Statement by Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba, in the general debate under agenda item 7, entitled “Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories”. 61st session of the Human Rights Council.

Mr. President,

The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people continue to be violated. The supposed ceasefire, following the massacre of more than 72,000 Palestinians over the past three years, has not put an end to the violence.

Israel continues to kill hundreds of innocent people in Gaza and maintains the blockade on almost all humanitarian aid. It fires at civilians at food distribution points. The Occupying Power continues to fail to comply with its obligations and persists in using starvation and the deprivation of water as weapons of war.

The genocide being committed against the Palestinian people is a continuation of more than seven decades of illegal occupation, abuse, and exclusion.

Mr. President,

The impunity with which Israel acts is only possible due to the complicity of the United States, which continues to provide unconditional political, financial, and military support to the Occupying Power.

Cuba has joined the case filed against Israel before the International Court of Justice, so that it may be held accountable for the violation of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

It is not possible to achieve peace in the Middle East without a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. A sovereign and independent Palestinian State is not possible without Gaza. No peace formula is viable without the admission of Palestine as a Member State of the United Nations, where it rightfully belongs.

The brotherly Palestinian people will always be able to count on the support and solidarity of Cuba.

Thank you very much.

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