STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMARA S. M. SOWA
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES A.I.
AMBASSADOR & DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank Special Coordinator, Tor Wennesland for his briefing.
The continuation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip which has gone on for more than a year now is horrendous for civilians who are forced to accept a life they really do not deserve. Despite this unfortunate scenario the end of the conflict is not in sight especially as the parties are not adhering to their responsibilities outlined in international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. It is saddening to note that the laws designed to inject some semblance of humanity into conflict situations are outrightly disregarded and flagrantly violated.
Additionally, resolutions passed by this Council including 2712, 2720, 2728 and 2735 have not been implemented and other efforts to clearly address the situation including efforts to institute an immediate and unconditional ceasefire just to save lives have not been fruitful.
This conflict has brought a high humanitarian cost, with increased civilian casualities, and massive destruction in the Gaza Strip. We have witnessed a dangerous progression with civilians and civilian objects particularly targeted. The principles of humanity, distinction, precaution and proportionality, repeated incalculably, in this chamber by various Council members, have not been respected since the start of the conflict.
Madam President,
As stated by OCHA, the current siege on the Northern Gaza Strip has lasted for more than 40 days, and conditions for survival diminish by the day; attempts by humanitarian workers to assist the people in the North are frequently denied or impeded. Bakeries and kitchens are not operational and civilians cannot access the nutritional support they need to remain healthy. Water and sanitation services also remain restricted.
Reports from the West Bank are also alarming due to air strikes, raids, and persistent settler violence leading to displacement, intimidation, and harassment. Access restrictions in certain areas are affecting children who are compelled to forgo their educational development because the opportunities simply do not exist.
Simmering tensions in the region continue to escalate as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies in Lebanon. In this regard, we are appalled by the wounding of four UNIFIL Peacekeepers as a result of Hezbollah rocket fire. We also deeply regret the deaths of the hospital director and five (5) paramedics a few days ago.
What we are witnessing in the Gaza Strip and the Middle East region is not just unacceptable, but it’s a reflection of a deeper systemic acceptance of injustice, oppression and impunity.
Thus to end this tragedy and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Sierra Leone reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, which in our considered view will create the pathway not only to save lives but also for meaningful diplomatic engagement to take place. We also reiterate that all hostages held by Hamas since October 2023 are to be immediately and unconditionally released.
We further call for unimpeded humanitarian assistance of food, medicines, medical equipment or other vital supplies, to civilians in need and request that commodities needed to assist humanitarian workers and ensure hospitals and other critical infrastructures are operational be made available.
We acknowledge that a long-term settlement of this conflict will require a political solution, to be agreed through a negotiated agreement. Therefore, we look forward to the urgent resumption of the diplomatic negotiations facilitated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt and appeal to conflicting parties to exercise political courage and willingness to engage.
In closing, we will continue to stress the need for accountability and justice for the victims of atrocities and all breaches of international law through appropriate international legal mechanisms. In this light, we call for adherence to the recent decision of the International Court of Justice on the conflict in Gaza.
It is our fervent hope that now more than ever the two states solution can be realized with Israel and Palestine living side by side as neighbours in peace.
I thank you.
