow of aid.
“Facilitating aid is a legal obligation,” emphasized Mr. Fletcher. “We will not accept any interference in our distribution of aid.»
Summary executions in Gaza
His appeal came as the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported new allegations of serious abuses in Gaza, including summary executions and unlawful killings of civilians.
Armed clashes between Hamas-affiliated groups and rival factions have intensified since October 10, OHCHR said in a statement. press release.
On October 13, video footage released by the Sahm Unit, reportedly linked to the Gaza Interior Ministry, showed the public execution of eight men, blindfolded and handcuffed, who were suspected members of a Gaza-based family militia.
OHCHR added that such acts “constitutes a war crime,” and reminded Hamas that it “must prevent and repress any violation or abuse committed by its members.”
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Palestinians trying to return to their homes in eastern Gaza City on October 14, killing three people. The OHCHR said it had recorded 15 Palestinian deaths in similar incidents since October 10.
“The situation in Gaza remains precarious and uncertain,said Ajith Sunghay, head of OHCHR in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“It is imperative to ensure that the ceasefire is respected and progresses towards the restoration and full realization of the Palestinian right to self-determination,” he added.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
