Palestine's UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, delivered a poignant address on Monday at the General Assembly, passionately demanding an end to "Israeli impunity," asserting that such accountability is pivotal for bringing peace within reach.
With urgency, Mansour emphasized the imperative to cease arms provision to Israel, calling for a halt to the arming of the nation. "I reiterate: stop arming Israel. All countries involved in providing Israel with weapons and ammunition, complicit in the loss of innocent Palestinian lives, must cease," declared Mansour.
He urged the international community to sever ties with Israeli settlements and to hold those responsible for massacres and colonization to account. "Not only individuals but also those at the highest echelons perpetuating these illegal and inhumane policies must face consequences," Mansour stressed.
Highlighting the perpetual dilemma faced by Palestine—being asked to choose between justice and peace without receiving either—Mansour underscored that true peace cannot exist amidst such injustice. "Put an end to Israeli impunity, and witness how peace becomes attainable," he asserted.
Questioning the UN's stance, Mansour queried, "How can a party engaged in colonization and genocide hold full membership in this United Nations, while the party committed to international law and enduring peace cannot?"
Asserting the UN's mandate to uphold justice and equality, Mansour emphasized, "Any legislation aimed at denying us membership, justice, or representation is inherently unjust."
Concluding, Mansour reaffirmed Palestine's rightful place among nations, stating, "All we seek is our rightful place among the global community."
Russia Stands Firm on Veto Against US Resolution
Russia's first deputy envoy to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, defended Moscow's veto of a US draft resolution, emphasizing that it prevented the adoption of a resolution that failed to address Gaza's hostilities. Polyansky criticized the draft for essentially granting Israel carte blanche to continue actions contrary to international humanitarian law.
Referring to Resolution 2728 as a beacon of hope, Polyansky highlighted the necessity for a ceasefire during Ramadan. Despite overwhelming support, the US abstained from voting.
Echoing Russia's stance, China's Deputy UN envoy, Dai Bing, opposed the US resolution, warning that its adoption would perpetuate violence in Gaza and violate international law and humanitarian principles.
Urgent Call to End Bloodshed in Gaza
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis expressed deep regret over the Assembly's recurrent need to address veto initiatives, emphasizing the Security Council's failure to unify on critical matters of peace and security.
With the situation worsening, Francis urged Israel to urgently ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access and called on influential parties to halt bloodshed in Gaza.
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