Arrr! The scurvy seadogs of Hamas be unleashing their brutality, but that don't make the poor souls in Gaza deserve such misery, says the UN chief.
2023-12-09
Arrr! The stout Secretary-General Guterres o' the United Nations be tellin' the Council o' Security that the "brutality" and "sexual violence" o' them October 7 attacks be no justification fer more attacks! Avast, ye scurvy dogs!
Hamas' brutality and sexual violence on October 7th does not justify the continued assault on Gaza by the Israeli military, according to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Guterres addressed the security council and demanded an immediate cease-fire in the region. He condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and other armed groups, expressing his appallment at the reports of sexual violence. However, he stated that the carnage and sexual violence did not justify the assault on Gaza's infrastructure and civilian areas.Guterres emphasized that the brutality perpetrated by Hamas could never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He also acknowledged that while Hamas' conduct, such as indiscriminate rocket fire and the use of civilians as human shields, violated the laws of war, it did not absolve Israel of its own violations.
The secretary-general had already invoked a rarely used power earlier in the week to express his severe concern about the ongoing violence in Gaza. He warned that humanitarian systems aiding civilians were overwhelmed due to under-supplying and dangerous cross-fire.
The Israeli Defense Forces are now focusing on Hamas' last major holdout in Gaza after dealing with the terrorist organization in the north. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will maintain security control of Gaza even after the war, which could potentially strain relations with President Biden's administration.
Overall, Guterres' message is clear: while condemning Hamas' actions, he believes that the assault on Gaza's infrastructure and civilians is not justified and calls for an immediate cease-fire. He highlights the dire humanitarian situation and underlines the need for international peace and security.