Despite the brutality of Hamas
Guterres warns of “collective punishment” for Palestinians
December 8th, 2023, 8:09 p.m
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Hamas’ atrocities in Israel do not justify punishing all Palestinians. UN Secretary General Guterres made this clear at the emergency meeting of the Security Council. There must be an urgent ceasefire, he demands.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that all Palestinians will be punished for the atrocities committed by the radical Islamic group Hamas. “The brutality committed by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. At the same time, he called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the remaining hostages in Hamas’s hands.
Guterres said the “around 130 hostages” must be treated “humanely” until they are released and visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. He condemned Hamas attacks in Israel and said he was “horrified” by reports of sexual violence against women. There is “no justification” for Hamas’ brutal attack.
He urged the UN Security Council to advocate a humanitarian ceasefire. The “limit of resilience” in the Gaza Strip has been reached, said Guterres. “There is a high risk that the humanitarian support system in Gaza will collapse completely, which would have devastating consequences.” The United Arab Emirates then presented a new draft resolution calling for a ceasefire. It was not clear whether and when the draft would be voted on. This was actually scheduled for the meeting with Guterres, but was then postponed again. It is possible that a vote could take place this Friday, diplomatic circles said. Similar resolutions have so far failed due to resistance from the USA.
The UN Secretary General called the meeting. In his letter he invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter. This states that “the Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may endanger the maintenance of international peace and security.” The article had not been used for decades.
Baerbock appeals to Israel
The war is also a topic at the World Climate Conference in Dubai. “We expect Israel to adapt its military approach to alleviate civilian suffering,” said Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Israel must allow more humanitarian aid and be more targeted. “Too many civilians in Gaza have already fallen victim to the conflict,” she said, taking a similar direction to Guterres. The question of how Israel conducts the fight is central. “The ‘how’ of warfare must open up political options for us instead of closing them off.” The war will not be won if peace is lost in the process.
The war between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas has been going on for two months. On October 7, hundreds of Hamas terrorists entered Israel and committed atrocities, mostly against civilians. According to Israeli information, around 1,200 people were killed in Israel and around 240 people were taken hostage. According to Israeli information, 138 people who were abducted are still in the hands of Hamas.
According to Hamas figures, which cannot be independently verified, at least 17,487 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the war began. According to UN figures, 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced within the Gaza Strip. Many of them have now fled to Rafah on the border with Egypt.