The United Nations has urged the international community to progress towards a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasising that Jerusalem be the capital for both states.
“It is imperative to decisively and irreversibly move towards a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions and international law,” Tatiana Valovaya, the director-general of the UN office in Geneva said, delivering a speech authored by UN chief Antonio Guterres.
“Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security with Jerusalem as the capital of both states,” she added.
Gaza City mayor Yahya al-Sarraj says Israeli forces are preventing fuel from entering, adding that the aid that does manage to come in “is not enough either in quantity or quality”.
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With no fuel to operate generators, water pumps and pump stations, al-Sarraj told Al Jazeera there were fears an “environmental disaster” would ensue.
“We have stormwater mixed with wastewater. If these floods, it will cover many areas and it will get into people’s houses, causing a very public health disaster,” the mayor said.
In the same vein, in an address yesterday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the UN general assembly president, Dennis France, said the Palestinian people – as all human beings – are entitled to their fundamental and inalienable right to live in dignity, with all liberties.
He added that Palestinians also deserve freedom of movement, freedom from fear and from any want and with unfettered access to basic services.
“It is, therefore, imperative that we restore and sustain their hope – especially among the younger generations that have never experienced what peace looks or feels like.
“By doing so, we will have fulfilled our duty of care – in reaffirming the fundamental principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
“Thus, upholding these basic tenets is key to fostering a just, sustainable, and peaceful future for all Palestinian people.
“But, for us to ensure that every Palestinian sees these inalienable rights as realised and respected, first and foremost we need permanent peace in the Middle East.
“Second, we need to re-engage in dialogue, in good faith, building trust – while adhering to the relevant UN resolutions and international instruments …
“As we reiterate the general assembly’s undiminished call for peace, we too must advocate for open channels of communication – accompanied by robust support from the international community – leading to the two-state solution, as the only viable option for lasting peace in the Middle East,’’ he added.
The war had claimed more than 14,854 Palestinians — mostly women and children — in Gaza, according to the government media office in Gaza, and more than 1,200 people in Israel during, border attack on 7 October.
Recall, the global health body – WHO had on Tuesday warned that more people could die from the disease in Gaza than from bombings if the health system is not repaired.
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