Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Chargé d'Affaires, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN, at the UNSC meeting on the “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question– Humanitarian situation in Gaza"
Mr. President,
Let me begin by thanking you along with the delegations of Algeria and China for requesting this briefing. It is critical for this Council to maintain an active and consistent focus on Gaza, as should be the case for every other conflict situation where the level of civilian suffering is of enormous proportions. I also thank Deputy Commissioner General De Meo and Deputy Special Coordinator Hadi for their sobering briefings.
We are approaching three hundred days of Israel’s war on Gaza. For those civilians dwelling in the beleaguered enclave, the days since 7 October 2023 have been characterized by destruction and decimation of an unprecedented magnitude. Humanitarian after humanitarian has emphasized that in many decades of field work, they had never witnessed a crisis of such proportions. The humanitarian principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution continue to be disregarded, despite the obligation to adhere to these important tenets of international humanitarian law. As a result, an extremely dangerous operating environment has been created for humanitarians, exacerbated by the nonfunctioning of deconfliction and notification mechanisms.
Guyana has taken note that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) continues its aerial, land and maritime bombardment across the Gaza Strip. Civilians, who have been ordered to evacuate multiple times and relocate to so-called humanitarian safe zones, have not been spared these bombardments, since the IDF has not been distinguishing between civilians and legitimate military targets. In fact, we continue to witness a deliberate targeting of schools and shelters housing displaced persons on the pretext that the IDF is targeting Palestinian fighters. Were the thousands of children killed and maimed in Gaza Palestinian fighters? Were any measures at all taken to spare these little ones from harm? Guyana condemns in the strongest terms the wanton killing of civilians and calls on all parties, including the IDF, to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
Mr. President,
Guyana is concerned about the frequent attacks on humanitarian personnel, including those travelling in convoys utilizing clearly marked vehicles. We have too frequently heard the complaint that even though movement coordinates were shared with the Israeli authorities or approval given for passage, convoys have still been shot at, endangering the lives of humanitarians. We condemn these attacks and call on Israel to respect the humanitarian nature of the work that these personnel are undertaking in response to the catastrophic, manmade humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Further, there must be accountability for these violations of international law.
Guyana has taken note of how the breakdown of law and order in the Gaza Strip has become a prominent factor inhibiting the delivery of aid across Gaza. According to OCHA, this is engendered by desperation stemming from slow and inadequate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and is perpetuated by the lack of civil authority created by the unprecedented nature of the war. This could likely create persistent challenges even after a ceasefire is achieved and Guyana stresses the need for this Council to begin considering how these potential challenges could be staved off.
Mr. President,
The consequences of this operating environment, which I have hitherto elaborated, were outlined by our briefers today. We also continue to receive media reports and reports from the various UN agencies about the situation on the ground, including details about the deeply inhumane treatment of Palestinian civilians both in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The report of a confrontation between Palestinian civilians and Israeli Security Forces (ISF) in the occupied West Bank where the former threw stones at the ISF and elicited live ammunition, rubbercoated metal bullets and teargas canisters in response, is illustrative of the wider paradigms of this conflict. It is one of defenceless Palestinians pitted against a war machine intent on dispossessing, subjugating and annihilating them.
How do we stop this, Mr. President?
I believe the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion of 19 July gives us the answer; an answer we have known all along. Allow me to quote from the opinion.
“The precise modalities to bring to an end Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a matter to be dealt with by the General Assembly… as well as the Security Council. Therefore, it is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to consider what further action is required to put an end to the illegal presence of Israel… The urgent necessity [is] for the United Nations as a whole to redouble its efforts to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, to a speedy conclusion, thereby establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”
(End of quote.)
I am compelled to recall the practice of many displaced Palestinians to hold on to their home keys, signifying the hope of returning to their homeland. This practice is ripe with messaging for this Council, and I want to highlight just three. First, consensus in this Council on the critical matter of mandating the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is key to ending this decadeslong conflict. Second, consensus in this Council on the equally critical matter of enforcing such a mandate is also key to ending this decades-long conflict. Third and final, consensus in this Council is key for the injustice against Palestinians to be remedied. The key, Mr. President, is consensus in this Council.
I conclude, Mr. President, by reiterating the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, of securing the release of hostages, and of a surge in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. Guyana also calls for an immediate halt of settlement activities and the accompanying violence in the occupied West Bank. These are the immediate, short-term measures needed. The solution, though, is to take the collective feet off the back of Palestinians, paving the way for them to exercise their right to self-determination. Achieving a free and independent State of Palestine is the international community’s responsibility and Guyana remains ever committed to doing its part to this end.
I thank you.
