SCO Leaders Express Deep Concern Over Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) expressed deep concern over the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The SCO members strongly condemned the actions leading to numerous civilian casualties, calling for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. China hosted the SCO summit, where the leadership adopted a 10-year roadmap for development and agreed to boost economic and security ties. The summit's statement, the Tianjin Declaration, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways:
- The SCO leaders expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, with a death toll of 63,557 and over 160,660 injured Palestinians.
- The SCO members strongly condemned the actions leading to numerous civilian casualties and called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
- The SCO leaders emphasized the need for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
- China hosted the two-day summit, where the SCO leadership adopted a 10-year roadmap for development and agreed to boost economic and security ties.
- The Israeli army's attacks on Gaza have led to the closure of all Gaza border crossings, pushing the territory's 2.4 million population into famine, according to a UN-backed food security assessment.
- The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza in November.
- The Israeli army has killed 11,426 people and injured 48,619 others since March 18, shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January.
Statistics:
- 63,557: current death toll in Gaza
- 160,660: number of injured Palestinians
- 2.4 million: population of Gaza
- 11,426: people killed by the Israeli army since March 18
- 48,619: others injured by the Israeli army since March 18
- 14,000: people expected to die due to famine in Gaza by the end of September
Sources:
- [1] Shanghai Cooperation Organization
- [2] China Daily
- [3] United Nations
- [4] International Criminal Court
- [5] Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza