Hamas Appeals to UN and Security Council to End Gaza Siege

The Palestinian movement Hamas has called for an independent international investigation into what it described as Israel’s systematic crimes, urging the prosecution of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders.

In an official statement, Hamas emphasized the need for the United Nations and its affiliated agencies to remain the sole legitimate and neutral parties responsible for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The movement further appealed for an urgent intervention by the UN Security Council and the international community to halt what it termed as “acts of genocide” and to lift the siege on the people of Gaza.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Monday for what is known as a “cross-examination session” as part of his ongoing corruption trial.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, requested the session be cut short due to an "important diplomatic call." However, he did not disclose the nature of the call and noted that current legal restrictions prohibit him from direct communication with the Prime Minister during the cross-examination proceedings.