UN Palestinian Rights Committee Reports on Two Months Under Siege
The Bureau of the UN Palestinian Rights Committee has issued a strong condemnation of the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, following the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18. The committee highlights the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from an Israeli blockade that has deprived the Palestinian population of essential supplies, leading to thousands of deaths and injuries. With over 2 million people affected, the committee is calling for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with the UN Palestinian Rights Committee reporting that more than 2,308 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire ended on March 18. This is part of a staggering total of over 52,400 fatalities and 118,000 injuries since October 7, 2023. The ongoing bombardment and blockade have particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including women and children. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that its last remaining food stocks were delivered on April 25, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the population. The blockade has led to widespread starvation, disease, and deprivation among the more than 1.9 million people who have been forcibly displaced.
The committee emphasizes that these actions by Israel constitute collective punishment and violate international humanitarian and human rights laws. The lack of access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies has created a life-threatening situation for the civilian population. The committee calls for an immediate end to these punitive measures and urges the international community to take action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
In light of the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, the Bureau of the UN Palestinian Rights Committee is demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire. They are urging the unconditional lifting of the blockade to ensure a sustained flow of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies to those in need. The committee insists that humanitarian personnel must be granted full protection to operate safely within Gaza, in accordance with international law.
Additionally, the committee has rejected proposals that suggest displacing Palestinians under the guise of “voluntary migration” or “redevelopment.” They deem these proposals inhumane and illegal, asserting that they only serve to entrench the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories. The committee is calling on member states and the Security Council to act decisively to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
International Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Conference
The catastrophic situation in Gaza has underscored the importance of ongoing advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The committee is advocating for a swift opinion from the court regarding Israel’s compliance with international law, particularly concerning its obstruction of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. They believe that the court’s guidance is crucial at this juncture and will help inform member states of their legal and humanitarian responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the committee is preparing for the High-Level International Conference scheduled for June, which will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. This conference is seen as a vital opportunity to galvanize international support aimed at ending the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories. The committee is committed to actively contributing to this effort and supports the objectives of the conference, which include realizing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and establishing a viable two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.
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