{"id":295101,"date":"2024-04-05T16:46:40","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T20:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=295101"},"modified":"2024-04-09T17:16:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T21:16:55","slug":"speakers-in-security-council-condemn-deadly-israeli-airstrikes-on-aid-workers-in-gaza-urge-immediate-action-to-end-violations-of-international-humanitarian-law-5april-2024","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/speakers-in-security-council-condemn-deadly-israeli-airstrikes-on-aid-workers-in-gaza-urge-immediate-action-to-end-violations-of-international-humanitarian-law-5april-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers in Security Council Condemn Deadly Israeli Airstrikes on Aid Workers in Gaza, Urge Immediate Action to End Violations of International Humanitarian Law – Press release"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

5 April 2024<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
9596TH MEETING (AM)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
SC\/15653<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Voicing Concern Over Imminent Famine, UN Relief Chief, Delegates Urge Safe, Unimpeded Humanitarian Access for All Civilians in Occupied Territory<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Following Israeli airstrikes on 1\u00a0April that killed seven World Central Kitchen<\/strong> aid workers in Gaza, a senior United Nations official briefing the\u00a0Security Council\u00a0urged immediate concerted action to investigate, prosecute and stop such violations of international humanitarian law and to give humanitarian staff unimpeded access to those in need, as delegates raised concern about the imminent famine in the occupied territory.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe events of the last week alone are evidence of the unconscionable brutality of this conflict,\u201d said Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs<\/strong>.\u00a0 Sunday will mark six months since the outbreak of \u201cthis horrific chapter\u201d in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that began with Hamas\u2019 7\u00a0October grisly attack on Israel and \u201csix months that calls our collective humanity, and priorities, into question\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to Gaza\u2019s Ministry of Health, since October, more than 32,000\u00a0people have been killed and over 75,000\u00a0injured; 75\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the territory\u2019s population has been forcibly displaced.\u00a0 \u201cIt is clear there is no protection of civilians in Gaza,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

On 1 April, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City revealed a hospital and many buildings in the surrounding residential area, almost entirely destroyed, he said.\u00a0 The UN and its aid partners only reached the facility today, after repeatedly denied requests, to help triage remaining patients and assess needs on the ground. \u00a0The same day, the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, who had informed the Israeli army of their movements and had just unloaded more than 100 tons of lifesaving humanitarian supplies, were killed in multiple Israeli airstrikes on their convoy.<\/p>\n

The undeniable lack of protection for aid missions has forced World Central Kitchen and at least one other aid organization \u2014 the NGO \u201cANERA<\/strong>\u201d \u2014 to suspend their operations.\u00a0 \u201cGaza is teetering on the edge of famine,\u201d he warned, highlighting that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has not been allowed to operate.<\/p>\n

The Agency and all impartial humanitarian organizations must have safe, rapid, unimpeded access to all civilians in need, he stressed.\u00a0 All Member States can and must use their leverage to prevent and stop violations of international humanitarian law \u2014 through diplomatic and economic pressure, conditioning arms exports on compliance with the rules of war, and cooperation in combating impunity.<\/p>\n

Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children USA<\/strong>, reported that, to date, 203 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza \u2014 the highest number of humanitarian casualties in modern times. \u00a0More children have been killed in this conflict than in all armed conflicts globally over the past four years, she added.\u00a0 Detailing her visits to humanitarian programmes in Gaza, she said: \u00a0\u201cOne community I visited had one toilet for 600 people.\u201d \u00a0Furthermore, 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent of education facilities and equipment have been destroyed or burned by civilians trying to stay warm.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive humanitarians safe access and a ceasefire, and we can save lives,\u201d she urged, calling on the Security Council to pass a permanent ceasefire resolution.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cMember States must stop fueling the crisis with the weapons they\u2019re selling to the parties of conflict,\u201d she said, stressing: \u00a0\u201cThe world \u2014 those sitting in this room \u2014 have the tools to address this crisis.”<\/p>\n

In the ensuing discussion, Council members expressed their condolences to the families and loved ones of the humanitarian aid workers who have lost their lives while working in extremely dangerous conditions. \u00a0They also voiced concern about the risk of famine in Gaza and urged the safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance.<\/p>\n

