New York, 27 October 2023 (TDI): On the second day of the emergency General Assembly meeting, the focus is shifting towards a vote on the Gaza crisis.
Egypt’s ambassador, Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek, emphasized that maintaining silence regarding the fundamental rights of Palestinians in Gaza who are under attack is no longer acceptable.
He stressed the need for a single standard to be applied universally, including to the Palestinians, without resorting to double standards.
Ambassador Abdelkhalek voiced a series of emphatic “no’s” regarding the situation, including rejecting the targeting of civilians, terrorism, violations of international humanitarian law, bombings of hospitals and medical facilities, the killing of children, the siege, and the deprivation of basic necessities of life.
He also rejected forcible displacement and disregard for human rights, vehemently opposing any form of genocide and asserting the equality of all people.
He emphasized the importance of speaking out and quoted an Arab proverb, stating that being a “mute devil” who doesn’t stand up for the truth is not acceptable.
He emphasized that the ongoing situation in Gaza is intolerable, and it’s crucial to take action.
Ambassador Abdelkhalek defended the UN’s efforts in Gaza and its call for a humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing that this was a necessary step to halt the loss of life.
He strongly criticized the policy of besieging and starving the people of the Gaza Strip, considering it anachronistic and inhumane and having no place in the modern world.
He called on the General Assembly to demand the unconditional delivery of aid to Gaza, as any other approach would effectively be a death sentence for the people living there.
He categorically rejected the displacement of Gazans from their land for the third time in history.
Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN, also expressed her concern about the crisis in Gaza, highlighting its implications for regional and global security. She expressed disappointment in the Security Council’s failure to take action.
Al-Thani called on all parties involved to deescalate the situation and move towards a complete ceasefire.
She stressed the need for the immediate release of all prisoners, especially civilians, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the opening of safe humanitarian corridors.
Qatar denounced Israel’s siege, which has deprived 2.3 million people, including 500,000 children, of their basic needs, and rejected the targeting of civilians, particularly women and children.
Al-Thani urged all member states to support the Jordanian-led draft resolution and send a message of hope.
In conclusion, she stated that Qatar is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to find a solution that stops the bloodshed in Gaza and ensures a sustainable political resolution in line with established terms of reference.
With the aim of preventing the region from descending into chaos and violence.
Iffat Masood is Contributor and Content writer on THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT, and also Ambassador from IAMCR. She is perusing her PhD. from UAB Barcelona, Spain in Audio-Video Communications and Advertising.
