OSHAKATI: President Hage Geingob has called on Israel and Palestine, including Hamas to desist from any horrific acts of violence that target civilians, leading to an escalation of the conflict.
Geingob also calls for the release of hostages in accordance with international law.
Geingob said he is deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in northern Gaza following deadly attacks by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on innocent civilians, including women and children, and civilian infrastructure.
In a press statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, Geingob appealed to the international community and specifically Israel to end the large-scale violence and horrendous airstrikes against the people of Gaza.
“The decision and order by the government of Israel for the people of northern Gaza to leave their homes and livelihoods within 24 hours is inhumane, it amounts to a genocidal act and must be rescinded,” read the statement.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and appealed to all parties to return to the negotiating table and to pursue the moral path of a two-state solution, in which the people of Palestine and Israel can live and co-exist as neighbours in peace and harmony.
“The systematic state-sanctioned violence by the IDF in Gaza is wholly disproportionate and totally undermines international humanitarian law by failing to protect one million civilians, health workers and other critical infrastructure that is indispensable for the survival of the civilian population,” Geingob maintained.
“The people of Gaza have a right to water; they have a right to food and electricity; they have a right to fuel and other basic necessities,” the Namibian Head of State said.
He added that as an occupying power, Israel has an obligation to ensure that the people of Gaza have access to these services.
Furthermore, Geingob believes that the state of siege and the military onslaught against innocent civilians amount to a genocide “and the international community cannot afford to be indifferent in the face of this human catastrophe that is unfolding”.
Geingob then reaffirmed the call Namibia made to the 78th Session of the United Nations in September 2023 that the people of Palestine “yearn to transition from the inhumane conditions of oppressive rule”.
Geingob appealed to the United Nations Security Council to act swiftly to ensure respect of United Nations resolutions with regard to the right of the people of Palestine to live in peace and to determine their own future.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency