The UN Security Council on Wednesday sharply criticized Israel's ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, including its illegal settlements, violent actions in the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the devastating bombardment of Gaza.

Several Council members, including Russia, China, and the UK, condemned Israel's relentless settlement expansion, which they described as a blatant violation of international law and a major obstacle to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The UK's deputy representative highlighted the horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza, where children are suffering from severe malnutrition and amputations due to Israeli aggression. He urged Israel to cease all settlement activity and hold violent settlers accountable for their crimes.

Switzerland's envoy denounced Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war against the Palestinian people in Gaza, emphasizing that this constitutes a war crime.

Russia strongly criticized the US for repeatedly vetoing resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, effectively enabling Israel's continued aggression and the ongoing suffering of Palestinian hostages.

China urged the Council to take decisive action to end the conflict in Gaza and called on the US to stop obstructing the Council's efforts to protect Palestinian lives.

While the US representative acknowledged Israel's illegal settlements and expressed concern over the escalating violence, her remarks fell short of condemning Israel's actions with the necessary severity.

The Security Council meeting underscored the international community's growing concern over Israel's systematic violations of international law and its ongoing human rights abuses against the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)