Save Gaza from further bloodshed
We condemn the barbaric blast at al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, which has killed 500 Palestinians and injured many others. Since Hamas' attack on Israeli soil nearly two weeks ago, Israel's violent retaliation has created a most distressing humanitarian crisis for those in Palestine, displacing over one million people and killing at least 4,200 people as of October 17.
The UN Security Council held a vote on Wednesday calling to condemn all killings of civilians and lift Israel's order for Palestinian civilians to leave the north of the besieged territory. In an attempt to win US support, the draft by Brazilian diplomats reportedly did not call for an explicit ceasefire, but a "humanitarian pause." Twelve out of 15 members voted yes, with Russia and the UK abstaining. But the US wielded its veto power to stop the resolution from being adopted, stating that it does not address Israel's right to defend itself. We know all too well that this stance will only lead to further bloodshed. Are Palestinian lives not even worthy of a humanitarian pause?
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Israel's continued military operations have reduced large areas of Gaza Strip into rubble, depriving citizens of the basic needs for water and food — all in strict violation of international human rights law. Yet a sign of holding Israel accountable is concerningly missing. It remains unclear who was behind the mass killings in the hospital where thousands of Palestinians were seeking treatment and shelter from relentless bombings. Palestinian officials blame Israel while Israel says a Palestinian armed group is to blame. Meanwhile, although the US intelligence is still collecting evidence on the hospital massacre, President Biden endorsed the Israeli narrative during his short visit and told Netanyahu that "based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you." Such unconditional support may push any prospect for peace further way.
The Biden administration has announced $100 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians, while also planning to ask Congress for an "unprecedented support package for Israel's defence." The measures being undertaken by Israel's long-standing allies are far from enough to de-escalate tensions. Air raids continue to kill more Palestinians in Southern Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The blatant injustice on display is totally unacceptable. We, therefore, urge the international community to leave politics out of the equation and urgently ensure a humanitarian pause in Gaza.
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