<\/p>\n
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA) is the beating heart of all humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and decisions to withhold funds from the Agency must be revoked, the United Nations humanitarian chief told the Security Council today, underscoring that an investigation into the alleged involvement of some Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees in the 7\u00a0October attack on Israel are under way.<\/p>\n
The proceedings initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice and the provisional measures indicated in the Court\u2019s 26\u00a0January order also took centre stage today.\u00a0 The provisional measures included that Israel shall take all measures to prevent all acts of genocide and provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.<\/p>\n
Painting a grim picture, Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said \u201ceach day that passes only deepens the misery and suffering of people in Gaza\u201d.\u00a0The number of people killed has reportedly surpassed 26,000, and the number of injured over 65,000, most of them women and children.\u00a0 Some 75\u00a0per cent of Gaza\u2019s population of 2.2\u00a0million people are displaced, while the intense fighting around Khan Younis continues to drive thousands of people into Rafah.\u00a0 The further spread of hostilities southwards can only be expected to increase the pressure for mass displacement into neighbouring countries, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo put very simply and bluntly:\u00a0 our humanitarian response for the Occupied Palestinian Territory is completely dependent on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA being adequately funded and operational,\u201d he asserted.\u00a0 Spotlighting \u201cthe frequent rejection for entry of much needed items into Gaza by Israel, for unclear, inconsistent and often unspecified reasons\u201d, he said the breadth of the humanitarian community is collaborating to ensure that aid reaches people in need to the greatest extent possible, with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA being at the centre of those efforts.\u00a0 \u201cAll this, even as its own staff are being killed, injured and displaced,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The appalling allegations that some Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees were allegedly involved in the attack in Israel on 7\u00a0October are being addressed transparently, he noted, emphasizing that \u201cÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s life-saving services to over three quarters of Gaza\u2019s residents should not be jeopardized by the alleged actions of a few individuals\u201d.\u00a0 Likewise, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s support for Palestinians in need in the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, must also be safeguarded.<\/p>\n
In the ensuing discussion, several speakers called on Israel to abide by the Court\u2019s order, stressing that the only way to implement its provisional measures is through a ceasefire.\u00a0 Many expressed deep concern about the serious allegations against Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees suspected of involvement in the 7\u00a0October attacks, calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.<\/p>\n
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said that the Court has offered \u201ca resounding rebuke\u201d to those who claimed that the case of genocide against Israel was \u201cmeritless and baseless\u201d.\u00a0 Stressing that \u201conly accountability can help us correct course\u201d, he said the choice is clear: \u00a0either allow Israel to dismantle the international law-based order or uphold it.\u00a0On Israel\u2019s allegations against some Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff, he said \u201cone should never lose sight of these realities and of Israel\u2019s stated goal, for years now, of dismantling Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u201d.\u00a0 Further, \u201cthere is no reason to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation or to take measures that effectively amount to the collective punishment of 30,000\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff and millions of refugees beneficiaries of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA services\u201d, he said, calling on those who decided to suspend their funding to revise their decision.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Israel\u2019s representative said: \u00a0\u201cWe witness an obscene inversion of reality\u201d where a country\u00a0\u2014 a victim of Hamas\u00a0\u2014 is being charged with genocide.\u00a0He cited the charge as an attempt \u201cto distort the law and the unique force of the Genocide Convention\u201d, effectively transforming it into a tool exploited by terrorists with total distain for life and the law.\u00a0 The Palestinian representative\u2019s assertion that the Court has found plausible evidence of genocide is a blatant mischaracterization of the very nature of the provisional measures phase of proceedings.\u00a0 He also strongly criticized the Council meeting\u2019s failure to mention the Court\u2019s explicit call for the immediate, unconditional release of hostages. \u00a0He welcomed countries that have suspended funding to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and called for an in-depth, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged involvement of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s staff in the 7\u00a0October events.<\/p>\n
On the investigation, the speaker for the Russian Federation stressed the importance of considering information not just from Israel.\u00a0Moreover, this situation must not be used as a pretext for the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians in need.\u00a0 Turning to the situation in the Red Sea, he said the aggressive actions of the United States and the United Kingdom there are reminiscent of the barbaric bombings of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria.<\/p>\n
More than three months into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, \u201cthe flames of war are still burning,\u201d said the representative of China.\u00a0Given the recent order from the Court, the Council should push with stronger determination for an immediate ceasefire.\u00a0 He also warned against the possible regional spillover of the conflict in Gaza, noting that real security cannot be achieved through military means.\u00a0 On allegations of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees\u2019 involvement in the 7\u00a0October attack, he emphasized that \u201cindividual cases should not divert attention from the situation in Gaza\u201d and urged donors to reconsider halting funding for the Agency.<\/p>\n
South Africa\u2019s representative said that, in light of the order for provisional measures delivered by the Court\u00a0\u2014 acting on her country\u2019s request\u00a0\u2014 \u201cthere is clearly no credible basis for Israel to continue to claim that its military actions are in full compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention\u201d. \u00a0This imposes an obligation on all States to cease funding and facilitating Israel\u2019s military actions, which are plausibly genocidal.\u00a0South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group and end all acts of apartheid and genocide against them, she stated.<\/p>\n
Taking a different stance, the representative of the United States said that the Court\u2019s order is consistent with her country\u2019s view that Israel has the right to take action to ensure that the 7\u00a0October terrorist attacks cannot be repeated.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the Court \u201chas not ordered an immediate ceasefire, it has not made any findings at this preliminary phase of the proceedings that Israel committed genocide or otherwise violated the Genocide Convention\u201d, she asserted, citing these allegations as \u201cunfounded\u201d.\u00a0 She also emphasized that the decision by Washington, D.C., to temporarily pause its funding for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA \u201cwas not a punitive measure, but it was a wake-up call\u201d, calling for swift and credible investigation.<\/p>\n
Guyana\u2019s representative, for her part, joined others in calling for a ceasefire, highlighting the two-State solution as the ultimate remedy to the continuing crisis.<\/p>\n
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Briefing<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n MARTIN GRIFFITHS, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator said, \u201ceach day that passes only deepens the misery and suffering of people in Gaza\u201d.\u00a0 The number of people killed in Gaza has reportedly now surpassed 26,000, and the number of injured more than 65,000, according to Gaza\u2019s Ministry of Health. Most are women and children.\u00a0 Just 14 of the 36 hospitals in Gaza are functional, and those only partially, he cautioned, highlighting severe shortages of medical staff and supplies.\u00a0 Moreover, fierce fighting has continued in the vicinity of the Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals in Khan Younis, jeopardizing the safety of medical staff, the wounded and the sick, as well as the thousands of internally displaced persons seeking refuge there. \u00a0This intense fighting around Khan Younis continues to drive thousands of people into Rafah, which is already hosting over half of Gaza\u2019s population of 2.2 million people. \u00a0Across Gaza, over 60 per cent of housing units are reportedly destroyed or damaged, with some 75 per cent of the total population displaced.<\/p>\n Painting a grim picture of Gazans\u2019 abominable living conditions, he said heavy rains are flooding the makeshift tent camps, forcing children, parents and the elderly to sleep in the mud.\u00a0 Food insecurity continues to mount and clean water is almost completely inaccessible.\u00a0 With little public health support available, preventable diseases are rife, and will continue to spread. \u00a0The further spread of hostilities southwards\u00a0\u2014 along with the increasing deprivation and desperation of people there\u00a0\u2014 can only be expected to increase the pressure for mass displacement into neighbouring countries. \u00a0Some Palestinians in Gaza have already been able to leave through Egypt. \u00a0Meantime, there are also seriously injured or sick patients unable to receive care in Gaza, and for whom medical evacuations should be swiftly facilitated.\u00a0 He emphasized that any persons displaced from Gaza must be guaranteed the right to voluntarily return.<\/p>\n Citing the ability of the humanitarian community to reach the people of Gaza with relief as \u201cgrossly inadequate\u201d, he stressed that \u201cthis is not for want of trying\u201d. \u00a0Despite the hazardous conditions on the ground, his Office is distributing food items to shelters and supporting the remaining bakeries, delivering medicines and medical supplies and helping to relocate patients, as well as delivering water, hygiene kits and cleaning kits, tents, tarpaulin sheets and blankets.\u00a0But the quantities are far from adequate, he said, stressing that, \u201cif the people of Gaza are to receive anything approaching the amount of humanitarian assistance they need and deserve, urgent steps must be taken\u201d.\u00a0 Accordingly, he called for improved security assurances, enabling safe delivery of supplies, the establishment of a predictable flow of supplies and rapid and unimpeded access.\u00a0 To expedite delivery, humanitarian supplies must be able to enter Gaza via multiple points from Egypt and Israel.<\/p>\n However, \u201cwe continue to face the frequent rejection for entry of much needed items into Gaza by Israel, for unclear, inconsistent and often unspecified reasons\u201d.\u00a0 At present, his Office\u2019s access to Khan Younis, the Middle Area and North Gaza is largely absent.\u00a0 The breadth of the humanitarian community\u00a0\u2014 including Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ agencies, non-governmental organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Crescent\u00a0\u2014 is collaborating to ensure that aid reaches people in need to the greatest extent possible.\u00a0 \u201cThe beating heart of all this is Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA,\u201d he said, adding that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA) has provided shelter, food, water and medical assistance.\u00a0 \u201cAll this, even as its own staff are being killed, injured and displaced.\u201d<\/p>\n On the appalling allegations that some Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees were allegedly involved in the attack in Israel on 7\u00a0October, he underlined that they are being addressed transparently.\u00a0 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has taken swift action, and an investigation is under way.\u00a0Nevertheless, he emphasized that \u201cÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s lifesaving services to over three quarters of Gaza\u2019s residents should not be jeopardized by the alleged actions of a few individuals\u201d.\u00a0 Likewise, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s support for Palestinians in need in the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, must also be safeguarded.\u00a0 \u201cTo put very simply and bluntly: \u00a0our humanitarian response for the Occupied Palestinian Territory is completely dependent on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA being adequately funded and operational,\u201d he underscored, citing Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s indispensable role in terms of distribution, warehousing, logistics and human resources, with 3,000\u00a0staff responding to the current crisis.\u00a0 \u201cDecisions to withhold funds from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA must be revoked,\u201d he asserted, reiterating his call for a ceasefire.<\/p>\n Statements<\/u><\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Algeria<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>referring to the \u201chistoric decision\u201d by the International Court of justice, said that \u201cthe time of impunity has come to an end\u201d. \u00a0The international community has committed to uphold accountability, he said, emphasizing that the Israeli occupier should not be exempt from facing consequences for its actions and implement the Court\u2019s provisional measures to protect the Palestinian people from genocide. \u00a0He emphasized that the only way to achieve this is through a ceasefire, warning of grim consequences if the crisis persists: \u00a0a daily death toll of 250 people with 10 children daily subjected to limb amputations without anaesthetic, and 170 babies born at the gates of hospitals. \u201cNothing can justify this barbary being visited on the Palestinian people,\u201d he said. The Court\u2019s order reinforced the significance of justice, he stressed, underscoring the responsibility of Israel in ensuring the prompt supply of essential services and humanitarian aid. \u00a0The Council must swiftly take measures to ensure that \u201cthe voice of justice is heard\u201d, he concluded.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0voiced concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, underlining the need to expediate unhindered humanitarian access.\u00a0 Some argued that the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice are a reason to change course; however, the Court\u2019s order is consistent with the United States\u2019 view that Israel has the right to take action to ensure that the terrorist attacks of 7\u00a0October cannot be repeated.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, how Israel defends itself matters,\u201d she stressed, noting that the Court echoed repeated calls by Washington, D.C., for Israel to take all possible steps to minimize harm to civilians and humanitarian workers, increase the flow of humanitarian assistance and address dehumanizing rhetoric.\u00a0Nevertheless, \u201cwe must be honest what the Court did not order: \u00a0specifically, it has not ordered an immediate ceasefire, it has not made any findings that this preliminary phase of the proceedings that Israel committed genocide or otherwise violated the Genocide Convention\u201d, she asserted, citing these allegations as \u201cunfounded\u201d.<\/p>\n Instead, she stressed the need to work towards a durable solution through on-the-ground relentless diplomacy.\u00a0 Washington, D.C., has been working tirelessly with Qatar, Egypt and other regional partners to reach an agreement that would see the hostages come home.\u00a0 Hamas has a choice: \u201cit can continue to dig tunnels, plan for its next attacks (\u2026) or lay down its weapons and accept the proposal on the table to release every hostage\u201d, she said.\u00a0 On the disturbing allegation that 11 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees were involved in the 7 October attack, she said it has shaken confidence in the Agency.\u00a0 Calling for swift and credible investigation, she said Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA provides life-saving services under incredibly challenging circumstances in Gaza, contributing to regional stability.\u00a0 It is vital that the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ take quick and decisive action, strengthen oversight of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA operations and began to restore donor\u2019s confidence.\u00a0 The United States\u2019 decision to temporarily pause its funding for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA was made independently from other donors.\u00a0 \u201cIt was not a punitive measure, but it was a wake-up call,\u201d she said, calling for fundamental changes at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Guyana<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed concern about the prevailing humanitarian situation, the continuing death and destruction in Gaza. \u00a0She condemned the 7\u00a0October attacks on Israel, while calling for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons without trial. \u00a0Highlighting the dire conditions, including starvation and disease, faced by those Palestinians who survived attacks, she underscored the need for international efforts, especially from the Council, to end the cycle of bloodshed. \u00a0Turning to the alleged involvement of several Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff members in the 7\u00a0October attack against Israel, she voiced alarm over halts in funding to the Agency, emphasizing its critical role in providing support to Palestinians in Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cA ceasefire is the first and most important step,\u201d she stressed, highlighting the two-State solution as the ultimate remedy to the continuing crisis.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0called for an immediate suspension of fighting to get vital aid in and hostages out that progresses towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire.\u00a0 Her Government again pressed Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access, while supporting the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver a humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza.\u00a0 Welcoming the call of the International Court of Justice for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza, she emphasized that \u201cit is for the Court, not countries, to determine genocide\u201d.\u00a0Nevertheless, \u201cwe were troubled by the way in which this action has been taken\u201d, she added.\u00a0 It is vital to pave the way for a two-State solution; form a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; remove Hamas\u2019 capacity to launch attacks against Israel; secure the release of all Israeli hostages; and ensure that Hamas is no longer in charge of Gaza.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Switzerland<\/u><\/strong>, pointing to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza\u00a0\u2014 a population under siege, subject to bombardments, repeated displacements, famine and epidemics\u00a0\u2014 said \u201cthis cannot continue\u201d. \u00a0She called for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire, as well as the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages. \u00a0Israel must comply with the International Court of Justice\u2019s provisional measures, especially by taking necessary steps to prevent any act of genocide and any incitement to commit it, she said, while describing as \u201cunacceptable\u201d settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. \u00a0She expressed deep concern about \u201cthe very serious allegations\u201d against Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees suspected of involvement in the 7\u00a0October attacks, underscoring her country\u2019s \u201czero tolerance for any support for terrorism\u201d.\u00a0 Citing the urgent need for regional de-escalation, she said the signs are increasingly worrying, particularly on both sides of the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. \u00a0\u201cThis Council must shoulder its responsibilities,\u201d she said. \u00a0Switzerland is ready to work towards concerted action in that regard and towards a two-State solution, with Gaza an integral part of a future Palestinian State.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Mozambique<\/u><\/strong>, warning about the prospect of famine in Gaza, stressed that the suspension of funding to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA will negatively impact life-saving assistance for over 2\u00a0million civilians, more than half of whom are children. \u00a0It is morally unacceptable to adopt an approach resembling collective punishment by withholding essential aid to the Agency, he stressed. \u00a0Turning to the \u201cmomentous decision\u201d of the International Court of Justice, ordering Israel to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, he emphasized that it supports the Council\u2019s call for an immediate and sustained humanitarian pause and cessation of hostilities. \u00a0He further urged the Council to unite in supporting measures that can \u201creverse the calamitous situation in Gaza\u201d, emphasizing the economic and security repercussions of the Gaza conflict, which pose a threat to global peace and stability.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Sierra Leone<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0emphasized that parties to the conflict must comply with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice as they are obligated under international law.\u00a0He welcomed the Court\u2019s ruling that \u201cIsrael must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse humanitarian conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip\u201d.\u00a0 Voicing deep concern about the persistent hostilities in the Gaza Strip \u2014 accounting for the tragic death of 26,000\u00a0Palestinian civilians, 64,000\u00a0injured and 1.7\u00a0million internally displaced \u2014 he stressed that a humanitarian ceasefire is \u201cmost critical\u201d at this point.\u00a0He noted with serious concern the report of alleged involvement of certain Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA personnel in the 7\u00a0October Hamas attack on Israel.\u00a0 However, he urged Member States to continue with their financial assistance and provision of humanitarian supply to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA as is it essential for the survival of the Palestinians in dire need.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0expressed deep concern about the precarious and difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of implementing resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023) for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid. \u00a0Referring to the recent provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, he noted that Israel must ensure the provision of basic services and humanitarian aid. \u00a0He went on to condemn the 7\u00a0October terrorist attacks by Hamas and expressed grave concern over accusations involving 12\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA personnel. \u00a0While commending the rapid United Nations response and hoping for swift investigations, he underscored the Agency\u2019s \u201cvital role in maintaining the stability in the region\u201d. \u00a0Furthermore, he expressed support for negotiations aimed at releasing hostages and achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Slovenia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>welcomed the order of the International Court of Justice in the case of South Africa against Israel, calling for swift implementation of its final and binding orders. \u00a0On the provisional measures, he underscored that all State parties to the Convention have a legal interest in ensuring compliance with its provisions. \u00a0This includes the Court\u2019s order to enable the provisions of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. \u00a0He further echoed the Court\u2019s concern about the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack on 7\u00a0October and called for their immediate release.\u00a0 Expressing deep concern over allegations that a number of Gazans employed by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA were associated with the horrific Hamas attack of 7\u00a0October, he commended the prompt response by the Secretary-General and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Commissioner General to conduct internal and independent investigations. \u00a0At the same time, he underlined his Government\u2019s continuous support for the important work of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA as a lifeline for millions of people in Gaza and beyond, stressing that \u201cthere is no viable substitute for its work in Gaza\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Japan<\/u><\/strong>, underscoring the legally binding nature of the Court\u2019s provisional measures, urged seizing the momentum to create a tangible impact on the ground. \u00a0All the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip are bound by international humanitarian law, he stressed, deploring \u201cthe barbaric acts of terror by Hamas\u201d and calling on Israel to comply with international law in exercising its right to self-defence. \u00a0Despite the seeming hopelessness of the current moment, a two-State solution remains the only viable path for both peoples, he stressed, appealing to all parties to de-escalate the situation towards a possible ceasefire. \u00a0On the alleged involvement of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on 7\u00a0October, he called on the United Nations to conduct an investigation and to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance within the Agency.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0Republic of Korea<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0pointed out that the orders on provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice have binding effect. \u00a0On that, he expressed hope that Israel will, in accordance with the order, enable the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. \u00a0Likewise, Hamas and other groups must immediately release all hostages without conditions, while all terrorist attacks and reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas on 7\u00a0October must be fully investigated. \u00a0The provisional measures issued by the Court serve as a deterrence to any further deterioration of the already dreadful situation in Gaza, he underscored, adding that \u201cit is high time to end the ongoing enmity in Israel and Palestine\u201d. \u00a0The final resolution of the conflict \u201cis not an easy task\u201d, he emphasized, urging the Council \u201cto act more proactively and aggressively to put an end to the conflict and to chart the path forward\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that more than three months into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, \u201cthe flames of war are still burning\u201d. \u00a0In the face of repeated breaches of the fundamental principles of human dignity and morality, as well as the recent order from the International Court of Justice, the Council should push with stronger determination for an immediate ceasefire. \u00a0Real security, he stressed, cannot be achieved through military means, warning about the possible regional spillover due to the protracted fighting in Gaza. \u00a0The Council should exert strong diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire, demanding Israel cease indiscriminate military attacks and destruction in Gaza.\u00a0 Taking note of allegations of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees\u2019 involvement in the 7\u00a0October attack, he emphasized that \u201cindividual cases should not divert attention from the situation in Gaza\u201d and urged donors to reconsider halting funding for the Agency.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0highlighted the situation at the moment in Khan Younis, where the hospitals are under siege amidst large-scale devastation of civilian infrastructure.\u00a0 Also pointing to the deadly threats of hunger and the epidemic of communicable diseases looming over Gaza, he reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s actions will make it impossible to release the hostages and rekindle the process of Palestinian-Israeli settlement, he cautioned.\u00a0 Noting that the attack against Israel on 7\u00a0October warrants the strongest condemnation, he said it should not be used to justify the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians.\u00a0 Calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations against Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff members, he said it is important to consider information not just from Israel. \u00a0Further, this situation must not be used as a pretext for the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians in need, he said also highlighting the provocative rhetoric from a number of representatives of the Israeli leadership, as well as the staggering levels of violence by the Israeli army and Jewish settlers on the West Bank.\u00a0 The aggressive actions of the United States and the United Kingdom in the Red Sea remind the international community of the barbaric bombings of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, he added.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Malta<\/u><\/strong>, stressing that a permanent ceasefire remains crucial, condemned the Hamas terror attacks of 7\u00a0October, called for the release of hostages and welcomed the swift action taken by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA to investigate the involvement of any staff members in the attacks.\u00a0 The Agency remains indispensable, particularly in Gaza, she underscored.\u00a0 Highlighting the \u201cdeath, destruction, disease, displacement and the threats of famine\u201d that have become the daily reality for millions of civilians in the Strip, she reminded the Council about the order on provisional measures issued in January by the International Court of Justice, which stated that all measures must be taken by Israel to prevent the killing and causing of bodily or mental harm of Palestinians in Gaza.\u00a0 Reaffirming her country\u2019s strong support to the Court as the principal judicial organ of the multilateral order, she stressed that its decisions are binding.\u00a0\u201cWe expect the full, immediate and effective implementation of the order,\u201d she said, adding that Israeli settler violence in the West Bank must also be addressed.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0France<\/u><\/strong>, Council President for the month, speaking in her national capacity, underscoring that the Council must be able to condemn the terrorist attacks of 7\u00a0October, drew attention to the sanctions regime against Hamas established by the European Union.\u00a0 The information on the participation of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees in the attacks of 7\u00a0October is exceptionally serious and the investigations launched in recent days must shed light on past events and be accompanied by concrete measures, she stressed. \u00a0France had not scheduled a new payment for the first half of 2024, and, when the time comes, will decide on how to procced.\u00a0 Turning to the decision taken by the International Court of Justice, which concerns provisional measures, she reaffirmed her country\u2019s support for the body. \u00a0On the political level, only the two-State solution can lead to a just and lasting peace. \u00a0Accordingly, she stressed the need to build a State for the Palestinians and noted the Palestinian Authority\u2019s central role in this process.<\/p>\n The Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that the International Court of Justice has offered \u201ca resounding rebuke\u201d to those who claimed that the case of genocide against Israel was \u201cmeritless and baseless\u201d. \u00a0The Court also dismissed the premise that \u201csomehow Israel by its very nature would be above the law and could not be accused of committing the crime of genocide\u201d. \u00a0The Court found that the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide, attempted genocide, incitement to commit genocide, complicity in genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide are plausible. \u00a0\u201cThat plausibility\u00a0\u2014 that a genocide is actually under way, not the accusation of genocide against Israel\u00a0\u2014 is what should keep us all up at night,\u201d he said, stressing the need to concentrate on the six provisional measures adopted.\u00a0Even the ad hoc judge of Israel voted in favour of two of the measures.<\/p>\n The Council and the Court have called for protection of civilians; instead, Israel is targeting them, orchestrating famine and creating the conditions for the spread of dehydration and epidemic diseases, he said. \u00a0Twelve ministers of Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s Government took part in a conference to recolonize Gaza and to get rid of the Palestinians there, he said, as part of \u201ca long-standing policy of displacement and replacement of the Palestinian people\u201d. \u00a0At least 15,500 children, including those still under the rubble, have been killed; 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in terrifying circumstances. \u00a0\u201c2.3 million people have gone through hell every single day for 120 days, and this hell will haunt them long after this assault ends,\u201d he said, adding: \u201cThey are trying to cheat death over and over again, running for safety over and over again though it is nowhere to be found, until the international community musters the resolve to save them.\u201d<\/p>\n With the risk of genocide recognized by the Court, it would be criminal not to act to put an end to this war of atrocities, he emphasized. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: \u201cno one will stop us \u2014 not The Hague, not the axis of evil and not anybody else\u201d.\u00a0 To that, he declared: \u201cSpoken like a true war criminal! \u00a0His genocidal words quoted by the Court are evil. \u00a0His genocidal acts are evil. \u00a0And when the ICC finally decides to uphold its mandate, he should find his place in a jail in The Hague, not in power in Israel.\u201d \u00a0On Israel\u2019s brazen attacks against the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, he said the country \u201cwants to discredit the witness to destroy the evidence\u201d.\u00a0 The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ helps the Palestinian people survive, remain in their land, while Israel wants to uproot them.<\/p>\n On Israel\u2019s allegations against some Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff, he said \u201cone should never lose sight of these realities and of Israel\u2019s stated goal, for years now, of dismantling Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u201d.\u00a0 He underscored that \u201cthere is no reason to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation or to take measures that effectively amount to the collective punishment of 30,000 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff and millions of refugees beneficiaries of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA services\u201d, calling on those who decided to suspend their funding to revise their decision. \u00a0The choice is clear.\u00a0 Either allow Israel to dismantle the international law-based order or uphold it. \u00a0\u201cFrom colonialism to apartheid, from ethnic cleansing to genocide, when is it time to tell Israel enough is enough?\u201d he said, adding: \u201cThis policy of cajoling Israel has brought to power the most openly supremacist and racist Government in the history of Israel. \u00a0Only accountability can help us correct course.