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UN rights chief calls for immediate halt to Israel’s Gaza takeover plan
Israel’s plan for a complete takeover of Gaza “must be immediately halted”, UN human rights chief Volker Turk says.
Turk said the plan “runs contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice that Israel must bring its occupation to an end as soon as possible, to the realisation of the agreed two-State solution and to the right of Palestinians to self-determination”.
In a landmark ruling in July last year, the court declared Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unlawful and ruled that Israel is violating the international prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid.
Turk also said Israel must allow “the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid” and Palestinian armed groups must unconditionally release their captives. He added that Israel likewise should free “Palestinians arbitrarily detained”.
Turkiye condemns Israel’s Gaza City plan, calls for international action
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, calling on the international community and UN Security Council to act to prevent the plan’s implementation.
The ministry said Israel must immediately halt its war plans, agree a ceasefire in Gaza and start negotiations for a two-state solution.
It added that each step by Israel’s government to continue its genocide in Gaza and occupation of Palestinian lands deals a heavy blow to global security.
China urges immediate ceasefire as Israel plans to take control of Gaza City
China has expressed “serious concerns” over Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, urging it to “immediately cease its dangerous actions”.
“Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson told the AFP news agency.
“The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire,” the spokesperson added. “A complete resolution to the Gaza conflict hinges on a ceasefire. Only then can a path to de-escalation be paved and regional security ensured.”
Beijing said it is “willing to work together with the international community to help end the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible”.
