{"id":292759,"date":"2024-01-24T14:25:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T19:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&#038;p=292759"},"modified":"2024-08-13T11:03:19","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T15:03:19","slug":"amid-continuing-rights-violations-in-gaza-security-council-must-do-more-concludes-un-security-council-24jan2024","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/amid-continuing-rights-violations-in-gaza-security-council-must-do-more-concludes-un-security-council-24jan2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Amid Continuing Rights Violations in Gaza, Security Council Must Do More to Enforce International Law, Its Own Resolutions, Speakers Stress as Open Debate Concludes &#8211; UN Security Council"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"col-6 radix-layouts-contentcolumn2 panel-panel right-header\">\n<div class=\"panel-panel-inner\">\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"fusion-bar-highlight\" href=\"https:\/\/press.un.org\/fr\/2024\/cs15570.doc.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"menu-text\">Fran\u00e7ais<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-dated field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item\">24 JANUARY 2024<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 radix-layouts-content panel-panel main-column\">\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-display-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-6 radix-layouts-contentcolumn1 panel-panel left-header\">\n<div class=\"panel-panel-inner\">\n<div class=\"block inline\">\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-meeting-info field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item\">9534TH MEETING (RESUMED) (PM)<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"field field--name-field-symbol field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item\">SC\/15570<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-6 radix-layouts-contentcolumn2 panel-panel right-header\">\n<div class=\"panel-panel-inner\">\n<div class=\"block\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Concluding the open debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which saw ministers and other national representatives meet into the evening of 23\u00a0January, speakers today urged the Security Council to act in the face of continuing violations of international law and its own resolutions in the Gaza Strip and beyond.\u00a0 (For background, see Press Release\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/press.un.org\/2024\/sc15569.doc.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SC\/15569<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeace-loving countries will not forget those who gave a green light to Israel to continue its aggression against the Palestinian people,\u201d observed the representative of <strong>Oman<\/strong>. \u00a0Stressing that \u201cany occupation will end one day\u201d, he said that decolonization is a project requiring much sacrifice \u2014 \u201coften in blood\u201d, which is the price many have paid for their dignity, independence and freedom. \u00a0Against that backdrop, he urged the Council to call for a ceasefire, protect the Palestinian people and hold Israel accountable for violating international law.<\/p>\n<p>On that, <strong>Mauritania\u2019s<\/strong> representative, speaking for the <strong>Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)<\/strong>, said that Israel\u2019s atrocities \u2014 akin to genocide \u2014 are \u201creminiscent of the darkest scenes in human history\u201d, such as the 1948 Nakba. \u00a0Spotlighting Israel\u2019s \u201cheinous crimes that demand urgent intervention on the humanitarian, legal and political fronts\u201d, he called on the Council to do more to enforce its own resolutions, prevent further crimes of aggression and ensure Israel\u2019s respect for \u2014 and compliance with \u2014 its obligations under international law.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe underscore that even conflicts have rules, to which all parties are equally bound,\u201d stressed the representative of<strong> Saint Lucia<\/strong>, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). \u00a0Both sides must comply with international law and respect their obligations enshrined in resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023). \u00a0Further, she called on the Council to work constructively to ensure that Gaza \u2014 already described by the Secretary-General as a \u201cgraveyard for children\u201d \u2014 \u201cdoes not descend into a charnel house\u201d. \u00a0She added: \u00a0\u201cDiscord need not preclude durable solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Syria<\/strong>\u2019s representative, meanwhile, said that it is outrageous that the United States and some European countries have attempted to legitimize Israel\u2019s aggression towards Gaza by characterizing it as legitimate self-defence. \u00a0Welcoming the steps taken by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, he pointed out that Israel continues to attack Syrian territory.\u00a0Israel is fanning the flames across the entire region, he underscored, urging the Council to stop it.<\/p>\n<p>Also highlighting action in other international forums, the representative of <strong>Chile<\/strong> recalled that his country \u2014 together with Mexico \u2014 submitted a referral to the International Criminal Court on 18\u00a0January regarding the situation in Palestine. \u00a0This action aims to strengthen the investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity that occurred in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Israel. \u00a0He added that attacking critical civilian infrastructure is simply not permitted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is now manifestly clear that the situation on the ground demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,\u201d observed <strong>Ireland<\/strong>\u2019s representative, urging the Council to call for such a measure in line with the overwhelming view of the international community. \u00a0While recalling his country\u2019s consistent condemnation of Hamas\u2019 attacks on and since 7\u00a0October, he stressed that international law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than is necessary and proportionate. \u00a0\u201cNo more,\u201d he repeated, stating that these limits have been exceeded.