LOC15:02
12:02 GMT
RIYADH, July 21 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi strongly condemned on Monday the ongoing inhumane, and illegal blockade imposed by Israeli occupation forces on Gaza, and the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering the territory.
In an official statement, Al-Budaiwi described the siege and its resulting humanitarian catastrophe - characterized by the spread of famine and the depletion of food and medical supplies - as a violation of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and fundamental human rights principles.
He emphasized that the blockade constitutes a direct challenge to the international community and affirmed that the GCC holds the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, including what he described as a deliberate policy of collective starvation - a practice that constitutes a war crime requiring urgent international accountability.
Al-Budaiwi urged the international community, including all governments, institutions, and organizations, to take immediate and serious action to end the brutal blockade, halt the killing and starvation, ensure the swift entry of humanitarian aid, reopen border crossings without delay, and save the lives of innocent civilians from a looming catastrophe.
He reiterated the GCC's firm position in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights - the right to a dignified life, freedom, self-determination, and the achievement of a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. (end)
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