Palestine’s envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour has stated that all those who believe in the UN Charter and international law must not lose sight of the “bigger picture.”
This came as intense fighting continued in several areas across southern Israel on Sunday, October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ surprise attack.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 421 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
2,300 people have been injured in Gaza while more than 70 people injured in the West Bank.
Israeli media disclosed that at least 700 people have been killed in Israel.
A statement from Israeli Prime Minister, Bejamin Netanyahu’s office revealed that he spoke to leaders of Germany, Ukraine, Italy and Britain, who expressed support of Israel’s right to defend itself “as much as it takes.”
“We need to stand up for the vision enshrined in the resolution of the Security Council … and to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with their provisions,” Riyad Mansour said at UN headquarters.
“Israel expects and demands political and military support while advancing goals that are fundamentally at odds with international legitimacy and consensus.
“… Can those supporting Israel ignore its colonialist and racist agenda?”
Riyad Mansour
As fighting between Hamas fighters and Israel continued for a second day, U.S Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin revealed that the U.S will be moving a carrier strike group closer to Israel, which includes the Ford carrier and ships that support it.
Austin added that the U.S will provide munitions to Israel and its security assistance will begin moving.
The Pentagon also plans to add fighter jets in the region.
US Vice President, Kamala Harris stressed Israel’s right to defend itself, taking the same stance as U.S President Joe Biden, the office of Israeli President, Isaac Herzog said.
The Israeli army instructed residents of illegal Israeli settlements Sderot and Mefalsim, both of which are close to the Gaza Strip, to remain inside their homes until further notice.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Chief, Ziad al-Nakhala disclosed that his faction is holding captive more than 30 of the Israelis who were abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip when Hamas launched attacks on Israel.
The captives will not be repatriated “till all of our prisoners are released”, al-Nakhala said, referring to thousands of Palestinians who are in Israeli prisons.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu appointed retired Brigadier General Gal Hirsch as coordinator for the captives and the missing.
“All government ministries will carry out his directives on this issue,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
WFP Calls For The Creation Of Humanitarian Corridors
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) called for the creation of humanitarian corridors to bring food into Gaza.
The WFP provides direct food assistance to some 350,000 Palestinians every month, while also offering aid to nearly one million Palestinians in cooperation with other humanitarian partners via cash transfers.
“As the conflict intensifies, civilians, including vulnerable children and families, face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies,” the WFP said.
“While most shops in the affected areas in Palestine currently maintain one month of food stocks, these risk being depleted swiftly as people buy up food in fear of a prolonged conflict,” it said.
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