One year on, Ban bemoans lack of 'durable' Gaza cease-fire
Spokesperson: UN chief 'deeply concerned' by denial of Gazans' basic rights, 'unacceptable' blockade.
By Max Julius Tags: Goldstone report Israel news Gaza warBan Ki-moon's spokesperson on Sunday said the United Nations Secretary-General was "deeply concerned" by the aftermath of Operation Cast Lead, on the first anniversary of Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
"While violence has been at lower levels this year, incidents continue and there is no durable cease-fire in place," said the spokesperson in a statement.
"The quality and quantity of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza is insufficient, broader economic and reconstruction activity is paralyzed, and the people of Gaza are denied basic human rights."
The Israel Defense Forces began the 3-week offensive on Dec. 27, 2008 with a wave of aerial strikes, a few days after Hamas declared that a cease-fire in Gaza had ended.
Israel's stated goals in the 3-week offensive were to halt cross-border rocket fire by Gaza militants, which had terrorized the country's South for eight years, and to curb weapons smuggling into the Hamas-ruled territory.
In the statement, Ban urged Israel to end the "unacceptable and counterproductive" blockade of Gaza, which it maintains with Egypt, and to facilitate economic activity and civilian reconstruction and uphold international law.
"There is a sense of hopelessness in Gaza today for 1.5 million Palestinians, half of whom are under eighteen," the statement said. "Their fate and the well-being of Israelis are intimately connected."
He also called on Hamas to "bring an end to violence" and fully respect international law.
Ban made no mention of the damning UN report on the conflict authored by South African jurist Richard Goldstone, which accused both sides of committing war crimes, but focused mainly on alleged Israeli offences.
Israel says around 1,100 Gazans were killed during the offensive, of whom the majority were militants. But Palestinian human rights groups say more than 1,400 Gazans were killed, most of whom were civilians. Thirteen Israelis were also killed during the hostilities: ten IDF soldiers and three civilians.
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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. |
| Photo by: (AP) |
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18 million Afghan children will never learn to read, today. Instead UN gazing at Israel, where UN officials should be sent into kibbuts to practice basic manners.
Why do bleeding hearts, so wept with compassion, not do something? It is within the power of the UN to start seeking new homes for all of the unwanted Arabs of Greater Israel. There is nothing the UN, or all those bleeding hearts, can - or will - do to stop the eventual expungment of those persisting in Gaza and obstrucing the settlement of Judea and Samaria. What they COULD do, they don't. Why doesn't Ban appeal to nations around the world to take in as citizens, those doomed to be pushed from their homes? Why do bleeding hearts not all invite a Palestinian family into their homes and sponsor them as future citizens of their own nations? Is it because they would actually be doing something and thus have no reason to be outraged? The course Israel has been on for 30 years has been very clear, despite the smarmy deceptions of various governments and the self-delusion of decent Israelis about what the actual goals are. Going with the flow could help reduce suffering.
You know what the difference between the Israelis and Hamas? One cares about their own citizens and the other does not. Israel (rightly or wrongly) fought a war in Gaza so that its citizens in the south can have peaceful normal lives. Hamas on the other hand will not sue for peace in order to give the same to the people of Gaza. The first responsibility of a good government is to the wellbeing of its citizens with a Hamas government that responsibility will fail every time.
Who is in command in Gaza Is a threat for Israel they just want destroy it so please be serious. Gaza citizen are paying for the policy of their government; so please go an blame Hamas.
Hamas and Ban are correct 1200 or 1400 Palestinians civilians were killed .It should be clear to every one that their fighters do not wear or have any military uniforms.
Using the word 'bemoans' to describe the way somebody is talking instantly paints the picture of a whiner. It's a very interesting way of painting a mental picture of someone... Ever wonder how it almost seems like Israel and Hamas need each other to keep themselves relevant. It almost seems like they are more scared of peace than war...
It actually is part of the same war that started in 1967, but the next sack is already planned. Netanyahu's brother-in-law let it slip the other day. The next sack is scheduled for February to June, as soon as the pretext is devised. Wonder if any schools or hospitals will be left standing this time. Israeli and Egyptian politicians don't want a cease fire any more than Islamic Jihad or Hamas do. It would be bad for politics in Israel and bad for the smuggling business in Gaza and Eastern Egypt. Besides, some kids in Gaza still aren't yet living in tents. And some still have potable water to drink.
A number of years Hamas kidnapped an Israeli soldier named Gilad Shalit. It's pretty obvious that Gazans' suffering isn't really a concern for Hamas because if they were to release him, the blockade would be lifted.
Tune in later this coming year to find out.
Mr Ban! Why dont you criticise Egypt for the blockade of Gaza? Gaza has also a border with Egypt. So why don't the Egyptians lift the blockade of their border? After all, Gazans are their brothers, Arabs.
now bibi you can do what we ask or we leave you behind
The people of North Korea are also suffering terribly. They are governed by a small group of fanatics. As a logical result, their lives are miserable. Its a sad fact of life, live under a dictator or government that unleashes violence against their neigbors or otherwise doesn't know how to place nice, and your quality of life is going to suffer significantly. Maybe one day North Koreans will have a better life if their government turns around. Similarly, perhaps the next time there are elections in the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinians will think twice before voting Hamas back into power.