NEW YORK, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (WAFA) – The United Nations Security Council convened this evening at the request of Algeria to deliberate on the ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the provisional measures to be taken to prevent an Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The session's objective is to give binding force to the ICJ's ruling regarding the provisional measures imposed on the Israeli occupation.
Algeria: ICJ measures applicable only through ceasefire
The Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, stated that the session convenes as the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people approaches its fifth month. He emphasized the historic nature of the ICJ's ruling, declaring an end to the era of impunity for the Israeli occupation.
Bendjama asserted that no criminal, including the Israeli occupation, should be exempt from international law. He stressed the need for accountability and prosecution to protect future generations from atrocities similar to these unfolding these days in Gaza.
Bendjama warned that those behind the acts of genocide in Gaza would be recorded in history as war criminals and enemies of life and humanity.
Algeria's UN Representative insisted that Israel must immediately comply with the provisional measures mandated by the ICJ to safeguard the Palestinian people from genocide.
He called on the international community to ensure Israel's commitment to these measures, emphasizing that they can only be implemented through an immediate ceasefire. He urged anyone opposing these measures to question their conscience and reassess their humanity.
Bendjama concluded by stating that justice has spoken, and those who believe in a world order based on law should work towards implementing the ICJ's provisional measures. He emphasized that the Security Council must now take all necessary measures to uphold the voice of justice and ensure the enforcement of the ICJ's decisions.
Guyana: UNRWA plays a vital role in Palestinians' lives
The representative of Guyana to the UN expressed concern about the international community's efforts to halt funding for UNRWA, emphasizing its crucial role as a lifeline for Palestinians over the decades.
She urged swift resolution of the situation to benefit those in need of assistance and emphasized that a ceasefire should be the first important step.
Guyana's representative stressed the importance of complying with the recent ICJ measures and implementing all provisions conducive to achieving a two-state solution.
UN Assistant Secretary-General: Tragic conditions in Gaza as worsening day by day
Martin Griffiths, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said the tragic conditions in Gaza are worsening day by day. He noted that Israel has been rejecting the entry of much humanitarian aid into Gaza for unclear and incomprehensible reasons.
Griffiths highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, including overcrowding, rain, uncertainty, lack of fuel, and food shortages, making humanitarian efforts extremely difficult. He reiterated the urgent need for safe and regular aid delivery to Gaza, emphasizing that a rapid ceasefire is crucial.
The UN official stated that if the people of Gaza are to receive sufficient aid, immediate steps must be taken. He called for the secure and regular transfer of aid through multiple crossing points, stressing the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Griffiths expressed his amazement at witnessing health institutions becoming targets and humanitarian workers facing risks. He warned that rains are forcing children, women, and the elderly to sleep in the mud, infectious diseases continue to spread, and they will become the leading cause of death if the situation persists.
Japan: ICJ measures binding, adherence to international humanitarian law necessary
Japan's Representative to the UN stated that the measures adopted by the International Court of Justice are binding on all parties, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian law.
He added that the rule of law necessitates respect for international law, international humanitarian law, and the various decisions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, along with all international agreements, to ensure security and peace.
China: Continuing war in Gaza destabilizes the entire region
China's Representative warned that the ongoing war in Gaza will only lead to more casualties and destabilize the entire region, making lasting peace in the Middle East distant.
He urged the UN Security Council to take decisive steps to enhance all diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, calling upon Israel to immediately cease its indiscriminate military attacks and destruction in Gaza, as well as to cooperate fully in removing obstacles hindering aid delivery.
He further called for ending Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, preventing forced displacement, halting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and releasing and ceasing the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners.
South Korea: Respecting ICJ's role and decisions is binding
The South Korean Representative affirmed respect for the role of the International Court of Justice, stating that the provisional measures called for by the court are considered binding.
Korea's delegate emphasized that these provisional measures should prevent further deterioration in Gaza. He expressed commitment to the two-state solution to fulfill the aspirations of Palestinian people, stressing the need for a humanitarian ceasefire, not only to deliver aid but also to continue meaningful negotiations for the two-state solution.
Russia calls for humanitarian ceasefire
Russia's UN Ambassador, Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya, called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to halt its military attacks on hospitals in Gaza and Jenin.
He emphasized that if hostilities are not stopped, settling the conflict on recognized international principles will be impossible. Nebenzya considered the defunding of UNRWA by some Western countries, notably the United States, a very serious matter.
He insisted that the UN agency must continue its work, and the overwhelming majority of the international community should not remain silent in the face of Israel's actions.
France: Two-state solution the path to just peace
France emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law. The country's representative to the UN stressed the absolute necessity of removing all obstacles hindering humanitarian access and the implementation of Resolutions 2712 and 2720.
France's delegate highlighted the importance of the provisional measures adopted by the International Court of Justice, reaffirming commitment to international law. She emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace, both politically and on the ground.
United States: Two-state solution ensures security and peace
The U.S. delegate, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, asserted that the two-state solution, with equal measures of peace, security, and dignity for both, is the path to ensure security and peace.
She acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged accelerating efforts to bring in essential aid. The U.S. delegate stated that the measures from the International Court of Justice align with U.S. policy, calling for compliance with international humanitarian law and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and water.
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