Slovenia\u2019s representative<\/strong> said that if Council members were meeting in Gaza, 15 of them would have been skipping meals in the past months, half would be in need of humanitarian aid and, at least, five would be parents to acutely malnourished children.\u00a0 \u201cBut we are not meeting in Gaza. \u00a0Maybe, probably, we should have met in Gaza,\u201d he added. \u00a0\u201cConduct of this war is a choice,\u201d he emphasized, stressing that all barriers to entry and distribution of humanitarian aid must be lifted and the safety of humanitarian workers ensured.<\/p>\n

The speaker for the United States<\/strong>, expressing deep concern that Israel has not done enough to protect humanitarian aid workers or civilians, said President Joseph Biden has conveyed that Israel must announce and implement a series of measurable steps to address civilian harm and the safety of aid workers.\u00a0 Moreover, how Hamas\u2019s actions have put humanitarian personnel at risk must not be ignored. \u00a0His country will continue to do all it can to help deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through all available means, he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is not the time for humanitarian PR, which is being used as a cover for the unwillingness or the inability to take measures to end the bloodshed and to ensure the safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance,\u201d emphasized the Russian Federation\u2019s representative<\/strong>.\u00a0Pointing out that Israel has not submitted information confirming allegations it leveled against UNRWA<\/strong> staff, he urged Council members to not play along with Israel.\u00a0 The Council is duty-bound to secure the implementation in full by all parties to the conflict of all its decisions, he stressed.<\/p>\n

On that note, China\u2019s representative<\/strong> echoed other delegations, including Japan<\/strong>, Ecuador<\/strong> and Mozambique<\/strong>, and stressed that full implementation of Security Council resolution 2728 (2024) is a matter of urgency. \u00a0He further underscored the importance of the two-State solution \u2014 a point also made by the Republic of Korea<\/strong>. \u00a0As a first step \u201cwe need to support Palestinian full membership at the UN\u201d, he added, calling for a larger, more authoritative international peace conference to develop the timeline and pathway for the realization of the two-State solution.<\/p>\n

Among speakers who voiced firm opposition to a ground offensive in Rafah were the delegates of France<\/strong> and Switzerland<\/strong>, with the latter warning of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that such a large-scale operation would have. \u00a0An immediate ceasefire is the only way to ensure that no more civilian lives are lost, he stressed.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine<\/strong>, noting that the killing of the World Central Kitchen aid workers is not an isolated incident, said that for Israel, the entire civilian population and civilian infrastructure are legitimate targets.\u00a0Israel \u201chas also made sure to create a man-made famine, the worst of its kind,\u201d he added.\u00a0 Urging the Council to bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza, he stressed: \u00a0\u201cOur failures mean their death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative<\/strong>, emphasizing that his country is in \u201ca defensive war\u201d, said the incident that claimed the lives of World Central Kitchen workers \u201cwas a tragic mistake\u201d that happened due to a misidentification at night and due to \u201cHamas\u2019s cynical modus operandi to exploit civilian infrastructure and vehicles.\u201d \u00a0His country \u201cnever targets civilians deliberately, never, let alone aid workers carrying out crucial work\u201d, and it will learn from this investigation so that such a tragedy is not repeated, he added.<\/p>\n

Disputing that claim, the representative of Saudi Arabia<\/strong>, speaking on behalf of the Group of Arab States<\/strong>, said the recent attack against World Central Kitchen aid workers is simply more evidence to the occupying Power\u2019s record of violations against humanitarian aid workers.\u00a0 \u201cStarvation and hunger are being used as a weapon in this crisis,\u201d he stressed, urging the Council to make the occupying State abide by relevant Council resolutions, international law and international humanitarian law and the two orders issued by the International Court of Justice.<\/p>\n

Representatives of Australia and<\/strong> Poland<\/strong> also took the floor to pay tribute to their fellow nationals who were among those killed in the World Central Kitchen attack. \u00a0Echoing other speakers, they called on Israel to conduct a swift, full and transparent investigation and hold those responsible fully to account.<\/p>\n

Briefings<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

RAMESH RAJASINGHAM,\u00a0Director of Coordination, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs<\/u>, said Sunday will mark \u201csix months since the outbreak of this horrific chapter in the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory\u201d and \u201csix months that calls our collective humanity, and priorities, into question\u201d.\u00a0 In Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health, more than 32,000 people have been killed and over 75,000 injured; thousands more are missing, many of them buried beneath the rubble.\u00a0 He said 17,000 children are now unaccompanied or separated from their parents or families and 1.7\u00a0million people \u2014 75\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the population \u2014 have been forcibly displaced. \u00a0\u201cIt is clear there is no protection\u00a0of<\/a>\u00a0civilians in Gaza,\u201d he stressed, adding that some Palestinians in Gaza have already left through Egypt, and more are trying.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe events of the last week alone are evidence of the unconscionable brutality of this conflict,\u201d he continued, reporting that intense Israeli bombardment and ground operations, as well as heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, have continued across much of Gaza. \u00a0On 1\u00a0April, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City revealed a hospital and many buildings in the surrounding residential area, almost entirely destroyed. \u00a0The UN and partners only reached the facility today, after repeated requests were denied, to help triage remaining patients and assess needs on the ground. \u00a0Al Shifa was the largest hospital in Gaza, formerly serving over 250,000 people. \u00a0On the same day, seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, who had informed the Israeli army of their movements and had just unloaded more than 100 tons of much-needed lifesaving humanitarian supplies from the second World Central Kitchen maritime aid shipment to a warehouse in Deir al Balah, were killed in multiple Israeli airstrikes on their convoy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey join more than 220 of our humanitarian colleagues who have been killed, 179 of them UN personnel,\u201d he said, stressing that: \u201cAllegations of serious violations must be investigated, and the suspects prosecuted.\u201d \u00a0Moreover, all Member States can and must use their leverage to prevent and stop violations of international humanitarian law \u2014 through diplomatic and economic pressure, conditioning arms exports on compliance with the rules of war, and cooperation in combating impunity.\u00a0 The undeniable lack of protection for aid missions has forced World Central Kitchen and at least one other aid organization \u2014 the NGO \u201cANERA\u201d \u2014 to suspend their operations, he reported, warning that \u201cGaza is teetering on the edge of famine, if it hasn\u2019t already fallen into it\u201d. \u00a0Detailing the dire situation of Gazans who are relying on woefully inadequate food assistance to survive, he urged immediate concerted action, stressing that \u201cwaiting for a retrospective famine classification is entirely indefensible\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the dangers, aid workers continue efforts to deliver assistance to people across Gaza through all available means,\u201d he said. \u00a0Last week the UN and its partners reached a daily average of 550,000 people with food assistance.\u00a0 However, they were only able to get 4\u00a0per\u00a0cent of this to Gaza City and the north of the Strip, where the\u00a0United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) \u2014 the backbone of the humanitarian response \u2014 has not been allowed to operate.\u00a0 The Agency and all impartial humanitarian organizations must have safe, rapid, unimpeded access to all civilians in need, he said, stressing: \u00a0\u201cThere is simply no replacement for the services UNRWA provides.\u201d\u00a0Pointing to the ongoing death and destruction in Gaza despite the international community\u2019s efforts to date, he stressed: \u00a0\u201cThis tragedy cannot be allowed to continue.\u00a0 All hostages must be immediately released and treated humanely until they are released.\u00a0 Likewise, the people of Gaza need full compliance with international humanitarian law and with the ICJ\u2019s [International Court of Justice] orders. \u00a0They need compliance with the decisions of this Council, and they most of all need this devastating war to end.\u201d<\/p>\n

JANTI SOERIPTO,\u00a0President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children USA<\/u>, said that, to date, 203 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza \u2014 the highest number of humanitarian casualties in modern times, adding: \u00a0\u201cThey died serving their communities in, perhaps, the worst conditions of their lives, of their careers.\u201d\u00a0 She reported that one of her colleagues, Sameh Ewaida, was killed in an Israeli air strike on 12\u00a0December, along with his entire family.\u00a0 More children have been killed in this conflict than in all armed conflicts globally over the past four years, she added, noting that after months of deliberate humanitarian access denial, children are dying from malnutrition and dehydration. \u00a0\u201cAlmost 350,000 children under the age of 5 are at risk of starvation as we speak,\u201d she said, stressing that severe malnutrition is not a \u201cquiet or painless death\u201d.<\/p>\n

She said she had visited a number of humanitarian programmes in Gaza, where the absence of sanitation or toilet systems in communities has caused communicable diseases to run rampant.\u00a0 \u201cOne community I visited had one toilet for 600 people,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Furthermore, 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent of education facilities and equipment have been destroyed or burned by civilians trying to stay warm.\u00a0 Also spotlighting the need for mental health and psychological support, she added: \u201cOne mother told me she needed mental health support more than food.\u201d\u00a0 Despite the dangers, humanitarian workers return to work because they believe that civilians in conflict have a right to access life-sustaining basics.\u00a0Recognizing that aid organizations are overwhelmed with impediments and human lives are not being prioritized, she continued: \u00a0\u201cGive humanitarians safe access and a ceasefire, and we can save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

In this regard, she called on the Security Council to pass a permanent ceasefire resolution, including robust measures to ensure compliance by parties to conflict to enforce a ceasefire, adding: \u00a0\u201cMember States must stop fuelling the crisis with the weapons they\u2019re selling to the parties of conflict.\u201d\u00a0 Stressing that more aid must be allowed to come in, she underscored that States must have a plan to finance and rebuild critical infrastructure in Gaza.\u00a0 While resolutions passed in the Security Council Chamber do not immediately lead to changing behaviour on the ground, she noted that \u201cwhat happens in this room does matter, for accountability, for setting standards we expect everyone to abide by.\u201d\u00a0 She added: \u00a0\u201cThe world \u2014 those sitting in this room \u2014 have the tools to address this crisis. \u00a0It merely lacks the political will to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Statements<\/u><\/h3>\n

The representative of<\/strong>\u00a0Algeria<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said a killing machine is acting with total impunity in Gaza.\u00a0 The crime perpetrated against World Central Kitchen\u2019s personnel is not an exception, he said, citing chef Jose Andres, founder of that organization, who said it was an attack that targeted them \u201csystematically, car by car\u201d. \u00a0Why do these seven deaths get apologies from the highest occupying authorities but not the thousands of innocent Palestinians massacred during these six months? he asked. \u00a0The answer is the dehumanization of Palestinians. \u00a0Humanitarian workers cannot be asked to serve at the peril of their lives, he said, adding that the famine in Gaza will be worsened with the decision to freeze the World Central Kitchen\u2019s operations and the maritime corridor from Cyprus, even as the occupying Power persists in its campaign to dismantle UNRWA.<\/p>\n

The representative\u00a0Guyana<\/u><\/strong>, noting that the strategy of collective punishment being inflicted on the Palestinian people has incorporated starvation as a method of warfare, stressed that: \u00a0\u201cInternational humanitarian law prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon of warfare.\u201d\u00a0She condemned in the strongest terms all attacks on humanitarian workers and UN personnel operating in the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law. \u00a0Highlighting the critical work of agencies such as UNRWA, she also called on the Israeli authorities to reverse their decision and allow UNRWA to deliver life-saving services to the people in the north of the Strip. \u00a0Adequate funding for UNRWA must be ensured, she stressed, calling on Member States to scale up their contributions. \u00a0Noting Israel\u2019s announcement to temporarily open the Erez Crossing and to allow the use of the Ashdod port, she voiced hope that these would not be rendered almost useless by burdensome verification processes.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Slovenia<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that if Council members were meeting in Gaza, 15 of them would have been skipping meals in the past months, half would be in need of humanitarian aid and, at least, five would be parents to acutely malnourished children.\u00a0 \u201cBut we are not meeting in Gaza. \u00a0Maybe, probably, we should have met in Gaza,\u201d he added, stressing that conflict-induced and man-made famine means the absolute failure of the international community.\u00a0 To prevent its spread, he called for lifting all barriers to entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and ensuring safety of humanitarian workers.\u00a0 \u201cI want to be clear: \u00a0nothing in this war happens by chance. \u00a0Conduct of this war is a choice,\u201d he emphasized, stressing that the \u201cfaces of humanity\u201d in Gaza are under attack.\u00a0 Months of destruction and devastation cannot be a milestone Member States should mark with \u201cmerely a meeting of the Security Council\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Switzerland<\/u><\/strong>, expressing the utmost respect for all the humanitarian aid workers who are risking their lives to bring relief, said that the Gaza Strip has become the most dangerous place in the world for them.\u00a0 Insecurity and restrictions on movement are forcing humanitarian organizations to suspend their operations.\u00a0 As a result, the entire aid system is in danger of collapsing and the continuation of the maritime aid corridor from Cyprus is in jeopardy.\u00a0 Noting the risk of famine between now and the end of May\u00a02024, he pointed out that malnutrition in early in life can lead to stunted growth, impaired cognitive development and increased vulnerability to infection and disease.\u00a0 \u201cA large-scale operation in Rafah must not take place, given the catastrophic humanitarian consequences it would have,\u201d he underscored, stressing that an immediate ceasefire is the only way to ensure that no more civilian lives are lost.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said her country is \u201cappalled\u201d by the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. \u00a0Her Prime Minister has asked Israel\u2019s authorities for a transparent investigation, she said, noting that over 200 aid workers have been killed in this conflict. \u00a0\u201cIsrael must do much more to protect them,\u201d she said, adding that the country must make significant concrete changes to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately. \u00a0It is imperative that those doing life-saving work are properly protected and allowed unhindered access to conduct their work.\u00a0 She also welcomed assurances that the country has given to UN agencies and others that it will now open Ashdod port and more land crossings into Gaza.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0stressed that to prevent a humanitarian apocalypse and mass hunger in Gaza, a genuine ceasefire and Israel\u2019s respect for international humanitarian law are urgently needed. \u00a0Further, the Council must agree on measures vis-\u00e0-vis West Jerusalem and those measures could include an arms embargo or other types of sanctions. \u00a0\u201cNow is not the time for humanitarian PR, which is being used as a cover for the unwillingness or the inability to take measures to end the bloodshed and to ensure\u00a0the safe<\/a>\u00a0and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance,\u201d he underscored.\u00a0 Pointing out that Israel has not submitted information confirming allegations it leveled against UNRWA staff, he urged Council members to not play along with Israel.\u00a0 The Council is duty-bound to secure the implementation in full by all parties to the conflict of all its decisions geared towards ending the violence in Gaza and scaling up humanitarian assistance, he stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Japan<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that despite the adoption of Security Council resolution 2728 (2024), hostilities in Gaza continue unabated.\u00a0 The killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers by multiple Israeli strikes caused some other humanitarian organizations to suspend their operations, which will have a catastrophic impact on the lives of people in Gaza, he reported, urging Israel to prevent recurrence of such incidents.\u00a0 Although Tokyo has resumed funding of UNRWA, if attacks on humanitarian workers continue, they cannot carry out their work, he said.\u00a0 \u201cThose in Gaza cannot wait another day,\u201d he stressed, urging Member States to provide aid though all possible means.\u00a0 Expressing hope about the opening of the Erez crossing, he emphasized: \u00a0\u201cWe must save the lives of civilians, including innocent children, by silencing the guns.\u201d\u00a0 He also expressed support for the diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to this end.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that the tragedy of Gaza tests the conscience of humanity and the Council\u2019s credibility.\u00a0 Full implementation of Security Council resolution\u00a02728\u00a0(2024)\u00a0is as a matter of urgency, he stressed, also urging Israel to cease its collective punishment of the Gazans.\u00a0 He called on the \u201cmajor Powers\u201d with significant influence on the parties concerned to promote the resolution\u2019s implementation, expressing China\u2019s support to that end.\u00a0 Emphasizing that Rafah and all land crossings must be fully opened to allow for the entry of humanitarian supplies, he called on Israel to cease its attacks on humanitarian institutions and personnel.\u00a0 He underscored the importance of the two-State solution, adding that as a first step \u201cwe need to support Palestinian full membership at the UN\u201d.\u00a0In this regard, Beijing advocates for a larger, more authoritative international peace conference to develop the timeline and pathway for the realization of the two-State solution, he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0France<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>condemned Israel\u2019s strike on World Central Kitchen workers and called for an in-depth investigation. \u00a0Their deaths come on top of the deaths of 177 UNRWA staff, the highest death toll of UN staff since the inception of the Organization.\u00a0 Stressing the importance of humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and the safety of humanitarian workers, he called on Israel\u00a0to fully respect international humanitarian law and demanded the implementation of Council resolution 2728 (2024). \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re not seeing a natural disaster,\u201d he pointed out, underscoring that the humanitarian catastrophe is the result of war \u2014 therefore, the best humanitarian response is for the war to end. \u00a0Reiterating staunch opposition to a ground offensive in Rafah, demanding the immediate release of hostages detained by Hamas and condemning the terrorist attacks of 7\u00a0October, he added that it is high time to lay the groundwork for a political settlement.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0commended the heroic work of humanitarian staff who are risking their lives to provide food and to save lives in increasingly difficult conditions, particularly the World Central Kitchen staff killed this week.\u00a0 \u201cHumanitarian staff must never be the target of attacks under any circumstances,\u201d he stressed, adding that those types of attacks must be investigated and those responsible held to account.\u00a0 The suspension of humanitarian activities due to the lack of minimum protections and security standards has worsened the already very serious food crisis, he said, urging the Council to reverse that situation.\u00a0 Highlighting the vitally important work of UNRWA, he called for financial contributions to the Agency\u2019s operations.\u00a0 He once again appealed for the full and immediate implementation of Council resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023) and 2728 (2024) to avoid further death and destruction.