Leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement condemn Israeli attack on Gaza, Željka Cvijanović also attended

(Patria) - Leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement countries condemned Israel's military campaign in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, during the annual summit of the 120-member bloc, Reuters reported.

Dozens of heads of state and other high-ranking officials of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was officially formed in 1961 by countries opposing alignment with either of the two main military and political blocs of the Cold War era, are attending the summit in Uganda.

"Since October 7, we have witnessed one of the cruelest genocidal acts ever recorded in history," said Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa in a speech to delegates.

"How can Western countries, which claim to be so civilized, justify the killing of women and children in Gaza, the indiscriminate bombing of hospitals and schools, and the denial of access to safe water and food?" he added.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for an immediate end to what he called "an unjust war against the Palestinian people".

Almost all African countries belong to this movement, making up almost half of its members, while member states also include countries like India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.

Israel has said it is acting in self-defense and has rejected accusations of genocide, including in the case brought against it by South Africa at the United Nations' highest court.

Speaking at the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the war in Gaza has shown the inadequacy of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, where the United States has vetoed several resolutions critical of Israel.

"A global governance system should be established that is fair and just, and that has the capacity to respond to the needs of all people in situations of threat and harm," Ramaphosa said.

Željka Cvijanović, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, also participated in the Non-Aligned Movement Summit.