For about two weeks, the fighting for Tripoli continues. The United Nations estimates that the battles have already caused more than 18,000 people to flee the Libyan capital. The number of fatalities has also risen again.
Already more than 170 dead
The World Health Organization (WHO) now speaks of at least 174 dead, most are fighters of the rival parties. In the conflict, the troops of the UN-recognized government based in Tripoli and the fighters of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Chalifa Haftar face each other.
Among the dead were also 14 civilians, it was said by the WHO. In addition, the organization reported more than 750 casualties. The numbers come from the hospitals in Tripoli. Rescue workers on site work under very difficult conditions.
The work of the doctors is hampered by the bombardment of the city, in addition also ambulance vehicles were hit, criticized the WHO. Just for the care and treatment of wounded missing at present about 35 million euros.
Britain wants to demand ceasefire
The UN is also revisiting the situation in Libya. After Haftar called for a march on Tripoli earlier this month, the UN was forced to cancel a planned conference in the country to seek a peaceful solution between the conflicting parties.
Even before the beginning of the UN Security Council meeting, media reported on a new draft resolution to be tabled by the UK. This provides for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and demands that „all parties in Libya immediately de-escalate the situation and commit to a ceasefire.“ According to the AFP news agency, the United Kingdom’s resolution accuses Haftar’s forces of using their offensive to jeopardize stability in the country and the chance for a political solution to the crisis.
Whether the new resolution in the Security Council has a chance, however, remains questionable. The United States had also demanded a ceasefire a few days after the start of the offensive on Tripoli. But this was blocked by Russia.
New investigations into war crimes?
The chief prosecutor of the International Court of Justice (ICC) in The Hague, Fatou Bensouda, expressed concern. It appealed to both sides to prevent war crimes.
The ICC already investigates one of Haftar’s commanders. He is accused of executing people without having been brought to trial. The commander is wanted by warrant. Bensouda announced that the court could initiate further investigations into possible war crimes in Libya.
