UN Security Council Members Urge Aid Access to Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
UK and EU representatives call for immediate humanitarian aid delivery and highlight the need for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
NEW YORK CITY: The UK along with France, Greece, and Denmark, who are members of the UN Security Council, called on Israeli authorities to permit the immediate, safe, and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
This appeal was reinforced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during an address at the Arab summit held in Cairo earlier this week.
At a session of the Security Council on Wednesday, Jay Dharmadhikari, the charge d’affaires at the French mission to the UN, articulated the group's position, stating, "We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and to allow and facilitate the safe, unconditional, massive and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at scale, as well as to ensure the protection of civilians and other protected persons, including humanitarian workers, in line with international humanitarian law."
The joint statement by these nations follows consultations regarding Resolution 2720, which includes a briefing from Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza.
Adopted in December 2023, this resolution advocates for an augmented aid effort aimed at ameliorating the humanitarian situation in Gaza, specifically calling for fuel, food, and medical supplies.
In their statement, the four countries condemned the actions of Hamas for continuing to detain and mistreat hostages, urging for their immediate release.
"We need a permanent ceasefire that can pave the way for the release of all remaining hostages and for the reconstruction of Gaza," Dharmadhikari expressed.
The diplomats denounced acts of terrorism and reaffirmed that the provision of humanitarian aid must be a nonnegotiable principle under international humanitarian law.
They also expressed support for regional initiatives aimed at creating a cohesive future plan for Gaza, which must exclude Hamas, ensure Israel's security, and avoid the displacement of Palestinian populations.
These plans must align with Resolution 2735, supporting the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority.
Resolution 2735, which was adopted in June of the previous year, outlines a three-phase ceasefire agreement aimed at concluding hostilities.
Dharmadhikari stated, "We stand ready to support and develop these ideas further," reinforcing the commitment of the involved nations to a long-term vision of a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, within which Israel and Palestine can peacefully coexist with secure and recognized borders.
This appeal was reinforced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during an address at the Arab summit held in Cairo earlier this week.
At a session of the Security Council on Wednesday, Jay Dharmadhikari, the charge d’affaires at the French mission to the UN, articulated the group's position, stating, "We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and to allow and facilitate the safe, unconditional, massive and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at scale, as well as to ensure the protection of civilians and other protected persons, including humanitarian workers, in line with international humanitarian law."
The joint statement by these nations follows consultations regarding Resolution 2720, which includes a briefing from Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza.
Adopted in December 2023, this resolution advocates for an augmented aid effort aimed at ameliorating the humanitarian situation in Gaza, specifically calling for fuel, food, and medical supplies.
In their statement, the four countries condemned the actions of Hamas for continuing to detain and mistreat hostages, urging for their immediate release.
"We need a permanent ceasefire that can pave the way for the release of all remaining hostages and for the reconstruction of Gaza," Dharmadhikari expressed.
The diplomats denounced acts of terrorism and reaffirmed that the provision of humanitarian aid must be a nonnegotiable principle under international humanitarian law.
They also expressed support for regional initiatives aimed at creating a cohesive future plan for Gaza, which must exclude Hamas, ensure Israel's security, and avoid the displacement of Palestinian populations.
These plans must align with Resolution 2735, supporting the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority.
Resolution 2735, which was adopted in June of the previous year, outlines a three-phase ceasefire agreement aimed at concluding hostilities.
Dharmadhikari stated, "We stand ready to support and develop these ideas further," reinforcing the commitment of the involved nations to a long-term vision of a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, within which Israel and Palestine can peacefully coexist with secure and recognized borders.
