The situation in the Middle East has reached a critical juncture, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza intensifying and threatening to escalate further across the region. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid without restrictions and calling for an immediate ceasefire. He stressed the importance of protecting civilians, condemning the deliberate targeting of non-combatants and the launching of rockets against civilian areas.
Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of 220 civilians, including women and children. He called for the immediate release of all hostages and highlighted the necessity of unrestricted humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. He also pointed out that the attacks by Hamas did not occur in isolation but were a result of 56 years of occupation and oppression faced by the Palestinian people. However, he made it clear that these grievances do not justify the horrific actions of Hamas, nor do they justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian population.
Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process, provided a grim overview of the situation, noting the devastating impact of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He reported that over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 1,100 women and 2,000 children. The relentless airstrikes have displaced over one million Palestinians, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Wennesland warned of the significant risk of the conflict spilling over into the wider region, stressing the need for a negotiated peace that aligns with UN resolutions and international law.
Lynn Hastings, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced, with 600,000 seeking refuge in UNRWA facilities under increasingly harsh conditions. She emphasized that there is no safe place for civilians in Gaza, with many returning to the north despite the dangers due to the lack of basic necessities in the south. Hastings called for the restoration of water and electricity supplies to pre-conflict levels and the secure delivery of fuel to Gaza.
During the day-long debate, over 80 representatives from various countries expressed their concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the need for water, fuel, and medicine to enter the besieged enclave and called for measures to prevent a regional conflagration. While opinions varied, many delegates underscored Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, while others criticized the blockade and the indiscriminate nature of the strikes, urging respect for international law.
Riad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine, urged the international community to end the ongoing massacres and provide protection for the Palestinian people. He called for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and accountability for the atrocities committed. Al-Maliki emphasized that the fate of the Palestinian people should not be one of dispossession, displacement, and death, and called for an urgent end to the bloodshed to avoid a greater humanitarian catastrophe and regional spillover.
Eli Cohen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel, highlighted the brutality of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, describing them as the most brutal and vicious terror attack in modern history. He called for international support to defeat Hamas, likening them to the new Nazis. Cohen thanked the United States for its support and urged the international community to stand with Israel in eliminating the terrorist threat.
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States, affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and called for the protection of Palestinian civilians. He emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and for humanitarian pauses to be considered. Blinken also warned Iran against supporting Hamas and Hizbullah, stating that the United States would defend its personnel and security decisively if attacked.
The representative of the Russian Federation criticized the current draft resolution from the United States, calling for a swift and unconditional ceasefire. He proposed an alternative draft resolution based on humanitarian language, incorporating elements from previous drafts by the United States, Brazil, and Russia.
The speaker for Iran accused the United States of obstructing decisive action on the situation due to its unwavering support for Israel. He emphasized the legitimate right to self-determination and self-defense for the Palestinian people, including resistance groups like Hamas.
The delegate of Jordan, speaking for the Arab Group, called for a ceasefire and criticized the international community for allowing Israel to act above the law. Egypt’s representative condemned the indiscriminate violence and called for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to be recognized.
Switzerland’s delegate emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law. She called for investigations into violations of international law and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with a significant toll on civilians and a high risk of regional escalation. The international community must act urgently to provide humanitarian aid, protect civilians, and work towards a negotiated peace that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Source: United Nations, Security Council, Middle East Process
