A number of world leaders and top officials have gathered in the Egyptian capital of Cairo for a conference aimed at de-escalating the Israeli war on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip continued.
A number of world leaders and top officials have gathered in the Egyptian capital of Cairo for a conference aimed at de-escalating the Israeli war on Gaza.
The ‘Cairo Summit for Peace’ saw the participation of representatives from several countries, including Jordan, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, Qatar, and South Africa, as well as United Nations and European Union officials.
🔴PALESTINIAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH: The number of Palestinians killed and wounded in the Israeli war on Gaza rose to 4,385 killed, including 1,756 children and 976 women, and over 13,000 wounded.
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— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 21, 2023
In his opening remarks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi invited world leaders to establish a road map to end the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the Gaza Strip and revive a peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
El-Sisi also rejected “the forced displacement of Palestinians to Sinai; this would undermine the Palestinian people’s struggle”.
Arab Leaders Condemn Israel’s War on Gaza
Arab leaders condemned the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and demanded renewed efforts to relaunch a peace process.
Jordan’s King Abdullah addressed the summit by affirming that “the relentless bombing campaign underway in Gaza is cruel and unconscionable on every level.
“It is the collective punishment of besieged and helpless people. It is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It is a war crime.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestinians will not leave their land.
“We won’t leave, we won’t leave, we won’t leave, we will remain on our land,” he said.
AJA: Intense Israeli raids targeted homes in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, and the bombing also extended to a house in the Shati refugee Camp, west of the city.
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— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 21, 2023
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud urged the international community to obligate “Israel” to respect international law.
“We urge the international community to take a strong stand to obligate Israel to respect international laws,” the top Saudi diplomat said.
Guterres: ‘Immediate Humanitarian Aid’
Speaking at the summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “a humanitarian ceasefire now”.
“Immediate, unrestricted and sustained humanitarian aid for besieged civilians in Gaza,” Guterres said.
UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that his country has “called for discipline and professionalism and restraint from the Israeli military”.
GAZA CIVIL DEFENSE: The #Gaza Civil Defense announced the death of one of its members and the injury of 4 others while working east of #Rafah.
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— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 21, 2023
The absence of Israel and senior US officials at the meeting seems to undermine any prospect for de-escalating war.
Since the beginning of the war, on October 7, Israel has killed 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children and 976 women, and has wounded over 13,500.
Moreover, on October 9, Israel imposed a “total siege” on the Gaza Strip, blocking the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
