11 hours ago
15
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza when the month of Ramadan had just begun, referring to it as an "instrument of extortion and collective punishment" and a "flagrant violation of international law."
As reported by Anadolu, this comes after Israel's decision to halt aid shipments just hours after the first stage of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Tel Aviv had ended.
Israel's decision to use starvation as a weapon of war was made to hinder the second stage negotiations that would compel Tel Aviv to cease the war in Gaza.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The Kingdom condemns and denounces the occupying government of Israel's decision to stop humanitarian aid to Gaza, using it as a tool of extortion and collective punishment."
The statement emphasized that Israel's decision was a "flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on the principles of international humanitarian law amid the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people."
In response to the suspended aid, the Palestinian group Hamas called the action "cheap extortion, war crimes, and overt coup against the ceasefire agreement."
Hamas urged the mediators and the global community to "press the occupation (Israel) and stop their punitive and immoral actions against over 2 million people in Gaza."
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that "as of this morning, the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip is stopped."
Netanyahu's stance also drew sharp criticism from hostage families and Israeli politicians. Yair Golan, the leader of the Israeli opposition, the Democratic Party, accused the Netanyahu government of evading the negotiations for the second stage of the agreement.
The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 19, officially ended at midnight on Saturday. However, Israel has not agreed to continue the second stage agreement to end the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu has sought to extend the initial exchange phase to ensure the release of as many Israeli prisoners as possible without offering any rewards or fulfilling military and humanitarian obligations based on the agreement.
Hamas refused to continue under these conditions, insisting that Israel comply with the terms of the ceasefire and immediately commence negotiations for the second stage, which includes the full withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and the cessation of hostilities altogether.
The ceasefire agreement halted the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which has killed more than 48,380 Palestinian citizens, mostly women and children, and left the area in ruins.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war in the enclave.
Editor's Choice: Israel Refuses to Withdraw from Gaza-Egypt Border, Breaches Ceasefire Deal
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump Wants to Deport Some Foreign Students. These Activists Want to Help
2 hari lalu
President Donald Trump is about to deport international students involved in university pro-Palestinian protests.
Israel Refuses to Withdraw from Gaza-Egypt Border, Breaches Ceasefire Deal
2 hari lalu
Israel has stated that its military will not withdraw from the strategic route along the Gaza-Egypt border, despite the requirement to withdraw by tomorrow
Israel to Restrict Palestinians' Al Aqsa Mosque Visits During Ramadan
2 hari lalu
Israel stated on Thursday that it would restrict Palestinian Muslim visits to the Al Aqsa Mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan.
UN: More than 100,000 Palestinian Students Return to Schools in Gaza
2 hari lalu
UN spokesperson mentioned that 165 public schools have reopened in Gaza to date.
Israel Frees 596 Palestinian Prisoners; First Ceasefire Phase Ends
2 hari lalu
This seventh phase of releases is part of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas.
Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister Urges Israel, Hamas to Heed Ceasefire Deal
3 hari lalu
Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta stated that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has several obstacles potential.
Hamas Says It's Ready for More Ceasefire Talks After Releasing Hostage Remains
3 hari lalu
Hamas was ready to begin talks on the second phase of ceasefire in Gaza after hundred Palestinians were released from Israeli jails.
Israel Has Shown 'Unprecedented Disregard for Human Rights' in Gaza, UN Human Rights Chief Says
3 hari lalu
UN Human Rights Chief accused Israel on Wednesday of showing an unprecedented disregard for human rights in its military actions in Gaza.
Indonesia Humanitarian Campaign: Raising Aid of Rp3.2tn for Palestine
3 hari lalu
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has launched a joint campaign to support Palestine, to raise aid amounting to Rp3.2 trillion.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry to Hold Palestine Fundraising, Targets US$200mn
4 hari lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to raise funds amounting to Rp3.2 trillion to help Palestine.
