Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana at the 9540th meeting of the United Nations Security Council on “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”
Madame President,
Guyana expresses its appreciation to the delegation of Algeria for requesting this meeting and to USG Griffiths for his briefing.
We meet for the fourth time this month on the Palestinian question. Each briefing brings reports of more lives lost and an ever-worsening situation in Gaza.
We remain deeply concerned about the prevailing humanitarian situation and the continuing death and destruction that have enveloped the landscape of Gaza since the fateful events of 7 October.
Guyana has unequivocally condemned the October 7th attacks on Israel. We call again for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. We also call for the release of Palestinians [unlawfully] being detained in Israeli prisons without trial.
Madame President,
Following developments in the war and listening to the briefings by UN agencies, including what we heard today from USG Griffiths, one may be moved to wonder whether a bounty exists on the head of every Palestinian child, man or woman. Many of those who have managed to escape the bombs and bullets face the dire prospect of death from starvation or disease. Can the Council keep silent in these circumstances? Of course not! The international community, and this Council in particular, must spare no effort to end this cycle of bloodshed.
Madame President,
It was distressing to learn that 12 of the 13,000 UNRWA staffers were alleged to have been involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. We look forward to the conclusion of the UN’s investigations into the matter and to appropriate action being taken.
On this note, Madam President, we are concerned that several countries have halted their funding to UNRWA on account of these allegations. UNRWA is indispensable to the people of Gaza and has for decades offered a lifeline to Palestinians. With the current unprecedented situation in Gaza, UNRWA cannot afford to lose a single penny. WE look forward to a prompt resolution in the interest of the continued unhindered flow of much needed humanitarian support to the people in Gaza.
Madame President,
Guyana maintains that a ceasefire is the first and most important step at this stage to halt the death and destruction in the Gaza Strip. We hope for a positive outcome of ongoing efforts by regional and other actors. The provisional measures granted by the ICJ last Friday are clear – the killing of Palestinians must stop; bodily and mental harm to Palestinians must stop; deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction in whole or in part must stop. Guyana urges strict adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law, and underscores the obligation of UN Member States in this respect.
Madame President,
The ultimate remedy to this continuing cycle of crises is the full implementation of the two-state solution as outlined in various UN resolutions.
Guyana looks forward to a new day for Palestinians and Israelis beyond the constant shadows of war. We are prepared to work with this Council and the entire UN membership to accelerate the vision of two independent states living side by side in peace and security, and of a peaceful Middle East.
I thank you.
