Venezuela's Maduro accuses Israel of "genocide" against the Palestinians

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza on Monday, following Israel's decision to impose a "full siege" on the territory. This move prompted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to express his "grave concern" about the repercussions of such a step.

Maduro made the statement on television, saying, "The Secretary-General of the United Nations issued a statement, which we carefully read, as a warning and alert about the genocide that has begun against the Palestinian people in Gaza."

In his statement, Guterres acknowledged Israel's "legitimate concerns about its security" while simultaneously expressing "grave concern" about Israel's decision to impose a "tight blockade" on Gaza.

The Venezuelan president stated, "We have witnessed in the past massacres and brutal atrocities against the Palestinian people," considering the current situation as a "new apartheid system" against Palestinians.

Maduro continued, "We demand an immediate ceasefire, respect for United Nations resolutions, respect for the rights of peoples, and the commencement of peace negotiations to allow the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights to independence, land, and peace."

He added, "I stand with the Palestinian people, and I stand for peace."

In 2009, Maduro's predecessor, the late President Hugo Chávez, accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza following an Israeli offensive against the territory at the end of 2008.



AFP