JERUSALEM, Undefined: The United Nations warned Friday that “many more will die” as a result of Israel’s ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip, saying basic services in the Palestinian territory were “crumbling”.
“As we speak people in Gaza are dying, they are not only dying from bombs and strikes, soon many more will die from the consequences of (the) siege imposed on the Gaza Strip,” said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
“Basic services are crumbling, medicine is running out, food and water are running out, the streets of Gaza have started overflowing with sewage.”
Earlier, in a significant development, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, told an emergency session of the UN General Assembly that Hamas is prepared to release civilian hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip.
Amirabdollahian emphasized Iran’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in this humanitarian endeavor, highlighting the need for the international community’s involvement in securing the release of approximately six thousand Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
While addressing speculations about Iran’s direct involvement in the conflict, Amirabdollahian expressed Iran’s reluctance to support the expansion of the regional war. However, he cautioned that if the ongoing tragedy in Gaza persists, the United States would not be immune to the repercussions. The Iranian Foreign Minister also pointed out the potential uncontrollable consequences of the substantial financial, arms, and operational support provided by the White House to the Tel Aviv regime.
As the international community grapples with the Israel-Hamas conflict, Iran’s offer to facilitate the release of civilian hostages stands as a glimmer of hope in a crisis that continues to demand urgent attention and diplomacy. —AFP
