UNSC holds emergency meeting on Israel's Gaza strategy
Escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The UN's humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported that 98 children have died from acute malnutrition since the war began in October 2023, with 37 deaths since July alone.
'This is no longer a looming hunger crisis — this is starvation, pure and simple,' warned Ramesh Rajasingham, OCHA's director of coordination.
Palestinian UN Envoy condemns Israeli plan
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour labeled the Israeli strategy as "illegal and immoral" and emphasized the unbearable suffering of over two million civilians in Gaza. He also called for foreign journalists to be allowed into Gaza to report on the situation.
In response, Netanyahu announced a plan to allow limited foreign media access, but only accompanied by the Israeli military.
International reactions and calls for sanctions
UK warns of prolonged conflict
While a traditional ally of Israel, Britain supported the emergency session, with Deputy Ambassador James Kariuki warning that the plan would only "deepen Palestinian suffering" and prolong the conflict.
US defends Israel's right to security
The United States criticised those supporting the meeting, accusing them of "actively prolonging the war by spreading lies about Israel."
'Israel has a right to determine what is necessary for its security,' said US envoy Dorothy Shea.
Algeria and Palestine call for sanctions
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama urged the Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel, calling it the "enemy of humanity."
Palestinian Ambassador Mansour echoed the call: 'If it was another country, you would have been imposing sanctions a long time ago.'
Protests outside UN Headquarters
As the session took place, a small but vocal protest gathered outside the UN in New York, calling for an end to the war in Gaza. The demonstration was met with a significant police presence.
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