Jersey's chief minister appalled by events in Gaza
Jersey's chief minister said he was "absolutely appalled and distressed at the tragic circumstances that continue to unfold in Gaza".Deputy Lyndon Farnham was responding to a question asked in the States Assembly on Tuesday by Constable Karen Shenton Stone, who asked if he would commit Jersey to use its voice and resources to ensure aid can reach Gaza.Constable Shenton Stone quoted a UN-backed assessment which found the entire population of Gaza was at critical risk of famine.Israel's security cabinet said it had approved, in principle, a plan to deliver aid through private companies, which would end a two-month blockade the UN said had caused severe food shortages, despite opposition from the UN and its humanitarian partners, who say they will not co-operate because it appears to "weaponise" aid.
The assessment said Gaza's population of about 2.1 million Palestinians is at "critical risk" of famine and faces "extreme levels of food insecurity" as an Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid continues.When addressing the chief minister, Shenton-Stone referred to the island's recent 80th anniversary of Liberation Day where islanders reflected on their "experiences of starvation during occupation".Farnham responded: "There is a potential for a major famine unfolding in Gaza and everyone needs to work together to end this situation as soon as possible and Jersey will play its part."The UK is responsible for the defence and foreign affairs of the island, but Jersey's external relations minister meets with counterparts in Westminster to advocate for Jersey's interests on the international stage.
'Making our views known'
Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory, according to an Israeli official.The chief minister said: "I strongly endorse a recent common statement made by the UK's minister for the Middle East in parliament in which he outlined the UK government's fierce opposition to any of expansion of the Israeli defence forces operation in Gaza including the reported plans for a full military operation."I know the external relations minister and his team are making our views known vociferously in Westminster and we will continue to do so."
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