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>, the last speaker in the two-day debate, took the floor to say that \u2014 instead of adding to the tragic narrative in the meeting \u2014 he would silently wish and pray that sanity would prevail \u2014 sooner, rather than later.<\/p>\n<h4><u>Statements<\/u><\/h4>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Mauritania<\/u><\/strong>, speaking for the\u00a0<strong><u>Organization of Islamic Cooperation<\/u>\u00a0(OIC)<\/strong>, said that Israel\u2019s atrocities \u2014 akin to genocide \u2014 are \u201creminiscent of the darkest scenes in human history\u201d, such as the 1948 Nakba.\u00a0 The deliberate, indiscriminate killing and maiming of innocent Palestinian civilians is a testament to the genocidal intent behind these acts, he stressed.\u00a0 Further, the wanton destruction of residences, hospitals, schools and <strong>United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)<\/strong> facilities further underscores Israel\u2019s systematic persistence in eradicating the Palestinian people\u2019s national, ethnic and religious identity.\u00a0 He also said that Israel\u2019s obstruction of aid workers and denial of essential supplies exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and \u201cconstitute heinous crimes that demand urgent intervention on the humanitarian, legal and political fronts\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to say that Israel\u2019s escalating violence and incursions into the West Bank risk further deteriorating peace and security in the region and beyond, expressing regret that the Council has so far failed to adopt a resolution to protect Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 As the primary UN body tasked with protection, global peace and security and justice, the Council must do more to enforce its own resolutions, prevent further crimes of aggression and acts that amount to genocide and ensure Israel\u2019s respect for \u2014 and compliance with \u2014 its obligations under international law.\u00a0Urging immediate action to halt ongoing Israeli aggression and ensure accountability for the occupying Power\u2019s crimes against humanity, he also called for the provision of international protection for the Palestinian people and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow vital supplies to reach Gaza.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Cuba<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>demanded that the United States stop paralyzing the Security Council. \u00a0\u201cHistory will hold the United States Government accountable for its repeated complicit veto, which guarantees impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the occupying Power,\u201d he said.\u00a0 The Israeli-Palestinian conflict predates 7\u00a0October\u00a02023.\u00a0Its root causes must be addressed promptly.\u00a0 In this context, the Council must enforce its resolutions to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.\u00a0 Expressing support for a two-State solution, he advocated for urgently convening a United Nations peace conference and admitting Palestine to the Organization as a full member. \u00a0 He supported South Africa\u2019s case before the International Court of Justice against Israel for genocidal acts in Gaza.\u00a0 He also reiterated Cuba\u2019s proposal \u2014 at the recent Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement \u2014 to promptly dispatch a General Assembly-authorized international protection mission to Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cLet us stop the double standards, selectiveness and manipulation that undermine the cause of international peace and security,\u201d he said, stressing that the UN must work in the interest of peoples, not the war machine.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Brazil<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that, \u201cas never before, there is a need for real diplomacy and true political that will enable effective multilateral action\u201d, he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza \u201cbefore there is nothing left to be saved\u201d. \u00a0A ceasefire is necessary to protect civilians not only from indiscriminate or disproportionate military assaults, but also from death by hunger and disease. \u00a0Alongside with relentless large-scale military operations, undue restrictions and delays to the entry of humanitarian aid in Gaza compound the hardship of civilians. \u00a0In this regard, the provisional measures requested by South Africa to the International Court of Justice, with the aim of preventing the risk of genocide by requiring \u201cthe immediate suspension of military operations in and against Gaza\u201d, are most urgent. \u00a0He further warned that beyond Gaza, the escalation of hostilities in the region seem directly related to this growing sentiment of distrust and outright disregard for international law.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Iraq<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>deplored the Council\u2019s failure to fulfil its legal responsibility in maintaining international peace and security, namely solving the massacres and genocide perpetrated by Israeli occupation forces despite international calls for a ceasefire.\u00a0Most Member States have voted in favour of two resolutions adopted at General Assembly extraordinary sessions to stop the aggression and reach a ceasefire; these calls must be responded to. Expanding the conflict will not provide a solution, he said.\u00a0 The solution lies in the Council adopting a resolution to stop the aggressive war against Palestinians.\u00a0 What happened on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023 cannot be seen in isolation, given the accumulated violations by Israeli forces, including usurping lands and violating holy places, for more than seven decades.\u00a0 The Palestinian question cannot be reduced to a question about just displacement and a humanitarian crisis.\u00a0 He then expressed support for the case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, the right of Palestinians to self-determination, and the establishment of a Palestinian State.