New York, 9 December 2023 (TDI): Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to United Nations New York, today posted that United Nation Security Council has once again failed the people of Palestine, especially in Gaza.
The remarks came in response to the draft resolution seeking an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the United States vetoed the draft resolution commenting that the resolution was imbalanced and divorced from reality.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the catastrophic situation in Gaza. The meeting was convened following the letter of Secretary General to the President of Security Council under article 99 of the UN Charter.
The resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was tabled by United Arab Emirates and was backed by over 90 member states of the United Nations.
The vote on the resolution witnessed 13 members in favor with United States voting against and the United Kingdom abstaining from vote. On account of the United States veto, the resolution on the ceasefire was not adopted.
Ambassador Akram said that the demand for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza has an overwhelming backing of international community.
He continued that what happened in the United Nations Security Council is deeply disappointing, Gaza is a test case for the world in general and the UN Security Council in particular. He appreciated United Arab Emirates and all co-sponsors for their efforts.
The Secretary General United Nations, Antonio Guterres, said, “I wrote to the Security Council invoking Article 99 because we are at a breaking point.”
There is an elevated risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences. He added that the consequences could be devastating for the security of the entire region.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan in a press release expressed disappointment that dispite warnings of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the Security Council has failed in performing its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
It added that the collective punishment endured by the besieged people of Gaza is unprecedented and unacceptable. Continuation of Israel’s campaign in occupied Palestine will prolong human suffering, with massive civilian causalities and forced displacement of millions of people.
Also Read: Pakistan supports UNSG’s call for ceasefire in Gaza
Pakistan reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. It could also trigger a wider and more dangerous conflict.
It urged the UN Security Council to act now in ending this inhuman war and protect the people of Gaza from genocide. Israel must end its barbaric attacks and inhumane siege against Gaza.
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