Egypt’s Ambassador Wael Hamed Speaks on Gaza Conflict
New Delhi [India], July 22: Egypt’s Ambassador to India, Wael Hamed, expressed his deep concern over the heartbreaking situation in Gaza. He emphasized that the current state of conflict should not become the ‘new normal’ for the Palestinian people.
Ambassador’s Speech
During Egypt’s national day speech, Hamed said, ‘In Gaza, the situation is heartbreaking and we watch daily on our TV screens, a brutal war on civilians that has no precedent in our civilized world. While we condemn all forms of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism, this should not become the new normal for the Palestinian people.’
Hamed further stated that people have a right to live securely in a dignified way. ‘The numbers of the killed and the wounded is not just a number. It is people with flesh and blood with families and loved ones, and with legitimate dreams and aspirations. These people have the right to create their own states where they live securely and in a dignified way, next to their equally secure and dignified neighbors,’ he added.
Israeli Military Operations
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued pressing Hamas in central and southern Gaza. They altered the boundaries of the Al Mawasi humanitarian zone due to ‘significant terrorist activity and rocket fire,’ and called on residents of certain Khan Yunis neighborhoods to evacuate ahead of new operations.
Based on intelligence, Israel killed Muhammad Abu Seidu, a member of Hamas’s Nukhba Force who participated in attacks on Israeli communities on October 7. In Rafah’s Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, troops eliminated dozens of terrorists in close-quarters encounters. The Israeli Air Force struck approximately 35 targets throughout Gaza, including terrorists, military structures, Hamas infrastructure, and a rocket launcher aimed at Israeli territory.
The IDF said it was adjusting the boundaries of a humanitarian zone because Hamas activity and rocket fire made it dangerous for Israeli forces to remain there. The army also called on residents of the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis to evacuate to Al Mawasi ahead of new activities against Hamas there.
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed dead.
Doubts Revealed
Ambassador -: An ambassador is a person who represents their country in another country. They work to keep good relations between the two countries.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small area of land where many Palestinians live. It has been a place of conflict between Israel and Palestinians for many years.
Conflict -: A conflict is a serious disagreement or fight. In this case, it refers to the fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Palestinians -: Palestinians are people who come from a region called Palestine, which includes Gaza and the West Bank. They have been in conflict with Israel over land and rights.
Israeli military -: The Israeli military is the armed forces of Israel. They protect the country and sometimes engage in conflicts like the one in Gaza.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group that controls Gaza and often fights with Israel. They are considered a terrorist organization by some countries.
Humanitarian zones -: Humanitarian zones are safe areas set up to protect people during conflicts. They provide shelter and help to those in need.
Evacuations -: Evacuations mean moving people from a dangerous place to a safer one. In this context, it refers to people in Gaza being asked to move to safer areas.