UN urged to denounce Israeli violence against civilians in Gaza
Kuwait calls for measures to be taken to protect civilian population
Kuwait is urging the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel’s use of force against Palestinian civilians “in the strongest terms,” especially in the Gaza Strip, and to deploy and international force to protect civilians.
A draft resolution circulated by Kuwait, which is the Arab representative on the council, also demands that Israel “immediately cease its military reprisals, collective punishment and unlawful use of force against civilians, including in the Gaza Strip”.
Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon responded to the draft resolution, saying in a statement: “The cynicism and attempts to distort reality have reached a new low. Israel will continue to defend its sovereignty and the security of its citizens against the terror and murderous violence of Hamas.
“This shameful draft resolution is a proposal to support Hamas’ war crimes against Israel and the residents of Gaza who are being sent to die for the sake of preserving Hamas’ rule.”
The United States has defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and is very likely veto to the resolution if it is put to a vote.
Kuwait’s effort comes after the Security Council couldn’t agree even on a statement about a confrontation in Gaza on Monday that left nearly 60 Palestinians dead. Palestinian officials call it a massacre of protesters demonstrating against a decade-long blockade; Israel said it was defending its border against a militant-fuelled mob.
On Monday, Kuwait tried to get the council to issue a statement expressing outrage at the killings and seeking an independent investigation, among other things. The US blocked the statement, saying it was one-sided and faulting it for not mentioning incitement of violence by Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza and led the demonstration.
The Kuwaiti draft resolution calls for measures to be taken guaranteeing the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population, including through the deployment of “an international protecing tion mission.” It would reaffirm the council’s willingness to respond to armed conflict where civilians are being targeted or aid to civilians is being deliberately obstructed and says this could include considering “appropriate measures” – UN language for sanctions.
The draft calls for “the full lifting of the blockade and the restrictions imposed by Israel on the movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip”.
This includes “the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the cross-- points” to allow humanitarian aid, commercial goods and people to enter and leave in accordance with international law.
The draft expresses “grave concern at the escalation of violence and tensions and the deterioration of the situation” in Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, since 30 March – and at the loss of civilian lives and high casualties.
It urges immediate and unimpeded aid to civilians in Gaza, “immediate and significant steps” to stabilise the situation on the ground.
The draft calls for intensified efforts by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the UN Mideast envoy Nikolay Mladenov to help deter violence, protect civilians, and create “an environment conducive to dialogue.”
Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said Palestinians were looking at past UN operations in various countries to see what form a protection effort might take.