Mr. President:
While the Security Council is debating the protection of civilians in armed conflict, genocide against the Palestinian civilian population continues. Israel enjoys permanent political, military and financial backing from the United States. Washington's complicity has guaranteed the Occupying Power total impunity.
With every passing minute, more Palestinian civilians, including women and children, are killed, and humanitarian workers and UN personnel are subject to indiscriminate attacks. Vital civilian infrastructure is mercilessly destroyed, and humanitarian assistance is weaponized against an entire people.
The violence of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which has lasted for over seven decades, is intensifying as Israel expands its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israel intends to annex more territory and continue forcibly displacing the Palestinian population, in flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law.
There must be an end to crimes against humanity, collective punishment, apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian population. Nothing can justify the attempt to mass-exterminate these people.
What is urgently needed is an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and an end to the Israeli occupation. The two-state solution must not be further delayed. Palestine must be free within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for refugees must be guaranteed. Admission to the UN as a member state must be granted without further pretexts or conditions. These are indispensable prerequisites for enhancing and restoring security and stability throughout the Middle East.
The United States must no longer stand in the way of the will of the overwhelming majority of the international community. The Security Council cannot remain paralyzed, and must assume its responsibility under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security.
Thank you