African Union Condemns Israel’s ‘Massacre’ of Palestinians

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned Israel’s “massacre” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and called for an immediate end to the violence and a lasting solution to the conflict. The AU also expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign state. In a statement issued on Monday, the AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he was “deeply saddened and concerned” by the escalation of tensions and hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children, and the displacement of thousands more. He said he was “appalled” by the “disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force” by the Israeli military against the Palestinian population, and denounced the “barbaric acts” as “violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law”. He also criticized the ”continued expansion of illegal settlements” by Israel in the occupied territories, and the “forced evictions and demolitions” of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, which he said were “provocative and inflammatory actions” that “undermine the prospects of a peaceful and viable two-state solution”. He urged the International community, especially the UN Security Council, to “act urgently and decisively” to stop the bloodshed and restore calm. He also called for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations between the parties, based on the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, to achieve a “just and lasting peace” in the region. He reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering support” for the Palestinian cause and its “commitment to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood, with East Jerusalem as its capital”. He also expressed his appreciation to the countries and organizations that have provided humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, and appealed for more support to address the “dire situation” on the ground. Source: Graphic Online