African Union summit denounces plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza
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The African Union summit in Ethiopia condemns the Israeli aggression on Gaza and any plans to displace the people of Gaza from their homeland.
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African heads of state attend the 37th Ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Summit at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday, February 17, 2024 (AP)
The African Union summit strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's war on Gaza, denouncing what it described as "brutal aggression" against Palestinian civilians and infrastructure. In its concluding statement, the summit rejected the Israeli occupation's violations of international law and called for accountability.
Held in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, the summit declared that "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people and must be prosecuted internationally." It also demanded the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners and affirmed that the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land is unacceptable and violates international law.
Additionally, the summit urged participating nations to cease cooperation and normalization with the Israeli regime until it ends its occupation and aggression against Palestine.
The African Union has previously taken a firm stance against Israeli participation in its proceedings. Last year, an Israeli delegation was expelled from the summit, with sources reporting that its members attempted to move covertly through the event’s backstage areas.
This comes after US President Donald Trump dismissed Palestinians' right to return to their homes, advocating instead for their permanent resettlement in foreign countries. His statement aligns with long-standing Israeli efforts to depopulate Gaza and block any future Palestinian sovereignty over their land.
Palestinian leaders and human rights groups have condemned the proposal, warning that it mirrors Zionist policies of mass expulsion that began in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes.
AU condemns Israeli aggression
Similarly, during a summit held last February, African leaders condemned the Israeli aggression on Gaza and urged for a ceasefire.
Moussa Faki, the chair of the African Union Commission, described the Israeli aggression as the "most blatant" violation of international humanitarian law. He also accused "Israel" of "exterminating" Gaza's inhabitants.
Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also spoke at the summit. "Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind," Faki said to applause from delegates, adding, "We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine."
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