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Republic of Korea<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that as civilian infrastructure for food production and distribution has been severely damaged, Gaza cannot sustain itself without external assistance.\u00a0 Famine can occur in Gaza\u2019s northern governorates if full humanitarian access is not granted, he said, expressing concern over the suspension of humanitarian aid operations following the killing of seven World Central Kitchen staff members.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a dismaying development as the international community is struggling to expand humanitarian aid,\u201d he said, and called for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance.\u00a0 Expressing hope that the Israeli Government\u2019s announcement on increasing the flow of aid into Gaza will lead to tangible improvements on the ground, he said that humanitarian notification procedures and deconfliction mechanisms should be enhanced to stop a recurrence of such deadly incidents.\u00a0 He also said he looked forward to reinvigorated diplomatic efforts towards the two-State solution.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said his country is \u201coutraged and heartbroken\u201d at the deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers, adding: \u00a0\u201cWe all know, moreover, this was not a standalone incident.\u201d\u00a0 Expressing deep concern that Israel has not done enough to protect humanitarian aid workers or civilians, he said President Joseph Biden has conveyed that Israel must announce and implement a series of measurable steps to address civilian harm and the safety of aid workers. \u00a0Expressing support for the ongoing investigations into UNRWA while noting its indispensable role, he said that \u201cwe must not ignore how Hamas’s actions have put humanitarian personnel at risk\u201d. \u00a0Tunneling under and storing weapons in hospitals is a violation of the laws of war, he said, adding that his country will continue to do all it can to help deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through all available means.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Sierra Leone<\/u><\/strong>, recalling the Council\u2019s resolutions, which demand parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, to protect civilians, and to allow for full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts in the Gaza Strip, voiced deep concerned that civilians and humanitarian personnel continue to be victims of strikes. \u00a0All attacks against civilians and humanitarian personnel must stop, and deconfliction measures to deliver humanitarian aid must be implemented.\u00a0 He reaffirmed the relevance and validity of the International Court of Justice provisional measures Order of 26\u00a0January\u00a02024 and the request for modification order made on 28\u00a0March\u00a02024.\u00a0He also emphasized the need to hold to account all parties responsible for the grave violations of international law. \u00a0\u201cAs we call for peace, it must be accompanied by accountability to end impunity,\u201d he said.\u00a0Underscoring UNRWA\u2019s vital role, he stressed the need for their continued operations to provide lifesaving humanitarian services to Palestinians across the Middle East.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Mozambique<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said the Security Council adopted resolution 2728 (2024) because \u201cthe death of children, women and men in Gaza is unacceptable and defies our conscience\u201d, adding that its adoption was a clear testament that no Council member can justify military operations in Gaza.\u00a0 He deplored the death of dedicated humanitarian workers, also expressing regret over the attack on Al-Shifa hospital.\u00a0 Welcoming the recent order of the International Court of Justice on the Gaza question, he said it underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring that aid reaches those in need.\u00a0 He urged Israel to open more land crossings and facilitate the entry of food, water and fuel into war-affected Gaza, while calling on Council Members to fully cooperate with UNRWA.\u00a0 \u201cA peaceful and stable future in the Middle East hinges on a vision of a two-State solution,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Malta<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that Israel\u2019s killing of seven aid workers brings the total number of humanitarian workers killed in Gaza to more than 220. \u00a0Calling for a thorough investigation into this incident, she added that it underscores the need for a permanent ceasefire. \u00a0The movement of the World Central Kitchen workers was carried out in coordination with Israel\u2019s authorities, using the humanitarian notification system and following all procedures \u2014 yet this attack happened. \u00a0There is no replacement for UNRWA\u2019s work in Gaza, she stressed, calling on the international community to ensure that it has the necessary resources to operate.\u00a0 Highlighting the onerous and bureaucratic impediments Israel has placed on the delivery of aid, from basic goods to chemotherapy drugs, she said half a million people are on the verge of conflict-induced famine. \u00a0\u201cWe cannot simply wait for a retrospective famine classification,\u201d she said, noting that World Central Kitchen has been forced to suspend its operations and return undelivered food.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Russian Federation<\/span><\/strong>, taking the floor a second time, pointed to the delegate of the United States\u2019 \u201ccynical and inexcusable attempt at manipulation\u201d in his statement, which stressed that the call to protect humanitarian aid workers was contained in a United States draft resolution that was vetoed by the Russian Federation and China.\u00a0 However, the United States delegate cunningly kept quiet about the fact that Council resolution 2728 (2024) contains a similar demand on this very issue, he added.\u00a0 Instead of their \u201cdirty tricks\u201d, United States colleagues would be better placed to focus on exerting pressure on Israel and on ending Washington, D.C.\u2019s arms supplies to Israel, which are being used to kill Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that while Council members have been speaking about the terrifying assault against life in Gaza for 180 days, Israel has killed \u201cthose who heal, those who rescue, those who provide aid and relief, those who feed, those who report\u201d.\u00a0 The killing of the World Central Kitchen aid workers is not an isolated incident.\u00a0 For Israel, the entire civilian population and civilian infrastructure are legitimate targets.\u00a0 It has \u201cbaselessly\u201d argued that the problem is UNRWA, which is delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance. \u00a0Israel, while killing over 32,000 Palestinians and maiming over 72,000, \u201chas also made sure to create a man-made famine, the worst of its kind\u201d, he said, asking: \u00a0\u201cWho can still speak of shared values with Israel that is committing such crimes without being devoured by shame?\u201d\u00a0 Facing outrage over its attack on foreign nationals, Israel dismissed two senior officers and reprimanded three others. \u00a0\u201cThat is the punishment for the commission of war crimes? [\u2026] And who will be held accountable for all the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Israel has ignored Council resolution 2728 (2024) and breached the order of the International Criminal Court, he said.\u00a0 The problem is that Israel can violate these rules, demands and orders with full impunity. \u00a0\u201cHistory will remember that Israel continued to be present within these walls while trying to bring down the UN and the international law-based order this Organization stands for,\u201d he continued, stressing there is no justification for the continual denial of the State of Palestine\u2019s right to self-determination.\u00a0This genocide was announced by Israeli leaders and perpetrated in broad daylight. \u201cMany of you were mobilized to stop it. \u00a0But there are still tools that were not used, not even considered,\u201d he said.\u00a0 He called on the Council to bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza, emphasizing: \u00a0\u201cOur failures mean their death\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said the incident that claimed the lives of World Central Kitchen workers \u201cwas a tragic mistake\u201d, adding that his country \u201cnever targets civilians deliberately, never, let alone aid workers carrying out crucial work\u201d. \u00a0This incident has been investigated and the findings show that the strike happened due to a misidentification at night, he said. \u00a0The findings have been presented to Israeli leadership and World Central Kitchen, he said, adding that two senior military officers have been dismissed. \u00a0Israel has coordinated aid distribution with international organizations thousands of times since the start of this war, he said, adding that while the military\u2019s standard operating procedure was violated, this tragic mistake was due to \u201cHamas’s cynical\u00a0modus operandi<\/em>\u00a0to exploit civilian infrastructure and vehicles.\u201d \u00a0His country will learn from this investigation so that such a tragedy is not repeated, he said.<\/p>\n

