WASHINGTON: Trkiye’s permanent representative to the UN warned Tuesday of a worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Sedat Onal told a meeting of the UN Security Council on the maintenance of international peace and security that “2.2 million people in Gaza live in a state of crisis under relentless bombardment, without sufficient humanitarian aid.’
“On top of that, some donors have suspended funding to UNRWA, the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The risk of famine in Gaza is alarming,” he said.
In the fifth month of the conflict, Onal said the Council is still unable to stop the manmade catastrophe.
“As we speak, a new episode of this tragedy is underway in Rafah in southern Gaza, in spite of the warnings of the international community. The council needs to take heed of the global outcry on Gaza,” he added, stressing the expectation from the Council is clear to ensure an immediate cease-fire, unhindered humanitarian assistance and to prevent forced displacement of people.
“Trkiy
e will continue to be actively engaged in all international efforts towards achieving peace, combating climate change and alleviating global food insecurity,” Onal said.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA
This afternoon, amidst the popular crowds and figures who flocked from the capital and various Lebanese regions to central Beirut, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited the tomb of his father, martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, on the occasion of commemorating the 19th anniversary of his assassination, accompanied by the head of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, Bahia Hariri, and his uncle. Shafiq Hariri, where they recited the “Al-Fatiha” for his soul and the souls of his fellow martyrs.
Hariri walked among the crowds who gathered around him and chanted slogans of support, as he shook hands with them and expressed appreciaiton for their affection.
Upon his departure, Hariri addressed the crowds through the media, saying: ‘I want to thank all the people who came from all of Lebanon,” adding, “I assure you that wherever I may be, I will remain by your side and with you…for Hariri does not leave the people.’
He concluded: “Tell everyone that you have returned to the arena, and w
ithout you there is no ‘running country’…The pulse of the country is here. Maintain the pulse, preserve the country…We are together and I am by your side…Everything is in good time!”
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon