During the Security Council's open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict, Cuba's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, expressed deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation faced by the Palestinian people.
He denounced the continuous use of force by Israel, supported politically, militarily and financially by the United States, which has created a culture of impunity that exacerbates the suffering of civilians, including women, children, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel.
The Cuban ambassador also warned of the systematic destruction of vital infrastructure and the use of humanitarian assistance as a means of exerting pressure, both of which contravene international law and international humanitarian law.
In his speech, Guzmán reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to achieving a just and lasting solution to the conflict through implementing the two-state solution. This would see Palestine become an independent state within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and with the right of return for refugees guaranteed. He also stressed the urgency of Palestine's full admission as a member state of the UN.
He urged the Security Council to take responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and called on the United States to stop obstructing the desire of the international community to end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people and the Israeli occupation.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations