UN Security Council Addresses Ongoing Middle East Conflict with Emphasis on Palestine
UN Secretary-General and Palestinian Officials Discuss Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Gaza Strip
NEW YORK, JANUARY 20 - The United Nations Security Council convened in an open session to discuss issues pertaining to the Middle East, with particular focus on the Palestinian situation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered remarks highlighting the recent 'ceasefire' agreement in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a 'ray of hope' amidst numerous challenges faced in the region.
Guterres emphasized the UN's commitment to expanding humanitarian operations rapidly.
He reported that over 630 trucks carrying humanitarian aid had successfully entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, with at least 300 directed towards the northern regions.
He urged all parties to leverage this agreement towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, stressing the need for four simultaneous actions.
These include unhindered operations by United Nations entities, such as UNRWA, expansion of essential aid provision under safe conditions, access to life-saving assistance for civilians, and ensuring the protection of those returning to their communities.
The Secretary-General voiced concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank attributed to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, illegal settlement expansions, and home demolitions.
He warned that these activities constitute a severe threat to the territorial integrity and continuity of the occupied Palestinian regions in Gaza and the West Bank.
He further noted that the pace of settlement approvals has increased, and some senior Israeli officials have openly discussed the possibility of annexing parts or all of the West Bank, which he stated would seriously breach international law.
Guterres reiterated the importance of taking definitive steps toward achieving a two-state solution as fundamental to ensuring long-term stability in the Middle East.
Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Shaheen, also addressed the Council, expressing optimism that the ceasefire agreement would lead to a lasting solution.
She advocated for the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and called for adherence to international legitimacy resolutions to end the occupation.
Shaheen highlighted the pertinence of implementing Security Council Resolution 2735 and urged for action in line with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, as stipulated by the General Assembly resolution, aiming for an end to the occupation within a year.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered remarks highlighting the recent 'ceasefire' agreement in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a 'ray of hope' amidst numerous challenges faced in the region.
Guterres emphasized the UN's commitment to expanding humanitarian operations rapidly.
He reported that over 630 trucks carrying humanitarian aid had successfully entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, with at least 300 directed towards the northern regions.
He urged all parties to leverage this agreement towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, stressing the need for four simultaneous actions.
These include unhindered operations by United Nations entities, such as UNRWA, expansion of essential aid provision under safe conditions, access to life-saving assistance for civilians, and ensuring the protection of those returning to their communities.
The Secretary-General voiced concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank attributed to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, illegal settlement expansions, and home demolitions.
He warned that these activities constitute a severe threat to the territorial integrity and continuity of the occupied Palestinian regions in Gaza and the West Bank.
He further noted that the pace of settlement approvals has increased, and some senior Israeli officials have openly discussed the possibility of annexing parts or all of the West Bank, which he stated would seriously breach international law.
Guterres reiterated the importance of taking definitive steps toward achieving a two-state solution as fundamental to ensuring long-term stability in the Middle East.
Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Shaheen, also addressed the Council, expressing optimism that the ceasefire agreement would lead to a lasting solution.
She advocated for the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and called for adherence to international legitimacy resolutions to end the occupation.
Shaheen highlighted the pertinence of implementing Security Council Resolution 2735 and urged for action in line with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, as stipulated by the General Assembly resolution, aiming for an end to the occupation within a year.
