28/06/2025

SATURDAY | JUNE 28, 2025

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Spain PM describes ‘genocide’ in Gaza

‘Uphold principles of UN Charter’ NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called out the selective application of the UN Charter. “Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before. The threat or use of force against sovereign nations, violation of international law, targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, weaponisation of food and water and the erosion of rights,” he told a UN General Assembly event to mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. “On and on, we see an all-too familiar pattern, follow when the charter suits, ignore when it does not. The Charter is not optional. It is not an a la carte menu. It is the bedrock of international relations. We cannot and must not normalise violations of basic principles. “The UN Charter is a declaration of hope, and the foundation of international cooperation. The charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world. We can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.” Upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter is a never ending mission, said Guterres, stressing the need to respect and re-commit to international law in words and deeds. “I urge all member states to live up to the spirit and letter of the Charter, to the responsibilities it demands, and to the future it summons us to build ... for peace, for justice, for progress, for us the peoples,” he said. The UN Charter, the foundational treaty of the world body, was adopted on June 25, 1945, at the San Francisco Conference. – Bernama

the most senior, to use the term “genocide” to describe the situation in Gaza. Sanchez mentioned an EU report which found “indications” Israel was breaching its rights obligations under the cooperation deal, which forms the basis for trade ties. Israel reacted furiously to Sanchez’s comments. Its embassy in Madrid accused him of “demonising” Israel, saying Spain was “on the wrong side of history”. The Spanish government called the statement “unacceptable” and summoned the embassy’s charge d’affaires . The director of medical supplies in Gaza’s civil defence agency, Mohammad Al-Mughair, told AFP 65 people had been killed by Israeli forces in the territory on Thursday. The Israeli military said its troops “fired warning shots” to prevent “suspects from approaching them” near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, where Palestinians gather each night for rations. Israel says its Gaza offensive is aimed at destroying Hamas and rescuing hostages. Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 56,259 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The United Nations considers its figures reliable. After claiming victory in a 12-day war against Iran that ended with a ceasefire on June 24, Israel said it would refocus on its offensive in Gaza. US President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday: “I think great progress is being made on Gaza” to end the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing calls from opposition politicians, relatives of hostages held in Gaza and even members of his ruling coalition to end the fighting. Key mediator Qatar said this week it would launch a new push for a ceasefire. Israel said efforts to return Israeli hostages in Gaza were ongoing “on the battlefield and via negotiations”. – AFP

Israel meanwhile is escalating its bombardment of the territory, in a military offensive it says is aimed at defeating Hamas. Sanchez said Gaza was in a “catastrophic situation of genocide” and urged the European Union to suspend its cooperation deal with Israel. The comments represent the strongest condemnation to date by the Spanish premier, an outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive who is one of the first European leaders, and

o Israel reacts furiously to comments

GAZA CITY:

say Gaza’s population of more than two million face famine-like conditions. Israel began allowing supplies to trickle in at the end of May following a blockade of more than two months but distribution has been marred by chaotic scenes and near daily reports of Israeli forces firing on those waiting to collect rations.

Spanish Prime

Minister Thursday

Pedro

Sanchez

on

became most prominent European leader to describe the situation in Gaza as a “genocide”, as rescuers in the war ravaged Palestinian territory said Israeli forces killed 65 people. After more than 20 months of devastating conflict, rights groups the

Palestinians receiving food parcels donated by the United Arab Emirates from a distribution point in Gaza City supervised by volunteers from Palestinian families. – AFPPIC

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