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Portugal<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that violence spreading across the region, hostages remaining in captivity, the unprecedented level of Palestinian suffering, the territory becoming unliveable and anger on the rise is laying down the foundation for future waves of youth radicalization among both Israelis and Palestinians.\u00a0 She condemned Hamas\u2019 attack, expressing support for Israel\u2019s right to self-defence.\u00a0On the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, she said that collective punishment of civilians violates international humanitarian law and rejected the normalization of the suffering of Palestinian people. \u00a0Preventing further loss of life in Gaza is a pressing reality, she asserted, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.\u00a0 Relatedly, she condemned any statement that implies the relocation of Palestinians and opposed the widespread violence of radical settlers in the West Bank.\u00a0 She further stressed the need to prevent the spill-over of the conflict across the region, adding that peace therein should be based on a two-State solution.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u><strong>Saint Lucia<\/strong><\/u>, speaking for the\u00a0<strong><u>Caribbean Community<\/u>\u00a0(CARICOM<\/strong>), expressed concern over unrelenting hostilities in the Gaza Strip, which \u201cthreaten an already delicate region and breed fear, mistrust and disillusionment about the possibility of a two-State solution\u201d pursuant to resolution 242 (1967).\u00a0 While characterizing the situation as \u201cgrim\u201d, she expressed hope that \u2014 where there is a convergence of strong political will and unity \u2014 a solution can be achieved.\u00a0 However, a precondition to this is the implementation of an immediate ceasefire.\u00a0\u201cWithout it, the resulting deaths and devastation wrought in the Gaza Strip would further delay the possibility for peaceful co-existence,\u201d she observed, calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the parties\u2019 return to the negotiating table \u2014 \u201ca necessary step in building trust\u201d.\u00a0 The immediate, unconditional release of all hostages would also operate as a confidence-building mechanism, she added.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside efforts towards a ceasefire, she underlined the need for the permanent, unhindered and unconditional passage of humanitarian aid at levels commensurate with overwhelming needs.\u00a0 \u201cWe underscore that even conflicts have rules, to which all parties are equally bound,\u201d she went on to say, calling on both sides to comply with their international-law obligations \u2014 particularly those relating to the conduct of hostilities, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and the protection and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel.\u00a0 All parties must also respect their obligations enshrined in resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).\u00a0 She also called on the Council to work constructively to ensure that Gaza \u2014 already described by the Secretary-General as a \u201cgraveyard for children\u201d \u2014 \u201cdoes not descend into a charnel house\u201d.\u00a0 Stressing that \u201cdiscord need not preclude durable solutions\u201d, she urged the Council to prioritize the needs and well-being of civilians so that both sides can work towards the vision outlined in resolution 242 (1967).<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Bangladesh<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the\u00a0OIC, said that the humanitarian toll in Gaza, where more than\u00a025,000 Palestinians have been killed, extended beyond mere numbers, adding: \u00a0\u201cIt represents shattered families, broken lives, and a community grappling with unimaginable loss.\u201d\u00a0 Relentless Israeli bombardments have spared nothing \u2014 hospitals, schools and religious sites have been demolished, he said, adding that the country\u2019s aggression, killings and genocide continue.\u00a0 Despite getting support from the two-third majority of the General Assembly for an immediate ceasefire, efforts have failed in the Council due to the veto, disregarding the will of the international community. \u00a0Israel must\u00a0be held accountable for its violations of international law and UN resolutions, he said, voicing support for South Africa\u2019s initiative at the International Court of Justice.\u00a0 He urged the Council to implement resolution 2720 (2023) and to act to stop the Israeli attacks in Gaza and its occupation, voicing support for a two-State solution.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Syria<\/u><\/strong>, associating himself with the Arab Group, said that Israel, the occupying Power, continues to implement the blockade of Gaza, prevent the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and use prohibited weapons, increasing the threat of the use of nuclear bombs.\u00a0 It is outrageous that the United States and some European countries have been attempting to legitimize the Israeli aggression against Gaza by regarding it as legitimate self-defence.\u00a0 Welcoming the steps taken by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, he also called for an end to Israel\u2019s policy against the occupied Golan since 1977, including attempts to change the demographic composition.\u00a0 Israel continues to attack the Syrian territory targeting residential areas and key infrastructure, with the most recent one on 20\u00a0January in a Damascus neighbourhood. \u00a0Israel is further fanning the flames in the entire region.\u00a0 The Council must stop it.\u00a0 The European Union delegation has raised issues related to the situation in Syria, which has nothing to do with the theme of this meeting, he said, adding that his country will reserve the right to respond at a later meeting.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Cambodia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>voiced concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza which has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and enormous destruction. \u00a0\u201cWithout a ceasefire, many more innocent lives will be lost not only to gunfire, but also to lack of treatment for the injured and sick, diseases and food shortages,\u201d he added. \u00a0Accordingly, he called on all relevant parties to the conflict to implement relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions to save people\u2019s lives, prevent the conflict\u2019s spill-over in the region and achieve a ceasefire.\u00a0 To allow the two nations to live in harmony, the root causes of the Palestine-Israel conflict must be addressed and resolved through diplomacy. \u00a0Urging all sides not to target civilian populations and infrastructure, he called for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Ireland<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the European Union, said that \u201cit is now manifestly clear that the situation on the ground demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire\u201d, urging the Council to call for such a measure in line with the overwhelming view of the international community.\u00a0 Expressing shock over the sustained campaign of disinformation directed at UN entities \u2014 particularly UNRWA \u2014 he said the campaign must cease and called on Israel to foster a more constructive relationship with these organizations.\u00a0 While he recalled his country\u2019s consistent condemnation of Hamas\u2019 attacks on and since 7\u00a0October, he stressed that international law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than is necessary and proportionate.\u00a0\u201cNo more,\u201d he repeated.\u00a0 These limits have been exceeded, he said, also expressing concern that the use of heavy munitions with wide blast areas cannot be limited to military objectives located in heavily populated urban centres \u2014 \u201cand is therefore indiscriminate\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Maldives<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said\u00a0the Council\u2019s refusal to call for a ceasefire is \u201castonishing\u201d, emphasizing that that refusal prolongs \u201ca potentially genocidal war by the most powerful military in the Middle East against Palestinians\u201d. \u00a0The Council\u2019s failure to enforce resolution 2720 (2023) and address the continuous collective punishment of the Palestinian people may erode faith in the United Nations system and weaken multilateralism, he warned. \u00a0Calling on the Council to prompt Israel to immediately implement a ceasefire, he highlighted recent calls by many powerful supporters of Israel for the establishment of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine. \u00a0He further appealed to the Council to ensure deeper engagement by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in promoting dialogue and mediation in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Poland<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>voiced firm support for a viable two-State solution based on internationally agreed parameters, calling for the swift and full implementation of the relevant Council resolutions. \u00a0From the very beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict, his country\u2019s authorities at all levels have strongly condemned Hamas\u2019 brutal attacks and their use of innocent civilians as human shields.\u00a0 He called for the release of all hostages without any preconditions. \u00a0Israel, just like any other State, has the right to defend itself in the face of terror. \u00a0But the right to self-defence must be exercised in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. \u00a0Ending the hostilities in Gaza will facilitate the process of reaching a diplomatic solution to the situation in the region, he said, underscoring the importance of developing a common position on this extremely important issue. \u00a0\u201cOtherwise, the escalation and spreading of the conflict may have further devastating and long-lasting consequences,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Colombia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that the escalation of violence that the world has witnessed for more than 100 days in the Middle East puts the maintenance of peace and security in that region at imminent risk. \u00a0Violence only produces more violence and loss of life, leaving in its wake a disastrous legacy for societies, especially youth and future generations.\u00a0 Nothing justifies the death and injury of civilians, defenceless women and children, journalists or UNRWA personnel.\u00a0 Voicing concern over the shortage of water, food and shelter in Gaza, as well as the displacement of a high percentage of its population, she underscored that the absence of a response to the conflict generates appalling consequences for the civilian population, destabilizes the region and calls into question the very meaning of life and humanity.<\/p>\n<p>The observer for the\u00a0<strong><u>Holy See<\/u><\/strong>, recalling Pope Francis\u2019 condemnation of every instance of terrorism and extremism, also recalled his statement:\u00a0 \u201cThis is not the way to resolve disputes between peoples.\u201d\u00a0 He reiterated Pope Francis\u2019 appeal for a ceasefire \u201con every front\u201d, which would allow space for dialogue \u2014 \u201chowever difficult it might be\u201d \u2014 to secure the release of the remaining hostages and facilitate the distribution of much-needed humanitarian aid.\u00a0 \u201cIt is essential to avoid an entire population paying the consequences for a heinous act of terrorism,\u201d he stressed, adding that any action taken in self-defence must be guided by the principles of distinction and proportionality.\u00a0Noting Pope Francis\u2019 call for greater effort from the international community to defend and implement international humanitarian law \u2014 \u201cwhich seems to be the only way to ensure the defence of human dignity in situations of warfare\u201d \u2014 he concluded that the most viable way to achieve lasting peace remains the two-State solution.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Argentina<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed regret that Hamas\u2019 attacks have not been the subject of explicit condemnation by the Security Council.\u00a0 Her country recognizes Israel\u2019s right to exercise its self-defence, but deeply laments the high cost of the conflict in terms of civilian victims, including children, women, and the elderly, as well as the destruction of basic civilian infrastructure.\u00a0She called for compliance with Council resolution 2720 (2023) to ensure immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, among them Argentinian nationals.