New York: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a ministerial-level meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-No«l Barrot in New York. The meeting, attended by UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, focused on the dwindling prospects of a two-State solution and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Secretary-General Guterres expressed grave concerns about the fading possibility of a two-State solution, warning that it is nearing a point of no return. He urged the international community to take concrete steps to support a viable resolution and prevent perpetual occupation and violence. Guterres emphasized the need for irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution, highlighting the Middle East's potential amidst ongoing volatility.
Guterres also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as beyond imagination. He noted that nearly two months of Israeli blockade on essential supplies, including food and medicine, have left over two million people in dire need. Guterres stressed the non-negotiable nature of humanitarian aid and called for Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power to ensure food and medical supplies for the population.
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticized the lack of collective action and accountability, which he argued has emboldened Israel to act with impunity. He highlighted the ongoing crisis in Gaza as a significant humanitarian failure and reiterated the Palestinian people's right to self-determination with international community support.
UK Minister for Africa and the UN, Lord Collins, called for a return to the ceasefire to end the bloodshed, expressing concern about the depletion of food stocks in Gaza. He condemned the blockade on humanitarian aid and stressed the importance of safe delivery of life-saving assistance.
Danish Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen echoed concerns about the worsening situation in Gaza, particularly the depletion of food stocks and repeated evacuations faced by families. She reminded Israel of its obligations under international law to defend itself within legal parameters.
US Ambassador Dorothy Shea highlighted the need for fresh thinking to achieve durable peace and prosperity in the region. She noted the importance of a ceasefire to allow the flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.
Pakistan's Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad described the situation in Gaza as unprecedented in its scale and inhumanity, condemning the deliberate targeting of civilians and essential infrastructure. He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a political resolution grounded in Palestinian statehood.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya addressed the blockade's exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis, noting the depletion of supplies and the dire conditions facing hostages. He urged Israel to reconsider its decision to cease cooperation with UNRWA, highlighting the agency's irreplaceable role in humanitarian operations.
The UNSC meeting underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the humanitarian crisis and revive the peace process in the Middle East.
