UN restates call for prevention of genocide as Israel-Hamas war enters 4th month

The United Nations (UN) has reiterated its call for the prevention of genocide in the war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

Alice Nderitu, UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, on Friday, emphasised the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to bring the crisis to an end.

“Civilians should never pay the price of a conflict for which they bear no responsibility,” Nderitu said.

“Their most basic rights must be protected and preserved, and their humanitarian needs must be met.”

The war between both parties in the Gaza Strip entered its fourth month on Wednesday.

The Hamas-run health ministry has pegged the casualties at no less than 27,840 Palestinians with more than 67,300 injured.

In January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to ensure the prevention of genocide in Gaza.

The ICJ also asked Israel to report to the court within a month on what it is doing to comply with the order.

So far, over 1.7 million Gazans have been displaced, according to the UN, and there has been a massive destruction of houses, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure.

Nderitu also called for the safe return of all hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza as well as a probe into acts of sexual violence.

She expressed concern over the impact of the conflict across the world, urging that efforts be put in place for communities to co-exist peacefully and for all grievances to be addressed constructively.

“Inflammatory remarks, dehumanising rhetoric and hate speech can only contribute to ignite further violence and reduce the space for ending the conflict,” the UN official said.

“Political leaders have a special responsibility to refrain from using such hateful narratives and implement all possible measures to defuse ongoing tensions.”

The UN special adviser called on all relevant actors to strengthen their resolve to find an end to the conflict under international laws.