STATEMENT BY:
MR. ALAN E. GEORGE
POLITICAL COORDINATOR/MINISTER COUNSELLOR
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres for his briefing which clearly highlights the precarious nature of the ongoing conflict in the Occupied Palestine Territory and other parts of the region. Let me further acknowledge your leadership and the commitment of the entire UN system to alleviate the plight of the Palestinian people. In this regard, let me also commend the WHO, UNICEF and UNWRA for collaborating with the Palestinian Ministry of Health to successfully roll out the polio vaccination campaign.
We honor the service and ultimate sacrifice of the over 220 UN and other humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in this conflict and stand in solidarity with all frontline operational personnel.
Mr. President,
In the briefing by Secretary-General, delivered by the Chef de Cabinet on 17th July 2024, there was an urgent call for the parties to the conflict to end what he referred to as a “terrible war” and urged for a political solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Indeed, this war has been terrible, with far-reaching consequences for civilians that have resulted in a death toll of over 41,000 civilians; 95, 818 injuries, and an estimated 1.9 million internally displaced people, living in overcrowded sites. The congestion, combined with the severe shortage of water and sanitation services has created a breeding ground for diseases.
We continue to be alarmed by the breakdown of law and order and the increase in the crime rate that is seriously affecting the safety and security of the Gaza population.
Access and safety continue to be major challenges for humanitarian operations, as a significant number of coordinated humanitarian movements across the Gaza Strip during the month of August were either denied or impeded. There were reports of direct attacks on clearly marked humanitarian convoys. Food insecurity is at its peak as the quality and quantity of portions fall well below average.
Intense military operations, most often preceded by short-term evacuation orders, continue to traumatize civilians, especially women, who bear the responsibility of securing safe spaces for their families.
Mr. President,
The steady rise in the violence and military operations/raids in the West Bank by Israeli security forces and extremist settlers is dangerous and unacceptable. Israel’s continued occupation and expansion policies could ignite tensions and provoke an even more deadly conflict.
We urge Israel to cease all military operations in the West Bank to avoid claiming more civilian lives, destroying civilian infrastructure, and setting the stage wherein the two-state solution becomes untenable. We therefore condemn all attacks against civilians and call upon parties to the conflict to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.
Mr. President,
The latest wave of escalatory attacks between Israel and Hezbollah can only lead to a broader regional conflict, as tensions continue to rise and the fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border persist.
The ramp-up of activities across the region, with various parties taking offensive and retaliatory actions, is unprecedented and must immediately cease. With the protracted conflict in Gaza being our utmost priority for almost a year now, a solution to the crisis is needed more now than ever before. In this regard let me conclude with the following points:
First, we emphasize the need for an urgent ceasefire in the entire region. Military operations have only inflicted damage on the civilian population, who remain prime targets and are sometimes being used as human shields. An immediate ceasefire, whether through a negotiated settlement or in response to the decisions of the Security Council as demanded in resolutions 2728 and 2735, , or whether in compliance with international humanitarian law, must be urgently implemented by the parties to the conflict. The ongoing killings of civilians are not acceptable by any standard or justification.
Second, we maintain that dialogue and diplomacy must precede violence and unilateral actions. Therefore, we reiterate our call for renewed dialogue and diplomacy, which is an embodiment of our dedication to the UN Charter, justice, and human rights. According to the UN Charter, it is our (the United Nations) collective responsibility to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of all. We urge for the resumption of negotiations, and speedy conclusion of a deal that allows for the release of the remaining 101 hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and increased access to humanitarian assistance. This was the intent and purpose of Resolution 2735 of this Council. We therefore reiterate our support for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US in this regard.
Thirdly, we call for respect for international law, including international humanitarian law that will guarantee the safety and security of civilians, including humanitarian personnel. We reject indiscriminate attacks against civilians and call for accountability for war crimes. We once again draw the attention of parties to the conflict to the various advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, (ICJ), which on different occasions has clearly outlined its valued opinion on various questions regarding the Israel-Palestine Conflict not least it opinion of 19th July 2024 which concluded that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful.
In conclusion, the resounding call from the international community during the UNGA 79 High Level Debate this week on the situation in Gaza, was for continued efforts to work towards the path of peace and not to give up hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We therefore support the relaunch of a political process that will lead to the achievement of the two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders. It has been proven over the years that a fragmented approach, without a holistic examination of the root causes and legitimate concerns of the parties to the conflict, is pointless. Therefore, the relaunch of a peace process must be consultative, guided by the principles of international law, the UN Charter and all resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. We must not renege in delivering peace to the children of Gaza and future generations in the Middle East.
I thank you.
