UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for humanitarian purposes, the UN press service reported following Griffiths’ participation in the humanitarian conference on the Gaza Strip in Paris.
Griffiths also pointed out the importance of ensuring the resumption of supplies of vital products to the Gaza Strip. He called for the protection of civilians, “no matter where they are,” Interfax reports.
The head of the UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, also spoke at the conference. He joined Griffiths’ calls and also said that “there needs to be a meaningful and sustained flow of aid supplies, including fuel.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who opened the event, said that “all lives are equally valuable.” He called on Israel to ensure the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. “The fight against terrorism cannot be carried out without rules. And Israel knows this,” he added. The French leader also promised that Paris would allocate an additional 80 million euros for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Thus, according to him, the total amount allocated for French support for civilians in Gaza will reach 100 million euros this year.
The meeting in Paris was attended by officials from a dozen Western and Arab countries, as well as representatives of the UN and non-governmental organizations. The Elysee Palace previously indicated that the Israeli delegation was not invited, but was notified of the conference.
Source: Rosbalt
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