BY:
H.E. MR. AMARA SOWA
AMBASSADOR & DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES A.I.
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank you for convening this meeting as requested by Algeria.
I would also like to thank Ms. Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for her sobering briefing.
The recent developments in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the North, have once again alarmed the world as Israel intensifies its attacks on the besieged area. It has been a year of immense suffering for the population of Gaza, with collective punishment, use of starvation as a weapon of war, multiple displacement with no access to shelter, healthcare, and school for the pupils and students. Living in Gaza has meant enduring death, destruction, and untold human suffering.
Before this escalation, humanitarian experts had already reported a decrease in aid entering Gaza since August 2024. The rise in violence has worsened the situation, with aid to the North blocked for nearly ten days—an alarming violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 2417 (2018), which condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Madam President,
Reports from the field indicate that around 50,000 people have been displaced from the Jabalya area. Civilians face an impossible choice: either obey evacuation orders, experiencing multiple displacements, or stay and face starvation. Both options fall short of the protections required by international humanitarian law.
The situation in Gaza is perilous, with nowhere truly safe. In the last 72 hours, an UNRWA school sheltering 6,200 displaced persons was shelled. This school was also a designated facility for the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign, which was set to begin on October 14. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike hit the courtyard of Al Aqsa Hospital, causing a fire at a nearby camp. Four people died, and at least 40, including women and children, were severely injured.
The destruction of the UNRWA school has halted the polio vaccination drive, placing tens of thousands of vulnerable children at further risk. A humanitarian cessation of hostilities is needed for the vaccine drive to continue, and we call for this to happen.
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank remains tense, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties. Sierra Leone condemns all attacks on civilians, including medical personnel, journalists, and humanitarian workers.
These tragedies are traumatic for observers, but they are far worse for the civilians who live through them every day. This war has resulted in egregious human rights abuses, and the scars—especially for children—will be lasting. These children know nothing but violence and bloodshed. This cannot continue, and Sierra Leone renews its call for the following:
First, an immediate ceasefire across all of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the region. This call must be repeated until the parties recognize their moral and legal obligations to end the violence and pursue peace. This call is also to remind us in the Councill on our UN Charter obligation to impose a permanent ceasefire.
Second, we call for the opening of all entry points into Gaza to allow for the safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian personnel and convoys must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions.
We recall in this regard the various provisional measures orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), binding on the parties in particular Israel, to “Maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.
Third, we emphasize the need to uphold international law, including humanitarian law, the UN Charter, and the recent ICJ Advisory Opinion. Unbiased application of these frameworks is essential to ending impunity and ensuring accountability.
Furthermore, we stress the importance of a negotiated settlement through established diplomatic channels. In light of this, we call for the immediate implementation of Resolution 2735, which provides a foundation for an inclusive peace deal.
In closing, Sierra Leone remains committed to a vision of a peaceful Middle East, where Israel and Palestine exist as two independent states, living side by side in peace and security.
I thank you.
