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Gaza humanitarian crisis

The UN has once again raised the alarm about dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, warning that heavy rains have left tens of thousands of families without shelter. It added that the strong storm has also disrupted protection and safety activities for thousands of children as well. The UN spokesperson said heavy rains have flooded makeshift tents, worsening the already dire conditions for thousands of displaced Palestinians. Medical sources now report that at least 13 people have died in hospitals due to the severe cold and storm. Aid agencies warn that the situation is being exacerbated by the Israeli ban on entry of life-saving shelter assistance. The UN says it has tents, blankets, and essential supplies ready, but the Israeli regime continues to block and restrict access at Gaza’s crossings. The world body says restrictions imposed by Israel are crippling the ability of humanitarian organizations to scale up their response. With urgent repairs needed and aid trapped outside, the man-made crisis in Gaza deepens amid harsh winter conditions.

Slamming US ICC sanctions

The International Criminal Court has strongly condemned the United States’ new sanctions on two of its judges. The ICC called Washington’s move a "flagrant attack" against the independence of an impartial judicial institution. The international court warned that threatening judges to apply the law places the entire international legal order at risk. It said such measures also undermine the rule of law, reiterating that the court stands firmly behind its personnel and the victims of unimaginable atrocities. The ICC’s statement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on two ICC judges for being "directly engaged” in what he called “the illegitimate targeting of Israel." The US has already imposed sanctions on nine ICC judges and prosecutors for authorizing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, over war crimes in Gaza. The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, also condemned the sanctions, saying international courts should be able to work without interference.

Slamming Israel Syria aggression

Iran has strongly condemned Israel’s military aggression against Syria, especially its recent attack on the town of Bayt Jinn, which left 13 civilians dead. Iran's permanent UN ambassador called the regime’s incursions into Syria a grave war crime under international law. Amir Saeid Iravani told the Security Council that Israel’s actions are part of a deliberate strategy to entrench occupation and fragment Syria by exploiting ethnic and sectarian divisions. He stressed that the Security Council cannot remain passive in the face of Israel’s violations, and must take concrete measures to stop them. Iran's ambassador also alluded to the United States’ unbridled support for Israel. He said political shielding of Israel by a permanent member of the Council legitimizes its acts of aggression and renders the Council’s resolutions ineffective and unenforceable. Iravani stressed that Iran will continue to support a sovereign, stable, and secure Syria and its reintegration into the international community.

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