GCC chief condemns Israeli minister’s ‘nuclear’ comment regarding Gaza

The racist statements of Israeli Minister Amihay Eliyahu received widespread condemnation on Sunday. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 05 November 2023
Follow

GCC chief condemns Israeli minister’s ‘nuclear’ comment regarding Gaza

  • Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu was suspended from government meetings ‘until further notice’

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said on Sunday the dangerous statements by an Israeli minister regarding the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza “underscored the extremism of the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people,” Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Sunday, Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu was suspended from government meetings “until further notice” after suggesting in an interview dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said. 

Jassem Albudaiwi called for holding the Israeli government accountable for what he called a “reckless threat.”

He continued: “The dangerous statements by a minister in the Israeli occupying government regarding the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza are a call for genocide, confirming the extremism and brutality of the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people, and its grave and ongoing violations in Gaza, along with its disregard for the lives of innocent civilians.”

Albudaiwi strongly condemned “unbalanced statements and actions,” which could exacerbate the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip and underscore the Israeli occupation's intent to persist in this attack in violation of all international conventions, norms, and laws.


EU backs UN efforts for Yemen peace

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

EU backs UN efforts for Yemen peace

  • Bloc welcomes agreement reached in Muscat on a new phase of releasing conflict-related detainees

RIYADH: The EU has reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the UN special envoy for Yemen and its commitment to working toward lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people.
The bloc has called for de-escalation and encourages enhanced diplomatic efforts by all parties and regional stakeholders.
It welcomed the agreement reached in Muscat on a new phase of releasing conflict-related detainees from all sides.
It reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and to the government of Yemen.

The EU also condemned the continued detention of UN staff and NGO workers by the Houthis and called for their unconditional release.