By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK– Just days after the United Nations Security Council called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza, the Namibian government has joined calls from several countries and international agencies for the two neighbouring states to broker a peace deal.
It added it was gravely concerned about the massive aerial bombardment of Gaza, Palestinian Territories, by the Israeli air and naval forces.
Al Jazeera on Monday reported the death toll had reached 173 with 1 230 people wounded since the air strikes by the Israeli air force started about nine days ago.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Selma Ashipala-Musavayi, the government condemned the “indiscriminate targeting and destruction of civilian infrastructure including houses and mosques,” which so far has resulted in the killing of civilians, among them elderly men, women and children.
She said government does not condone the kidnapping and killing of innocent people by either side.
Namibia called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, and strongly urged the parties to agree to a ceasefire.
“The Government of Namibia reiterates its strong support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state of their own,” stated Ashipala-Musavayi.
The people of Palestine cannot be expected to either acquiesce in their oppression or submit to humiliation resulting from the occupation of their land by Israel, she added.
The United Nations Security Council, concerned about the carnage on Saturday, called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, the UN News Centre on Saturday reported that Ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana of Rwanda, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency for July, on behalf of the 15-member body expressed concern regarding the crisis and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides.
“The Security Council members called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm and reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire,” Gasana said, referring to the Egyptian-brokered agreement that ended eight days of violence in Gaza and Israel nearly two years ago.
“The Security Council members further called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” he said.
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East reported that communities in the enclave “continue to suffer as heavy airstrikes, death, injuries and damage to infrastructure continue to take its toll while the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.”