The UN’s Volker Turk condemned unlawful proposals to annex Palestinian territories, warning they threaten regional peace. He called for accountability amid violence from both Israel and Hamas. Concurrently, Egypt rejected Israeli takeover proposals for Gaza. Lebanon’s President Aoun expressed hope for Arab unity at the upcoming summit, as local leaders focused on government accountability during parliamentary discussions.
On Wednesday, UN rights chief Volker Turk labeled proposals for the annexation or forced transfer of Palestinians as “unlawful.” He emphasized that such actions could jeopardize peace and security in the region, urging for reasoned voices to speak against them amidst rising violence from Israeli settlers. There is a notable escalation in military operations and violence in the occupied territories, causing severe humanitarian concerns.
Turk pointed to significant abuses committed during the ongoing conflict, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks, citing Israel’s military tactics that have led to high civilian casualties and raised suspicions of war crimes. He underscored that both Hamas and other Palestinian factions have also committed grave abuses, including hostage-taking and indiscriminate attacks, urging accountability for all parties involved.
Amid these discussions, Egypt rejected a proposal by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid for Egyptian administration of Gaza, asserting it contradicts longstanding Arab positions. The Egyptian foreign ministry reiterated that any schemes that overlook Palestinian sovereignty are unacceptable and would merely prolong the conflict while emphasizing the Jerusalem and West Bank’s significance in Palestinian territories.
In Lebanon, President Aoun expressed optimism regarding the upcoming Arab Summit in Cairo, hoping it would unify Arab positions against regional challenges. During a meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister, he acknowledged ongoing support from Oman, while the discussion in the Lebanese parliament focused on the government’s role and accountability amid significant financial losses noted by several MPs.
Additionally, the Israeli military continued surveillance operations over Lebanon and executed airstrikes, raising tensions further in the region. Concerns regarding their potential implications for security in both Lebanon and neighboring areas persist, even as humanitarian efforts to manage the ongoing crises remain critical.
In summary, the prevailing conflicts and challenges in the region necessitate immediate attention and unified responses from international and regional leaders. The UN cautions against unlawful proposals that could exacerbate violence, while local leaders stress accountability and Palestinian sovereignty. The diplomatic efforts in Lebanon and Egypt reflect a broader call for resolution and support for humanitarian needs amidst escalating tensions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
