Barry

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2023-12-08/secretary-generals-remarks-the-security-council-the-situation-the-middle-east-including-the-palestinian-question-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english Mr. President, Excellencies, I wrote to the Security Council invoking Article 99 because we are at a breaking point. There is a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences. We anticipate that it would result in a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt. I fear the consequences could be devastating for the security of the entire region. We have already seen the spillover in the Occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. There is clearly, in my view, a serious risk of aggravating existing threats to the maintenance of international peace and security. The risk of collapse of the humanitarian system is fundamentally linked with a complete lack of safety and security for our staff in Gaza, and with the nature and intensity of military operations, which are severely limiting access to people in desperate need. The threat to the safety and security of United Nations staff in Gaza is unprecedented. More than 130 of my colleagues have already been killed, many with their families. This is the largest single loss of life in the history of our Organization. Some of our staff take their children to work so they know they will live or die together. Colleagues have shared heartbreaking messages from staff members pleading for help. The Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Safety and Security has advised me that all possible means of mitigating the risk to staff within Gaza, short of evacuation, are closed off, because of the way this conflict has evolved. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza. I pay tribute to the heroic humanitarian aid workers who remain committed to their work, despite the enormous dangers to their health and their lives. But the situation is simply becoming untenable. This Council called in Resolution 2712 for “the scaling up of the provision of such supplies to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, especially children”. I deeply regret to inform the Council that under current conditions on the ground, the fulfilment of this mandate has become impossible. The conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist. The crossing point at Rafah was not designed for hundreds of trucks and is a major bottleneck. But even if sufficient supplies were permitted into Gaza, intense bombardment and hostilities, Israeli restrictions on movement, fuel shortages, and interrupted communications, make it impossible for UN agencies and their partners to reach most of the people in need. Between 3 and 5 December – the two days preceding my letter – the UN could only distribute aid in one of Gaza’s five governorates – Rafah. Elsewhere, access was impossible. People are desperate, fearful and angry. In some cases, they have expressed that anger towards our staff. Mr. President, All this takes place amid a spiraling humanitarian nightmare. First, there is no effective protection of civilians. More than 17,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel’s military operations. This includes more than 4,000 women and 7,000 children. Tens of thousands are reported to have been injured, and many are missing, presumably under the rubble. All these numbers are increasing by the day. Attacks from air, land and sea are intense, continuous and widespread. So far, they have reportedly hit 339 education facilities, 26 hospitals, 56 healthcare facilities, 88 mosques and three churches. Over 60 percent of Gaza’s housing has reportedly been destroyed or damaged – some 300,000 houses and apartments. Some 85 percent of the population have been forced from their homes. The people of Gaza are being told to move like human pinballs – ricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival. But nowhere in Gaza is safe. At least 88 UNRWA shelters have been hit, killing over 270 people and injuring over 900. Conditions in shelters are overcrowded and unsanitary. People nurse open wounds. Hundreds of people stand in line for hours to use one shower or toilet. Families who have lost everything sleep on bare concrete floors, wearing clothes they have not changed for two months. Tens of thousands of Palestinians arrived in Rafah in recent days, overwhelming shelters there. Many displaced families – including children, older people, pregnant women and people with disabilities – are sleeping in streets and public spaces across the city. Mr. President, Second, Gazans are running out of food. According to the World Food Programme, there is a serious risk of starvation and famine. In northern Gaza, 97 percent of households are not eating enough. In the south, the figure among displaced people is 83 percent. Half the people of the north and more than one third of displaced people in the south are simply starving. WFP’s own food stocks are running out. In the north, nine out of ten people have spent at least one full day and night without food. The last functioning flour mill in Gaza was destroyed on 15 November. WFP has provided food and cash assistance to hundreds of thousands of people across Gaza since the crisis began, and is ready to scale up its operations.However, that would require effective access to all people in need, and at least 40 trucks of food supplies every day – many times the current level. Mr. President, Third, Gaza’s health system is collapsing while needs are escalating. At least 286 health workers have been killed. Hospitals have suffered heavy bombardment. Just 14 out of 36 are still functioning. Of these, three are providing basic first aid, while the others are delivering partial services. The European Gaza Hospital, one of the two main hospitals in southern Gaza, has 370 beds. It is currently housing 1000 patients and an estimated 70,000 people seeking shelter. There are critical shortages of drugs, blood products and medical supplies. Fuel to run the hospitals is severely rationed. Many patients are being treated on the floor and without anesthetics. As patients with life-threatening injuries continue to arrive, wards are overflowing and staff are overwhelmed. At the same time, the unsanitary conditions in shelters and severe shortages of food and water are leading to increases in respiratory infections, scabies, jaundice and diarrhea. Everything I have just described represents an unprecedented situation that led to my unprecedented decision to invoke Article 99, urging the members of the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, and appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. Mr. President, We are all aware that Israel began its military operation in response to the brutal terror attacks unleashed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October. I unreservedly condemn those attacks. I am appalled by the reports of sexual violence. There is no possible justification for deliberately killing some 1,200 people, including 33 children, injuring thousands more, and taking hundreds of hostages. Some 130 hostages are still held captive. I call for their immediate and unconditional release, as well as their humane treatment and visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross until they are freed. At the same time, the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. And while indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas into Israel, and the use of civilians as human shields, are in contravention of the laws of war, such conduct does not absolve Israel of its own violations. International humanitarian law includes the duty to protect civilians and to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. The laws of war also demand that civilians’ essential needs must be met, including by facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief. International humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. It is binding on all parties equally at all times, and the obligation to observe it does not depend on reciprocity. Mr. President, The people of Gaza are looking into the abyss. The international community must do everything possible to end their ordeal. I urge the Council to spare no effort to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for the protection of civilians, and for the urgent delivery of lifesaving aid.While we deal with the current crisis, we cannot lose sight of the only viable possibility for a peaceful future: a two-State solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. This is vital for Israelis, Palestinians, and for international peace and security. The eyes of the world – and the eyes of history – are watching. It’s time to act. Thank you.

