Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council briefing on 'The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question'
Mr. President,
At the outset, I wish to thank you for organizing today’s briefing and I express appreciation to Senior Coordinator Kaag for her update on the implementation of the mandate given her in resolution 2720. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira Da Silva for his briefing.
The operating environment in Gaza has become extremely challenging and dangerous primarily owing to the grave security situation. Humanitarian actors and UN personnel who continue to operate in Gaza do so at serious personal risk, as we have seen time and time again including with the recent attack on the An Nuseirat Refugee Camp where 6 UNRWA staff were killed. Indeed, this war is the deadliest for the United Nations with two hundred and twenty-four (224) UN personnel senselessly killed. Guyana therefore applauds the unselfish and unflinching decision of those who press on in these unfathomable circumstances.
It is unfortunate that the parties have to be continuously reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of humanitarian actors. These appeals have been to no avail as evidenced by the continuing non-functioning of deconfliction and coordination mechanisms and the direct attacks and intimidation that many of them face. This must stop now.
Mr. President,
Having examined the Senior Coordinator’s update on the implementation of resolution 2720 as of 2 September, one sees tiny threads of optimism interwoven throughout the report. We note for example, that the Senior Coordinator has been able to engage the parties and other stakeholders at the highest political level resulting in improved access, enhanced logistical capabilities, and the operationalization of the UN 2720 Mechanism, inter alia. While we commend the incremental progress, Guyana remains deeply concerned by assessments which show that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely dire. We note, for example, that ninety-six percent of the population is facing acute food insecurity, civilian infrastructure continues to be destroyed with OCHA reporting significant damage increases since July, and that violence and obstruction continue to impede humanitarian aid workers’ ability to support those in need.
Most importantly, and foundational to all humanitarian efforts, a ceasefire, appears to be elusive. Guyana believes that there will be a deal for a ceasefire only when there is sincere concern for the protection of civilians, including the persons taken hostage on 7 October. As of now, that concern is largely absent, despite narratives to the contrary.
Mr. President,
Turning now to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, this will be a monumental task with heavy financial implications. But let us not forget that the destruction of Gaza is not because of a natural disaster. This is Israel’s doing. We are all familiar with the consistent spate of military operations against the Gaza Strip by Israel prior to 7 October and the resulting destruction of civilian infrastructure. The pattern of financing and refinancing reconstruction in Gaza is unsustainable and the international community, including this Council, must contemplate measures to end this cycle, so that Palestinians are not left behind in the global quest for sustainable development. Guyana believes that the only viable reconstruction plan is one that includes a roadmap to the two-state solution with the relevant security guarantees.
Against the foregoing, Mr. President, Guyana reiterates the following appeals.
First, we call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for an end to all hostilities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Guyana is prepared to work with fellow Council members both to mandate the permanent cessation of hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territories and to activate the relevant provisions of the Charter to ensure that this mandate is adhered to.
Second, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons taken hostage from Israel on 7 October. We reiterate that the taking of hostages is a war crime. We also call for the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons without charge. In both cases, persons have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to be free from torture and other forms of ill treatment, and to be afforded humanitarian visits. Under no circumstance are they to be arbitrarily detained.
Third, Guyana demands that Israel comply with its obligations under international law, including the Geneva Conventions, and adhere to the demands of resolutions 2712, 2720, 2728, and 2735. We further demand Israel’s compliance with all of the ICJ orders directed at it in response to its war in Gaza.
Finally, Mr. President, we demand that the highest priority be given to the protection and preservation of civilians. This necessitates, inter alia, improved humanitarian access, proper functioning of deconfliction mechanisms, and the setting up of real safe zones for displaced persons.
This war has gone on for far too long, and nothing justifies the horrors that have been perpetrated against innocent men, women and children in the name of self defence. Civilians of Gaza are not just casualties of war but in fact victims of a senseless ideology in which one party refuses to see the other as he is – human beings desiring to live in peace and security. The Council must rescue the two-state solution because that is the only potent solution to the Palestinian question. I pray we all live to see it.
I thank you.
