PARIS — The
International Conference on Gaza commenced in Paris on Thursday, initiated by
France, with the participation of several countries and relevant organizations.
Its purpose is to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, fostering hopes of
achieving results that can ameliorate conditions threatening approximately 2.5
million citizens.
اضافة اعلان
The
French presidency stated that the conference will bring
together the key stakeholders responsible for addressing humanitarian needs in
the Gaza Strip. They are committed to taking effective action for the
Palestinian civilian population, and these stakeholders encompass countries,
donor entities, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations
active in the region.
‘Working towards a ceasefire’ – Macron
During the conference's opening, French President
Emmanuel Macron called for "working towards a ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip. He
emphasized, "In the near future, we must focus on protecting civilians.
This is why there is an urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, and we must
work to halt missile launches."
President Macron underscored the "necessity" of
safeguarding civilians in the Gaza Strip and stressed that there can be no
double standards when it comes to protecting human lives, adding that
"this is non-negotiable."
He also pointed out that the
humanitarian situation in Gaza is
deteriorating "every day" and called for the coordination and
concrete organization of aid delivery.
Macron additionally announced that France would increase its aid to
the Gaza Strip to 100 million euros.
Meanwhile, in his address,
Philippe Lazzarini, the
Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (
UNRWA), disclosed that the agency has lost
99 of its employees in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
Lazzarini explained that more than 700,000 displaced individuals
are residing in the agency's schools in the Gaza Strip. Entire neighborhoods in
the Gaza Strip have been demolished, with
schools and
places of worship targeted by
Israeli airstrikes.
Condemning Hamas does not justify the war
launched by the Israeli occupation
Lazzarini stressed that while condemning Hamas attacks is natural,
it does not justify the war launched by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza
Strip.
The
UNRWA Commissioner-General cautioned against expanding the
scope of the conflict, saying, "I am deeply concerned about the expansion
of the conflict beyond the Gaza Strip. The situation in the West Bank is
volatile, and we must prevent the conflict from spreading further before it's
too late."
Regarding humanitarian aid, Lazzarini stated, "We must protect
the displaced and ensure that aid reaches them," emphasizing that the
volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing is
insufficient, and all crossings must be opened to facilitate aid entry.
He added that "funding is still lacking, and we will not be
able to pay the salaries of those working in the
Gaza Strip in the future.
Hence, an immediate ceasefire is necessary, along with ensuring the flow of
humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip."
Lazzarini also objected to describing Palestinians as subhuman,
stating, "This is absolutely unacceptable and undermines the peace
process." He described the situation in Gaza as collective punishment.
Furthermore, Martin Griffiths, Deputy Secretary-General for
Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, underscored that all
parties must respect international law to protect civilians in Gaza.
Griffiths added that humanitarian organizations must be allowed to
provide their services in Gaza, and the current conflict in Gaza is a massive
fire that can spread throughout the region.
He pointed out that the toll of the conflict in the Gaza Strip is
horrifying, and the situation there is unbearable and catastrophic.
He emphasized that food and fuel must be secured for the Gaza Strip
without obstacles, stating, "We need more crossings to enter aid for the
residents of the Gaza Strip because the needs are substantial."
Furthermore, Griffiths stated that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is
necessary for humanitarian reasons. On the other hand, he clarified that
residents of the West Bank are currently suffering more than ever.
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