The United Nations’ top humanitarian official, Martin Griffiths, is standing by his recent use of the term “genocide” in reference to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza — remarks that have drawn strong condemnation from Israeli officials.
Griffiths, speaking to the UN Security Council earlier this week, referred to the dire conditions in Gaza as approaching what some might call “a genocide,” pointing to the unprecedented destruction, loss of civilian life, and lack of access to basic needs. The comment sparked immediate backlash from Israel, which firmly rejected the characterization as both inaccurate and inflammatory.
In a follow-up statement, Griffiths defended his language, explaining that the term was used in the context of the scale and severity of human suffering in Gaza. “The word I used reflects the desperation of a people trapped in a situation where basic survival is at stake,” he said. “The world must not look away.”
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, criticized Griffiths’ statement as “outrageous and irresponsible,” accusing the UN of bias and politicizing a complex conflict. Israeli officials maintain that their military operations are targeted efforts to dismantle Hamas, which they hold responsible for initiating and prolonging the violence.
Griffiths, however, emphasized the role of the UN in shedding light on humanitarian crises and holding all parties accountable to international law. “The Security Council is a place where the voices of the voiceless should be heard,” he said. “My remarks were rooted in verified humanitarian reports and eyewitness accounts.”
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with UN agencies warning of mass starvation, widespread displacement, and the collapse of essential services. Over 35,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, according to Gaza health officials, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
Global reactions to Griffiths’ remarks have been mixed. Some humanitarian organizations and human rights groups have praised him for voicing uncomfortable truths, while others have cautioned against the political and legal implications of invoking the term “genocide” without formal adjudication.
This latest controversy underscores the growing tension between the Israeli government and various UN bodies, many of which have condemned the scale of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Israeli government continues to push back against what it views as unfair international scrutiny, especially when it comes from within the UN system.
As diplomatic and humanitarian challenges mount, the use of the word “genocide” is likely to remain a flashpoint in the international debate over accountability and justice in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Source : Swifteradio.com
