Uzbek first lady says 'we cannot remain silent' on Gaza crisis

One cannot remain silent on the events unfolding in Gaza, first lady of Uzbekistan Ziroat Mirziyoyeva has said.

"We cannot remain silent spectators to the horrifying events occurring in Palestinian territories," Mirziyoyeva said in her address at the United for Peace in Palestine summit in Istanbul, which was hosted by Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan on Wednesday.

She underscored that the events in Gaza have been ongoing for over a month, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, particularly among children, women, and the elderly, emphasizing that such attacks could never be justified.

Mirziyoyeva said that despite the concerns and pressure from the international community, destruction in the region was reaching unprecedented levels.

She called for an urgent cease-fire in Gaza, adding: "We cannot silently watch the horrifying events unfolding in Palestinian territories."

Mirziyoyeva expressed that the people of Uzbekistan felt the pain of the Palestinian people, and reiterated the country's support for the resolution of the conflict through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Israel has continued its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 incursion by Hamas, killing more than 11,000 Palestinians besides damaging and destroying thousands of civilian structures and imposing a total siege, resulting in shortage of basic necessities such as food, medicines, and fuel.