Palestinian diplomat says ‘genocide’ unfolding in Gaza as death toll passes 17,0000

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

A Palestinian diplomat on Friday described the killings in Gaza as “genocide”, after the death toll passed 17,000 civilians since Israel launch its war on October 7.

Ali Younis, charge d’affaires at the Palestinian embassy in the UAE, said Israel’s goal is not only to defeat Hamas in Gaza but to “displace those living in the Gaza Strip to Sinai and to displace those living in the West Bank to Jordan”.

“What is happening in the Gaza Strip is much worse than the Palestinian Nakba of 1948,” he told media.

Vast areas of the enclave have been reduced to rubble, following fierce ground fighting and bombardment by the Israeli air force that has displaced 1.9 million Palestinians according to the UN.

After two months of war sparked by deadly attacks on Israel by Hamas, Israeli forces have shifted the focus of fighting to Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Younis, as the UN warns of a complete breakdown in public order.

“We appeal to the UAE, Arab states and our friends in the world to work to end the genocide that the occupying forces are committing,” Mr Younis said.

He also called on the international community to set up safe routes for the evacuation of Palestinians in Gaza.

“These acts are considered war crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing,” Mr Younis said.

“They are a violation to all international norms and conventions.”

Israel’s plan is to force Palestinians out of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, he reiterated, and this is “rejected by the Palestinians and Arabs.

“A collective effort is needed to stop this from unfolding,” he said.