Geneva – The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council announced this Monday (21st) the holding of an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday (23rd) to discuss Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The announcement was made right after the bloodiest day of the conflict between Israel and the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas. Yesterday (20th), over 150 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers died.
The session has been requested by Egypt, on behalf of the Arab States; and Pakistan, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; and of Palestinians. In an emergency session on the conflict in Gaza, yesterday, the UN Security Council requested an immediate cease-fire.
At least 509 Palestinians have died and over 3,150 have been injured since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge – to stop rocket fire to Israeli territory, on July 8th. On the Israeli side, 20 people have died, including two civilians. Israel has repeatedly accused the Human Rights Council, comprised of 47 countries, of having a favorable position to the Palestinians.
* Published on Agência Brasil. Translated by Rodrigo Mendonça