Continuing, he said that Israel is in \u201ca defensive war\u201d, fought in unprecedented conditions against an enemy that fights from underground tunnels and hospitals. \u00a0\u201cWe did not start this war and we did not want this war,\u201d he said, adding that every country that fought a war in dense urban conditions understands that tragic mistaken can happen.\u00a0 \u201cIDF soldiers \u2014 our soldiers \u2014 have fallen from friendly fire,\u201d he said, adding also that Israeli hostages have been mistakenly killed by Israeli soldiers. \u00a0His country dropped 7\u00a0million flyers warning civilians to evacuate, he said, adding: \u00a0\u201cI don’t know of any other military that meets these standards.\u201d \u00a0No country wishes this war would end more than Israel does, he said, adding that the representative of Palestine does not represent Hamas and has no influence over them. \u00a0\u201cWhat does the Council have to say about the murderous Hamas terrorists and the continuous rocket fire?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Saudi Arabia<\/u><\/strong>, speaking on behalf of the\u00a0Group of Arab States<\/u><\/strong>, said the recent attack against World Central Kitchen aid workers is simply more evidence to the occupying Power\u2019s record of violations against humanitarian aid workers.\u00a0 \u201cStarvation and hunger are being used as a weapon in this crisis,\u201d he stressed, pointing to Israel\u2019s continued closure of crossings and preventing of the entry of food, water, medicine and fuel. \u00a0This massacre is further damning evidence of the genocide that Israel is pursuing in its military operations in Gaza, he stressed, calling for an international investigation into the incident.\u00a0 The Council must undertake its mandated role to make the occupying State abide by relevant Council resolutions, international law and international humanitarian law and the two orders issued by the International Court of Justice.<\/p>\n

