New York [US], December 24: The head of the Cairo-based Arab League, Ahmed Abul Gheit, on Saturday criticized as overdue and inadequate a United Nations resolution for more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, according to Egyptian media.
After days of wrangling, the UN Security Council on Friday adopted the resolution calling for more humanitarian aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, agreeing on a significantly watered-down text that allowed the United States, Israel's biggest backer, to abstain.
Abul Gheit considered the resolution as having come late and falling short of the objective of fulfilling a full ceasefire in the densely populated enclave, Egyptian TV reported.
"The resolution is an attempt to prevent famine in the strip and save humans, mainly women and children, from a catastrophic situation, but it is not enough to stop the Israeli aggression machine, especially as it does not include a ceasefire," the broadcaster quoted Abul Gheit as saying.
"What is required is not just the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip, but basically to protect civilians from constant bombardment and fulfilling a sustainable ceasefire," he added.
The top Arab diplomat said blocking an "immediate ceasefire is a licence to kill." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune