UN Condemns 56-Year Suffocating Occupation of Palestinian People in Gaza
UN Secretary-General Calls for Humanitarian Ceasefire Between Israel and Palestine
The UN Security Council held a meeting in New York, USA, to address the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine. During the meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between the two sides. He stated that there was a “clear violation” of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip and emphasized that no side involved in the armed conflict should be exempt from this law.
Guterres highlighted the urgent need for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip. He revealed that the UN’s fuel stocks in Gaza would run out in a few days, leading to another disastrous situation. The Secretary-General reiterated his call for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the people, facilitate aid distribution, ensure safety, and assist in the release of hostages.
In his speech, Guterres also acknowledged that Hamas’s attacks against Israel did not occur out of the blue. He emphasized the suffocating occupation the Palestinian people have endured for 56 years, with continual land annexation, economic blockades, displacement, and destruction of homes. However, he made it clear that these circumstances should not be used to justify Hamas’s attacks or the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Respecting and protecting civilians is of paramount importance, especially in such critical moments.
In response to Guterres’ statements, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN Gilad Erdan reacted strongly. Cohen questioned the UN Secretary-General’s understanding of the situation, stating, “Secretary-General, in which world do you live? This is definitely not our world.” Cohen also mentioned that he would not meet with Guterres, expressing dissatisfaction with his balanced approach.
Erdan took to social media to express his shock and disappointment at Guterres’ words, which he deemed disconnected from the reality of the region. He considered the Secretary-General’s comments as a justification for terrorism and murder, referring to them as “sad.” Erdan went on to call for Guterres’ resignation, claiming that he couldn’t have a meaningful conversation with someone who supported an organization declared as a terrorist group.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, an Israeli opposition leader, also criticized Guterres’ stance. He stated that the Secretary-General turning a blind eye to terrorism was unacceptable, stressing that the murder of innocent civilians could not be justified. Gantz called on Guterres to stand on the right side of history or face judgment accordingly, reiterating that the defenders of terrorism should not speak on behalf of the world.
The conflicts between Israel and Palestine continue to escalate, with the UN Security Council striving to find a way to bring about peace and alleviate the suffering of both sides. The international community eagerly awaits a resolution that respects the principles of international humanitarian law and ensures the protection of civilians caught in this prolonged conflict.