\u201d<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>voiced concern over the lack of attention or condemnation by the Council of \u201can actual genocidal terrorist organization\u201d, Hamas, that continues attacks on his country and holds hostages in brutal conditions. \u00a0\u201cWe witness an obscene inversion of reality,\u201d where a country \u2014 a victim of Hamas \u2014 is being charged with genocide. \u00a0Distorting reality is a matter of routine for the Council, but that does not make it morally acceptable, he said, warning that \u201ca lie told 1,000\u00a0times is not less of a lie\u201d. \u00a0Underscoring his country\u2019s commitment to upholding the law and demonstrating humanity, he noted that due to Hamas\u2019 utter inhumanity towards Palestinian and Israeli civilians, his country is faced with \u201cthe agonizing reality and the dilemmas\u201d that Israel faces of seeking \u201cto minimize civilian harm against a lawless terrorist organization that seeks to maximize it\u201d.<\/p>\n Turning to the South Africa\u2019s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, he described the charge of genocide as an attempt \u201cto distort the law and the unique force of the Genocide Convention\u201d, effectively transforming it into a tool exploited by terrorists with total distain for life and the law. \u00a0Likewise, he said an attempt to ascribe blame to Israel even before the arguments on the merits of the case have been heard is \u201cabusive and politicized\u201d. \u00a0The assertion by the Palestinian representative that the Court has found plausible evidence of genocide is a blatant mischaracterization of the very nature of the provisional measures phase of proceedings of the term \u201cplausibility\u201d in the Court\u2019s jurisprudence and of the Court\u2019s actual decision.<\/p>\n Expressing confidence that South Africa\u2019s accusations against Israel \u2014 widely denounced by numerous States\u2019 commitment to the rule of law \u2014 are likely to be rejected by the Court in subsequent proceedings, he stressed that at this early stage \u201cthe Court is not required to ascertain whether any violations of Israel\u2019s obligations under the Genocide Convention have occurred\u201d. \u00a0He further underscored that the Court rejected South Africa\u2019s \u201cviolent attempt\u201d to undermine Israel\u2019s right to self-defence, stressing that \u201cIsrael\u2019s war is against Hamas not against Palestinian civilians\u201d. \u00a0\u201cIsrael remains committed to mitigating civilian harm and to facilitating access to humanitarian aid according to the law,\u201d he added, highlighting his country\u2019s commitment to preventing incitement. \u00a0As yet another proof of the distorted interpretation of the Court\u2019s decision, he noted that the Council\u2019s meeting failed to mention the Court\u2019s explicit call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.\u00a0 This, he said, is an assault on the integrity of the Court and on the truth.<\/p>\n On the alleged involvement of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s staff in the 7\u00a0October events, he welcomed the countries for suspending funding to the Agency, called for an in-depth, transparent and independent investigation into the Agency\u2019s conduct in Gaza, both regarding involvement in the 7\u00a0October attacks, as well as the employment of mass operatives and involvement of terrorists in its activities. \u00a0In conclusion, he drew attention to\u00a0the Council\u2019s recurring failure to condemn Hamas\u2019s attacks of 7\u00a0October, stressing that until such condemnation occurs \u201cthe Council will fail to meet its responsibilities, it will continue to be abused as a forum where lies can be told, where law can be manipulated to serve its greatest violators\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said: \u00a0\u201cthe international community cannot proclaim the importance of international law and the importance of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter in some situations and not in others as if the rule of law only applies to a select few\u201d.\u00a0On 26\u00a0January, the International Court of Justice, acting on her country\u2019s request, delivered an order for provisional measures, which include that Israel shall take all measures to prevent all acts of genocide, and provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. \u00a0Israel is required to provide a report to the Court on said measures within one month. \u00a0\u201cThere is clearly no credible basis for Israel to continue to claim that its military actions are in full compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention, having regard to the Court\u2019s ruling,\u201d she said. \u00a0This necessarily imposes an obligation on all States to cease funding and facilitating Israel\u2019s military actions, which are plausibly genocidal, she pointed out. \u00a0Unfortunately, in the days since, the Israeli Government has continued its illegal actions.<\/p>\n South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, end all acts of apartheid and genocide against them and \u201cwalk with them towards the realization of their right to self-determination\u201d, she said.\u00a0 Her Government welcomes the support expressed by several countries and encourages States that are so inclined to approach the Court to intervene in the proceedings so as to send a strong message to the international community that the situation in Gaza is indefensible. \u00a0Also welcoming the swift action taken by the United Nations following the allegations concerning Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff members, she underscored that withdrawing funding from the Agency will worsen an already complex humanitarian situation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"