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UN calls for opening of ‘all available’ border crossings into Gaza
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are working to increase assistance for civilians, especially children, in Gaza who have “suffered immensely” throughout the war.
“We continue to call for the opening of all available border crossings and corridors – including so that patients can seek treatment in the West Bank – and stress the need for unimpeded access for international emergency medical teams to enter Gaza,” he added.
He added that in the past two days alone, nearly two dozen Palestinian families have been displaced from their homes in the occupied West Bank, which were turned into military posts.
Over 200 international celebrities call for Marwan Barghouti’s release from Israeli prison
Hundreds of prominent cultural figures have signed an open letter urging Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian detainee in Israeli custody.
Barghouti has been in an Israeli prison since the early 2000s. He is a prominent member of Fatah, the Palestinian political faction that dominates the Palestinian Authority, which governs limited parts of the occupied West Bank.
He is serving five life sentences plus 40 years on murder and attempted murder charges, which he has consistently denied.
“We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned,” read a statement signed by more than 200 prestigious names.
The list includes actors Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor and Mark Ruffalo; writers Margaret Atwood, Zadie Smith and Annie Ernaux; and musicians Brian Eno, Sting and Paul Simon.
Palestinians had called for Barghouti to be released as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but Israel refused to free him.
In an interview with Al Jazeera in October, his son, Arab Barghouti, expressed fear for his father’s life amid witness reports that he was beaten by guards.
