Hamas-Israel conflict:
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OCHA Director Martin Griffiths said the bloodshed in Gaza reached new levels of horror every day, as the world continued to be shocked by hospitals being attacked, babies being killed and entire populations being deprived of basic survival.
On November 16, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced a 10-point plan to contain bloodshed and avoid a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
OCHA Director Martin Griffiths announced the 10-point plan, which focuses on expanding relief operations in Gaza, while reiterating calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages.
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A building destroyed after an Israeli bombardment in the southern Gaza Strip, November 15. Photo: VNA |
“The bloodshed in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to be shocked by hospitals being attacked, babies being killed and entire populations being deprived of basic survival. This must not continue,” Mr Griffiths told reporters, stressing the need to ensure safe passage for aid convoys into Gaza.
The OCHA 10-point initiative also proposes opening additional crossings into Gaza, in addition to the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and allowing private contractors to participate in the plan. Griffiths noted the need to secure funding for the UN humanitarian relief plan, which would cost up to $1.2 billion.
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People deliver humanitarian aid at the Rafah border crossing in the Gaza Strip. Photo: VNA |
Earlier, on November 15, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is the first resolution of the UNSC since the latest round of conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas.
* In another development on the same day, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized that the parties involved in the Hamas-Israel conflict have the responsibility to explain the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip.
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A hospital in Gaza was damaged after an attack by Israeli forces. Photo: VNA |
"Allegations of serious and multifaceted violations of international humanitarian law must be rigorously investigated and those responsible must be held fully accountable," said Volker Turk.
The UN High Commissioner expressed concern over the "increase in violence and serious discrimination against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem". He called for an immediate ceasefire, stressing that "the Israeli occupation must end". According to the UN High Commissioner, the freedom of Israel is inextricably linked to the freedom of the Palestinian people. Palestinians and Israelis are each other's only hope for peace.
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