The Arab Group will continue its efforts at all levels and in all international fora to help the Council in its efforts to maintain international peace and security and ensure that Israel commits to an immediate and permanent ceasefire and allows the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, he said.\u00a0 Voicing support for UNRWA, he condemned that the Israeli occupation army has killed over 176 UNRWA staff since the beginning of its aggression on the Gaza Strip. \u00a0He expressed appreciation for the decision taken by a group of friendly States to resume support for the Agency.<\/p>\n

The representative of<\/strong>\u00a0Australia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said he was horrified by the trajectory of the conflict and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.\u00a0Recalling that throughout the conflict, his Government has called for restraint and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, he noted that more than a million of Palestinians are on the brink of famine, and over 30,000 civilians and 190 humanitarian workers have been killed.\u00a0 \u201cAmong those aid workers are Australian Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues, killed while carrying out urgent and vital support to the people of Gaza,\u201d he said, stating that Australia has made clear to the Benjamin Netanyahu Government that it expects a thorough, genuine and transparent investigation, and full accountability.\u00a0 While acknowledging the opening of additional border crossings by Israel, he repeated his demands for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and protection of civilians.\u00a0 \u201cAid must flow,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Poland<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0noted that one of the fatal victims of the attack on the World Central Kitchen was his fellow national, Damian Sobol. \u00a0He was a volunteer with a longstanding commitment to aid work, who had served not only in Gaza but also in Turkey, Morocco and Ukraine. \u00a0Extending condolences to the loved ones of all aid workers who lost their lives in this horrific event, he pointed out that the details of the attack are deeply disturbing.\u00a0 The strike happened along the road used to transit aid through Gaza, which was supposed to be a \u201cdeconflicted\u201d area.\u00a0 Despite notifying the Israeli army about the transport, the convoy was hit three times by the Israel Defense Forces. \u00a0Condemning the Hamas attack of 7\u00a0October and reaffirming support for Israel\u2019s right to defend itself, he said self-defence must not cause suffering and death of innocent civilians and aid workers. \u00a0He called on Israel to conduct a swift, full and transparent investigation and hold those responsible fully to account.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

5 April 2024 9596TH MEETING (AM) SC\/15653 Voicing Concern Over Imminent Famine, UN Relief Chief, Delegates Urge Safe, Unimpeded Humanitarian Access for All Civilians in Occupied Territory Following Israeli airstrikes on 1\u00a0April that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, a senior United Nations official briefing the\u00a0Security Council\u00a0urged immediate concerted action to investigate, […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[678,807,834,867,897,906,969,5248,1593,1056,1065,1074,1098,5836,1119,1152,2321,2553],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[6960,4868,2169,4678,1362,6961],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2517,1769,1945,1829,2265,2033,2005,1741,5200,5362,1745,1841],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[],"class_list":["post-295101","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-australia","country-ecuador","country-france","country-guyana","country-israel","country-japan","country-malta","country-mozambique","country-palestine-state-of","country-poland","country-republic-of-korea","country-russian-federation","country-saudi-arabia","country-sierra-leone","country-slovenia","country-switzerland","country-united-kingdom","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-press-release","document-source-american-near-east-refugee-aid-anera","document-source-arab-group-the","document-source-office-for-the-coordination-of-humanitarian-affairs-ocha","document-source-save-the-children","document-source-security-council","document-source-world-central-kitchen","document-subject-access-and-movement","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-children","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-ngo-civil-society","document-subject-refugees-and-displaced-persons","document-subject-women","entity-united-nations-system"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/295101","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\/295101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":295112,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/295101\/revisions\/295112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=295101"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=295101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}