G20 calls for ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon
The leaders of the G20 nations made the appeal in a joint communique issued following a summit in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.
They expressed “deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip” as well as the escalation in Lebanon, and emphasised the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into the Palestinian enclave.
They also highlighted “the human suffering and negative impacts of the war” and called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“We are united in support for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza in line with UN Security Council Resolution n. 2735 and in Lebanon that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line,” they said.
The Blue Line demarcates the de facto border between Israel, Lebanon and the occupied Golan Heights.
Pro-Palestine protests at G20 summit in Brazil
Protesters have taken to the streets near the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, calling on world leaders to put pressure on Israel to end its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.
Middle East at a ‘grim crossroads’, says UN peace envoy
The UN Security Council held a meeting to discuss developments in the Middle East on Monday. Among the speakers who briefed the council was Tor Wennesland, the UN’s Middle East peace envoy.
Here’s some of what he said.
- The Middle East is at a “grim crossroads” after a year of war and bloodshed. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has now spread across the region, engulfing Lebanon and triggering escalatory exchanges between Israel and Iran.
- Armed groups from Yemen, Iraq and Syria are also continuing to launch projectiles towards Israel, while the Israeli military continues to attack Yemen and Syria.
- “We are living a nightmare. The trauma and grief that has been unleashed is immeasurable… These events will reverberate for generations and shape the region in ways we cannot yet fully comprehend.”
- In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains “catastrophic”, especially in the north, where there’s been a “large-scale and near-total displacement of the population and widespread destruction and clearing of land”.
- “The current conditions are among the worst we’ve seen during the entire war and are not set to improve.”
