Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki stated on October 25 that Israel is conducting a “retaliatory war” against Gaza with the intention of complete annihilation, in response to the severe attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, Reuters reports.
Israel announced that its ground troops had infiltrated Gaza overnight to strike Hamas targets, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that they were “gearing up for a potential ground invasion”. Al-Maliki, speaking to reporters in The Hague, said, “Numerous wars have occurred (in Gaza), but this one is unique. It’s a retaliatory war this time.”
He further stated that this war lacks a genuine purpose and is aimed solely at the complete obliteration of all habitable areas in Gaza. He added that the war is not guided by military strategies, no standards are adhered to, and all international warfare rules are being breached.
Gaza is suffering from nearly three weeks of Israeli shelling, initiated by a mass murder in southern Israel by the Iranian-supported Hamas militants who govern Gaza. Israel maintains its right to self-defense. Al-Maliki called on global leaders to urge Israel to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire to ensure the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
At a summit in Brussels, EU leaders are anticipated on October 25 to restrict their appeal to “breaks” in the shelling. However, al-Maliki argued that this is not acceptable as it would not guarantee the delivery of aid and the restoration of water and electricity supplies.
During his trip to The Hague, al-Maliki visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been probing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestinian territories since 2014. Prosecutor Khan informed Reuters two weeks ago that the court has jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed by Hamas militants in Israel and Israelis in Gaza Strip, despite Israel not being a member state.
Al-Maliki accused Israel of committing war crimes by cutting off electricity, water, and fuel supplies, causing people to starve, and forcibly relocating people. He concluded by saying, “Our goal is to seek accountability.”
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