Palestinian Ambassador Calls for Action Against Gaza Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, according to Rabii Alhantouli, the Palestinian Ambassador to Montenegro. In an interview, he emphasized the dire situation resulting from Israeli military actions against the Palestinian people, claiming that the death toll may exceed 68,122 civilians, with significant numbers of women and children among the casualties. Alhantouli called for immediate international intervention to halt what he described as a “genocidal war” against the Palestinian populace.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Alhantouli reported that over 90% of the Gaza Strip has been devastated, with more than 200,000 tons of bombs dropped on the area. He highlighted that the majority of the victims are civilians, including at least 18,592 children and 12,400 women, while upwards of 178,814 have been injured and denied basic medical care. The ambassador described the situation as a planned massacre, stating, “No one is spared; everyone is a target of the Israeli forces.” He pointed out the tragic toll on journalists, medical personnel, and educators, noting that 252 journalists and 1,411 medical and humanitarian workers have lost their lives in the conflict.

In his remarks, Alhantouli stressed that the Palestinian people face aggressive actions that he characterizes as some of the most barbaric in modern history. He criticized the Israeli government’s plans, which he says aim to eliminate the Palestinian identity through violence and oppression. The ambassador further stated, “While genocide occurs in Gaza, ethnic cleansing continues in the West Bank and Jerusalem, where the Israeli government accelerates settlement expansion and enforces collective punishment on the Palestinian population.”

International Response and Responsibility

Alhantouli expressed disappointment with the international community’s response to the crisis, noting that the obligations outlined in the UN Charter and various international treaties have not been upheld. He pointed to the failure of the international community to act collectively, largely due to biases and unequal support for Israel from influential nations. “The world has not fulfilled its responsibility to protect civilians during this ongoing crisis,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a change in international action.

When asked about the potential for negotiations between Israel and Hamas, scheduled for October 2023 in Sharm El Sheikh, Alhantouli conveyed a cautious optimism. He highlighted the Israeli government’s history of sabotaging ceasefire efforts and reiterated the necessity of international pressure on Israel to create a conducive environment for peace talks. “Israel has demonstrated that peace is not part of its agenda,” he said, indicating that accountability for actions taken during the conflict is crucial for any progress.

The ambassador reiterated that the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine is the root cause of violence and instability in the region. He called for an end to the occupation as a prerequisite for achieving lasting peace. Alhantouli noted that the United Nations and international human rights organizations have classified Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Furthermore, he criticized the European Union’s response, which he believes has been insufficient in addressing human rights violations. While noting a recent positive shift in the EU’s stance, he argued that the organization has not implemented measures necessary to hold Israel accountable for its actions. He pointed out the disparity in the EU’s swift responses to other human rights violations compared to its handling of the situation in Israel and Palestine.

In closing, Alhantouli emphasized the importance of solidarity from governments and civil societies worldwide. He underscored that the voice of Palestine must resonate globally, as the spread of truth is essential for achieving justice and peace. “Our embassies work actively to inform and engage with those in positions of influence, urging them to join international efforts to end this genocide and demand accountability for Israel’s crimes,” he concluded.