Skip next section German foreign minister calls for release of Israeli hostages
04/23/2024April 23, 2024
German foreign minister calls for release of Israeli hostages
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pointed out out on Tuesday that hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 have been in captivity for 200 days.
“For 200 days, the world has stood still for their families, they have missed their laughter, their hugs, the jingling of keys in the opening door. As long as the hostages are not free, we will not let up. Only when they are home will peace have a chance,” she wrote in a post in German on X, formerly Twitter.
Israel says Hamas militants are and the remains of more than 30 others.
Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by many governments, including Israel, Germany, and the US.
https://p.dw.com/p/4f5Rg
Skip next section UN rights chief ‘horrified’ at devastation of Gaza hospitals
04/23/2024April 23, 2024
UN rights chief ‘horrified’ at devastation of Gaza hospitals
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said on Tuesday he was “horrified” by the vast destruction at in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis and al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city.
Israeli troops raided both hospitals, saying intelligence had indicated that housed Hamas militants.
They have since from both facilities following raids.
UN reports from observers on the ground outlined the hospitals’ destruction, with Palestinian civil defense crews saying Monday they had uncovered a mass grave at the Nasser compound.
“We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered,” said Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations.”
https://p.dw.com/p/4f5L3
Skip next section European Parliament to discuss civilian deaths in Gaza
04/23/2024April 23, 2024
European Parliament to discuss civilian deaths in Gaza
Members of the European Parliament are set to to the “continuous killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip,” a statement read.
In March, the European Parliament adopted a resolution warning about desperate food insecurity and impending starvation in Gaza.
MEPs deplored the impact of attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries, and called on more crossings to be opened for deliveries.
The MEPs “reiterate their call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to address the looming risk of mass starvation in Gaza and to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages,” a press release said.
The March statement added that there was “no prospect of peace, security, stability and prosperity” in Gaza ” as long as Hamas and other terrorist groups play any role.”
The war in Gaza was sparked by the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on southern Israel, in which Hamas and other militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted some 240 others.
https://p.dw.com/p/4f5Hr
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