UN chief rejects Israel accusations he justified Hamas attacks
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the 15-member UN Security Council that it was vital to be clear that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.— Reuters file pic
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2023 11:08 PM MYT
NEW YORK, Oct 25 — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today rejected accusations by Israel that, in a statement to the Security Council, he had justified attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.
“I am shocked by the misrepresentations by some of my statement ... as if I was justifying acts of terror by Hamas. This is false. It was the opposite,” he told reporters, without specifically naming Israel.
Guterres yesterday pleaded for civilians to be protected in the war between Israel and Hamas, voicing concern about “clear violations of international humanitarian law” in the Gaza Strip.
He told the 15-member UN Security Council that it was vital to be clear that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.
“It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation,” Guterres said.
“But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Israel’s UNAmbassador Gilad Erdan described Guterres’ speech as “shocking” and called on Guterres to resign immediately, while Israel’s visiting Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said he would not meet with Guterres on Tuesday as planned.
Guterres instead met with family representatives of the hostages held in Gaza.
Guterres noted today that in his statement to the Security Council he “condemned unequivocally” the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that killed 1,400 people, saying: “Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians - or the launching of rockets against civilian targets.”
Referring to his statement on Wednesday, he said: “I believe it is necessary to set the record straight - especially out of respect for the victims and their families.” — Reuters
Gazans are soo lucky.
ReplyDeleteThe Whole world has sided with them, every day condemning Israel military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Contrast with Ukraine, where Ruzzia has butchered many, many, many more innocent Ukrainian civilians, directly or indirectly via missile, drone and bomb strikes.
And most of the world has turned its back in Ukraine, refused to take action against Ruzzia, instead talking about the war using Ruzzian propaganda points, many applauding and celebrating Ruzzian actions.
Wakakakaka…
DeleteDon't divert topic lah. U need to learn more from yr idol but unfortunately u lack the art of inverted propaganda!
Gaza Strip atrocities r purely political brutality of the extreme form by a single-minded group of zionist dickheads trying hard to revive their f*cked fairytale history.
No ANY negotiations could change their stubbornness.
Their killings/butchering r totally lopsided, likening to the פאַרבאָטן slaughtering operation within an abattoir maintained by the bloodthirsty Zionists!
Russia special military operation in Ukraine arises out of a failed political Machiavellian conducted by the Yank via a puppeteered comedian president.
There were few viable negotiations that could lead to peaceful ending. Yet, all of them were torpedoed by the Yank/pommie.
Ooop… to a know-nothing Yankee narrative myrmidon, both r the SAME!
I am proudly one of probably 0.5 % of Malaysians (5 in 1,000) who dare to say
ReplyDeletea) Hamas slaughter of this over 1,400 Israelis is wrong.
b) Israel has a right to exist
c) Israel has a right to defend itself from armed attack.
BTW, ALL the hoopla about Gaza hospitals running out of diesel.
Turns out Gaza still has tank farms filled with thousands of tons of diesel.
Just be honest and admit it- Hamas is reserving fuel for military purposes, Gaza hospitals can go Eff.
Wakakakaka…
DeleteAdmitting u r also that 0.5% of Malaysians who licked up to the star of the Zionists!
"Gaza still has tank farms filled with thousands of tons of diesel"
Mfer, this proves yr truly know-nothing fart about Gaza Strip living conditions!
Mfer, keeps reading yr zionist's fart to brightening up yr boring daily existence.