The death of collaborators of the NGO WCK during an Israeli strike in Gaza demonstrates “disregard” for the safety of humanitarian workers according to the UN.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized on Tuesday April 2 after the death, in the besieged Gaza Strip threatened by famine, of seven collaborators of the humanitarian NGO World Central Kitchen in an Israeli strike “unintentional”. At the same time, the Gaza Ministry of Health, administered by Hamas, announced a new toll of 32,916 people killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli military operation. Franceinfo summarizes what you need to remember from this day.
Seven humanitarian workers killed by Israeli strike
The victims were Australian, British, Polish, Canadian-American and Palestinian, according to World Central Kitchen, which delivers food to the Gaza Strip. “This is completely unacceptable. Australia demands accountability for all those responsible for the deaths of aid workers”said the country’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. The British government strongly condemned the Israeli strike and condemned the Israeli ambassador and called for an end to a situation “more and more intolerable” in Gaza.
“Our forces unintentionally hit innocent people in Gaza”confirmed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The proliferation of such events is the inevitable result of the way this war is currently being fought.”in a “disregard for international humanitarian law and a disregard for the protection of humanitarian workers”denounced Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary General.
Several NGOs are putting their activities on hold
After this tragedy, World Central Kitchen announced the suspension of its activities in the region. It was to distribute the humanitarian aid arrived by boat from Cyprus on Monday, two thirds of which had not yet been unloaded (i.e. 200 tonnes) “will be brought back” at the port of Larnaca, explain to Guardian the spokesperson for the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The NGO Anera announces that it is also leaving the enclave: “Delivering aid safely is no longer feasible”regrets the organization in a press release.
Iran vows to retaliate for raid blamed on Israel on consulate in Damascus
Iran has vowed to respond to the deadly raid on its consulate in Damascus blamed on Israel, an unprecedented attack condemned by several countries. Monday, “six missiles fired by F-35 fighters” destroyed the building housing the consulate and the residence of the Iranian ambassador, killing thirteen people, six Syrians and seven Iranians, according to state television. The Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic, deplored the death of seven of its members.
Iran has accused Israel, its sworn enemy, but the latter has not confirmed its responsibility. “The evil Zionist regime will be punished by our brave men. We will make it regret this crime and the others”swore Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes are “intended to fuel conflict” in the region, denounced the Russian ambassador to the UN during a meeting of the Security Council.
A new demonstration against Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem
“You will have neither day nor night” calm. Thousands of Israelis, including many relatives of hostages held in Gaza, demonstrated again in Jerusalem to demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign, accused of having “betrayed” popular confidence. After weeks of demonstrations every Saturday in Tel Aviv, the anti-government camps and hostage families have joined forces to shout their anger every evening since Sunday in front of the Knesset.
Palestinians relaunch the process to become a UN member state
The Palestinians, observers at the UN since 2012, have officially relaunched the procedure to become a full member state, according to a letter from their ambassador to the UN seen by AFP. In this letter addressed to the UN Secretary General and transmitted to the Security Council, Riyad Mansour announces, “at the request of the Palestinian leaders”rerun this query dating from 2011.
According to the Charter of the United Nations, the admission of a State is made by decision of the General Assembly, by a two-thirds majority, but only after a positive recommendation to this effect from the Security Council. Observers doubt that the Palestinians’ request could thus reach the Assembly, highlighting the risk of a veto by the United States in the Security Council.
Damage to “critical infrastructure” estimated at more than 17 billion euros in the Gaza Strip
Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have caused damage to “critical infrastructure” (including housing) estimated at 17.2 billion euros, according to a report published Tuesday April 2. This amount, resulting from a study carried out jointly by the World Bank, the United Nations and the European Union, is the first estimate of the effects of the bombings and ground fighting carried out over the past six months, but does not take into account subsequent destruction. at the end of January. The sum corresponds to the equivalent of 97% of the annual GDP of all the occupied Palestinian territories.