Palestinian ambassador says world normalising 'mass murder of children', decries inaction against Israel

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, has raised concerns over the lack of effective action by the international community to prevent Israel from causing severe harm to Gaza, describing the situation as “lifeless” and “unliveable.” In an interview with Yalda Hakim’s The World, Zomlot emphasized the erosion of the rules-based international order established post-World War II. Zomlot called for sanctions against Israel, urging the country to heed warnings from other nations, as mere words of condemnation are insufficient. He condemned the normalization of atrocities such as mass murder and the destruction of entire communities, stressing the urgent need for responsible actors to take tangible steps rather than offering sympathetic declarations. Accusing the international community of passivity amid what he described as genocide, Zomlot highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating crisis. He underscored the importance of upholding the international order established after World War II, warning against its erosion. Israel has refuted allegations of genocide, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas’s use of human shields and its intent to harm Israel. The country maintains its efforts to minimize harm to civilians. Regarding efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, Zomlot advocated for a hostage exchange, citing Israel’s detention of thousands of Palestinians, including children, without trial or charge. In related developments, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in casualties including civilians, prompting fears of wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The exchange of fire has escalated since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, with casualties reported on both sides. Israel airstrikes Lebonan These strikes, targeting Hezbollah terror sites in areas such as Adshit and Sawwaneh, have claimed the lives of eight individuals, the majority of whom were civilians. Among the victims, according to reports, four were members of a single family, including two women, tragically killed in their residential building in the city of Nabatiyeh. This marked the deadliest single-day civilian toll in Lebanon since the onset of cross-border clashes in October. The airstrikes come amid a backdrop of heightened hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides engaging in near-daily cross-border fire since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The casualties incurred in Lebanon add to the grim toll of violence, with an AFP tally reporting at least 252 deaths on the Lebanese side, primarily comprising Hezbollah fighters, along with 37 civilian casualties. Conversely, Israel has reported losses of 10 soldiers and six civilians, underscoring the asymmetry of casualties between the two sides. As the death toll rises and fears of a broader conflict loom, urgent calls for de-escalation and diplomatic intervention have intensified. The cross-border violence underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for international efforts to mitigate tensions and prevent further loss of civilian lives.