Why does Israel target Palestinian children? Two Palestinian boys have been shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, and more than six thousand children have been killed in Gaza. Around 250 minors are in Israeli prisons. So, why does Israel target Palestinian children? https://omny.fm/shows/the-inside-story-podcast/why-does-israel-target-palestinian-children#sharing This was from August... West Bank: Spike in Israeli Killings of Palestinian Children https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/28/west-bank-spike-israeli-killings-palestinian-children Last year, 2022, was the deadliest year for Palestinian children in the West Bank in 15 years, and 2023 is on track to meet or exceed 2022 levels. Israeli forces had killed at least 34 Palestinian children in the West Bank as of August 22. Human Rights Watch investigated four fatal shootings of Palestinian children by Israeli forces between November 2022 and March 2023. “Israeli forces are gunning down Palestinian children living under occupation with increasing frequency,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. “Unless Israel’s allies, particularly the United States, pressure Israel to change course, more Palestinian children will be killed.” At least 101 children killed in the West Bank this year https://www.savethechildren.net/news/least-101-children-killed-west-bank-year RAMALLAH, 30 November 2023 – An eight-year-old boy shot dead in the street is one of the most recent casualties of violence in the occupied West Bank, with at least 101 Palestinian children reported killed in the West Bank this year, said Save the Children. Since the attacks in Israel on 7 October, Israeli soldiers or settlers have killed at least 63 children in the West Bank, according to the UN, averaging more than one child a day—significantly more fatalities than in the first nine months of the already deadliest year. During this same period, the UN has reported that some 143 families, including 388 children, have been displaced from their homes in the West Bank due to settler violence and access restrictions.

Seems pretty obvious by now Israel killed probably the vast majority of people who died on October the 7th, theres houses burned down and 100s of cars completely destroyed, probably close to zero of that would have been done by Hamas but was by Israel firing at the cars and houses from helicopters. Israel have alread started to bury all the cars which they said they are doing as a rememberance to the people who died - definitely not to cover up an investigation that would reveal they killed everyone in the cars. Hamas plan was probably to abduct people to take back to Gaza and use for talks etc then Israel started killing everybody in sight to stop them then blamed them for doing it. It never made sense from the start those videos of Hamas escaping back in cars where people were dead in the cars, why would Hamas kill people then spend time when they don't have any time putting bodies into cars. Would make more sense those people were shot and killed and injured while they were escaping and not by Hamas. Theres many witnesses and even I think one of the recently released hostages from a few days ago who said everyone with them was killed by the Army or Police who were shooting at them, one Israeli woman a few weeks ago I remember said her husband was shot and killed because they were shooting at people running from the festival even though they were all civilians from Israel running away.

They've killed about 1% of the people in Gaza in less than 2 months, thats a disgrace.

You knew that would happen, same when they go back to boming them they will probably make up for all the bombing they missed out on. A lot of the people they released will probably end up dead in the upcoming bombing as well.

New song

https://nypost.com/2023/11/22/entertainment/jenna-ortega-exits-scream-7-over-wednesday-not-melissa-barrera-firing/ Jenna Ortega drops out of ‘Scream 7’ — and it’s not about Melissa Barrera’s firing How convenient, an actor gets fired for supporting Palestine, then the very next day the main actor of the movie who also supports Palestine steps down from the movie but it has nothing to do with it

Thats what Israel want though, them all to leave. I doubt many of them would leave anyway as probably everyone there has had numerous maybe dozens of friends and family and neighbors and teachers and local people killed there, leaving to many people would probably be like giving up and they all died for nothing. What really needs to happen is for Israel to stop trying to control them and let them exist as their own country.

https://www.map.org.uk/landing-pages/gaza-emergency-situation-2023 On 7 October, Israel launched an extensive aerial bombardment across all areas of Gaza, hitting homes, hospitals, clinics, schools and essential infrastructure. This has resulted in mass casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure: More than 11,078 killed, including more than 4,506 children More than 27,490 injured, including more than 40% children. More than 3,250 remain missing under the rubble. 67% of the victims are children, women and the elderly 200,000 + housing units damaged or destroyed, roughly 45% of all homes in Gaza The cumulative number of IDPs since the start of hostilities in Gaza is estimated at over 1.5 million. This figure includes nearly 690,400 sheltering in 149 UNRWA facilities. In recent days, tens of thousands of IDPs, who were previously staying with host families, have relocated into public shelters, seeking food and basic services. This has increased pressure on already overcrowded shelters. The average number of IDPs per UNRWA shelter is nearly four times their intended capacity. This escalation is spilling over into the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Since 7 October: 172 Palestinians, including 46 children have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers More than 2,586 people have been injured, including at least 261 children. Israel detained around 2000 Palestinians across the West Bank Nearly 1000 people have been displaced Severely tightened movement restrictions across all areas, obstructing access to healthcare Crazy how much damage has been done in only 6 weeks, in Gaza roughly 6.4 people live per home and over 20,000 homes have been completely destroyed. So about 130,000 people won't even have a home to return to. Then all the other buildings destoryed and cars, fishing boats, hospitals, shops, schools. Pretty much no chance of these ever being rebuilt and not any time soon anyway.

Dozens killed as Israeli forces attack al-Fakhoora School in northern Gaza Many hundreds of people are believed to have taken shelter at the UN-run school. Israeli air raids have killed dozens people at the al-Fakhoora School, run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. At least 50 people were killed in the bombing, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Saturday. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/18/israeli-forces-strike-al-fakhoora-school-in-northern-gaza Jordan condemns massacres of Al-Fakhoura, Tal Al-Zaatar schools The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the heinous and continuing war crimes committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in Gaza, the latest one being the targeting of displaced residents at the UNRWA's Al-Fakhoura and Tal Al-Zaatar Schools, in a flagrant violation of international law and the absence of an international position to stop this raging war and the ensuing human catastrophe. The Ministry's official spokesman, Ambassador Sufyan Al-Qudah, affirmed the Kingdom's strong rejection and condemnation of this act, which is incompatible with all human and moral values, and with the rules of international humanitarian law, especially the Geneva Convention of 1949 for the Protection of civilians in times of War. https://en.royanews.tv/news/46609/Jordan condemns massacres of Al-Fakhoura, Tal Al-Zaatar schools With 102 Workers Killed, U.N. Agency in Gaza Struggles to Provide Aid At least 102 workers from the largest United Nations agency in Gaza have been killed in five weeks of heavy Israeli bombing. Most did not die in the line of duty but instead while at home, often in strikes that also killed members of their families, U.N. officials said. They were men and women. The largest number were teachers. Others included school principals, warehouse workers, engineers, a software developer, a gynecologist and a man in charge of staff safety. He was killed in his home along with his wife and their eight children, said Juliette Touma, the director of communications for UNRWA, the agency that cares for Palestinian refugees and their descendants across the Middle East. “It is a huge, huge loss,” Ms. Touma said. “Every day, we get more of these reports of our colleagues who were killed.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/world/middleeast/unrwa-gaza-aid-struggles.html