African Union Chair Urges Two-State Solution Amid Israeli-Palestinian Hostilities

The chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki gives a speech during a two-day G20 Africa partnership investment conference in Berlin on June 13, 2017. The chair failed short of supporting Israel following and instead advocated a two state solution to put an end to the conflict. MICHAEL KAPPELER/DPA/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed his utmost concern at the current Israeli- Palestinian hostilities following the Hamas attack earlier on Saturday.

The chair failed short of supporting Israel following the attack unlike most of the world leaders have done, and instead advocated a two state solution to put an end to the conflict. Israel initiated a counter-offensive against Hamas militants after they infiltrated Israel and attacked civilians and military installations. 

Media reports indicate that an Israeli military airstrike hit two officials from Hamas’ political office. Jawaad Abu Shammala and Zakaria Abu Maamar were killed in the offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza strip.

Moussa Faki said the hostilities have caused grave consequences for the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians in particular, and for peace in the region, in general. ” The denial of fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign state, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli- Palestinian tension,” said Faki.

Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfish said the death toll in Israel has crossed the 1000 mark with over 800 casualties on the opponent’s side. By Tuesday, 1500 bodies of Hamas militants had been retrieved following the offensive. “We are committed to taking offensive measures against the Hamas terrorist organization and any other factions present in Gaza,” said Goldfus.

The chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki gives a speech during a two-day G20 Africa partnership investment conference in Berlin on June 13, 2017. The chair failed short of supporting Israel following and instead advocated a two state solution to put an end to the conflict. MICHAEL KAPPELER/DPA/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.

“We must alter the situation within Gaza to prevent such occurrences in the future.” On Monday, Israel put a complete siege on Gaza, closing water, electricity and other essentials on the residents of the Gaza Strip. The US has sent the initial consignment of security aid to Israel, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.

In a press release, the African Union Chairperson appealed to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and to return, without conditions, to the negotiating table to implement the two state solution. .

Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager