“We are seeing alarming signs of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, with little to no prospect of being able to go back to their homes. The tightened Israeli siege of North Gaza has cut off almost all humanitarian aid, and the UN has warned that the entire remaining population in North Gaza is at risk of dying. This is all the more alarming given the International Court of Justice has already ordered Israel to implement provisional measures to prevent acts of genocide. The world is bound to ask: what is being done?   

After more than a year of war, over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed - around 70% of them women and children. Hamas is still holding up to 100 Israelis hostage, and I reiterate the Elders’ call for their immediate and unconditional release. The horrific death toll in Gaza is perpetuated by Israel’s military and political allies, many of which continue to supply arms, notably the USA. Although the Biden administration gave Israel a 30-day deadline to make significant improvements in humanitarian access, it is evident that little progress has been made. I repeat the Elders’ call for all states, particularly the USA, to immediately suspend arms transfers to Israel and end impunity for its atrocity crimes.” 

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