\u00a0 The conflict can be resolved only through the resumption of a dialogue based on a two-State solution.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Chile<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>underscored that the terrorist acts perpetrated by Hamas on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023 and Israel\u2019s indiscriminate response against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip violate international humanitarian law.\u00a0 Sounding alarm over the repercussions of the conflict in the region, he called for an immediate ceasefire, which remains a priority for the protection of civilians, particularly women, the elderly and children. \u00a0He emphasized that there is no contradiction between a State\u2019s legitimate self-defence or the fight against terrorism and respecting the lives of civilians. \u00a0Attacking critical civilian infrastructure \u2014 including homes, health and educational facilities and shelters \u2014 is simply not permitted.\u00a0 On 18\u00a0January, Chile \u2014 together with Mexico \u2014 submitted a brief referral before the International Criminal Court regarding the situation in Palestine, with the objective of strengthening the investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity that occurred in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Israel.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Oman<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>pointed out that the Council is failing to take measures to stop the situation in Gaza despite repeated calls to do so from the international community.\u00a0 \u201cPeace-loving countries will not forget those who gave a green light to Israel to continue its aggression against the Palestinian people,\u201d he observed and, addressing Israel, stated:\u00a0 \u201cYou need to stop this holocaust against the Palestinian people.\u201d\u00a0 That State\u2019s project of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forcible displacement is not acceptable.\u00a0 Stressing that \u201cany occupation will end one day\u201d, he said that decolonization is a project that requires much sacrifice \u2014 \u201coften in blood\u201d, which is the price many have paid for their dignity, independence and freedom.\u00a0Concluding, he urged the Council to uphold its legal and ethical responsibilities to call for a ceasefire, protect the Palestinian people, provide for their humanitarian needs and hold Israel accountable for violating international law.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<strong><u>Tunisia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>condemned the war crimes perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 \u201cWe cannot remain silent at a time when the international community is silent and the international bodies are incapable of delivering upon their responsibilities,\u201d he said, stressing the paramount importance of stepping up international efforts to end the bloodletting and the colonization.\u00a0 The Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands is the root cause of the conflict.\u00a0 Palestinians have continued to suffer under the yoke of occupation for more than 75 years.\u00a0He rejected all attempts to force the Palestinian people out of their land, reiterating his country\u2019s steadfast support for their resistance to the occupation and genocide.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of\u00a0<u><strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/u><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>said that, instead of adding to the tragic narrative in this meeting, he would silently wish and pray that sanity would prevail sooner rather than later.\u00a0 He then shared lines from a verse on Middle East peace from Rabbi Sheila Weinberg, a community relations professional:\u00a0 \u201cTwo peoples, one land, three faiths, one root, one earth, one mother, one sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny, one broken heart, one god\u2026\u201d\u00a0As she puts it, \u201clet us all breathe together\u201d, he said, recognizing the legitimate and inalienable right of the people of Palestine to Statehood based on a two-State solution.\u00a0 Sri Lanka chairs the United Nations Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, and it continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Fran\u00e7ais 24 JANUARY 2024 9534TH MEETING (RESUMED) (PM) SC\/15570 Concluding the open debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which saw ministers and other national representatives meet into the evening of 23\u00a0January, speakers today urged the Security Council to act in the face of continuing violations of international law and its own resolutions in the Gaza <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/amid-continuing-rights-violations-in-gaza-security-council-must-do-more-concludes-un-security-council-24jan2024\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[672,5334,723,756,5442,780,3141,891,894,897,963,5287,1032,1593,1056,6916,1137,2241,1179],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[1362],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,2265,6837,2005,1741,6816,6251],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-292759","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-argentina","country-bangladesh","country-brazil","country-chile","country-colombia","country-cuba","country-holy-see","country-iraq","country-ireland","country-israel","country-maldives","country-mauritania","country-oman","country-palestine-state-of","country-poland","country-saint-lucia","country-sri-lanka","country-syria","country-tunisia","document-category-press-release","document-source-security-council","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-ethnic-cleansing","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-nakba","document-subject-west-bank","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/292759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/292759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":292772,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/292759\/revisions\/292772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=292759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=292759"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=292759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}