Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, in Explanation of Vote on Security Council Resolution on Palestine
Mr. President,
Two hundred and forty-seven days have passed since Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel and since Israel launched a war on Gaza, unprecedented in scale and impact. The death toll from this war is staggering, with thousands of Palestinians killed in barbaric ways. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic and Gaza has been made an abyss of destruction. Despite the adoption of resolutions both by this Council and the General Assembly calling, inter alia, for the protection of civilians and a ceasefire, the war has persisted with civilians continuing to face grave danger.
Today, Guyana voted in favour of the resolution tabled by the United States because we viewed it as another valuable contribution, this time by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, towards achieving the end of the war and bringing relief to the hundreds of thousands of civilians suffering in Gaza and to the Israeli hostages and their families. Specifically, Guyana notes that the ceasefire proposal with which the resolution treats, aligns in several ways with previous resolutions adopted by this Council.
It is still critical, however, for the Security Council, in keeping with its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security, to redouble efforts towards the urgent achievement of a ceasefire, the release of all hostages in Gaza and of Palestinians illegally detained, and for a surge of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. These are the steps needed to bring immediate relief to civilians being ravaged by Israel’s 8-month-old war on Gaza. These steps are also foundational to the reconstruction of Gaza and, more broadly, to reviving the vision of the two-State solution which is the only just and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian question.
Mr. President,
As Guyana supported the resolution adopted today, we wish to reflect on three key elements not included in this resolution but warranting continued attention.
First, this resolution was considered in the context of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza – one of the most egregious consequences of the war. For Guyana, the ceasefire proposal is logically seen as a response to, inter alia, the unprecedented humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Second, we reiterate our demand for adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law. As Guyana has consistently pointed out, this war is characterized by the violation of international law, with seeming impunity. In this context, it is, therefore, important to continuously emphasize the parties’ obligation to strictly comply with international law. The Security Council should be the lead voice in this regard.
Third, and final, as we welcome the proposal for a ceasefire, the Council itself must continue to unequivocally demand a permanent ceasefire.
Mr. President,
In closing, Guyana stresses that this Council’s responsibility for achieving a just end to this war is not eliminated by the adoption of this resolution. This Council must continue to work assiduously to bring an end to the war and to ensure accountability for all the atrocities committed during its course. We must also redouble efforts to chart a path towards the swift implementation of the two-state solution. As ever, Guyana is committed to these goals.
I thank you.
