Pearls and Irritations

“We are rapidly approaching a critical juncture where the call to halt the Machinery of Violence will lose its significance.”

The United States’ decision to Veto a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution in Gaza implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon Palestinians, said Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, in his opening remarks to the UNSC on February 20, 2024.

Transcript, Amar Bendjama, “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, UN Security Council, 9552nd meeting.

Madame President, my sincere appreciation for your efforts in convening this meeting to deliberate and take action on the draft resolution S/2024-173. The draft resolution under consideration is the culmination of extensive discussions among Council members.

As the primary custodian of International Peace and Security, the Security Council cannot afford passivity in the face of a call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

By presenting this text, our intention is to empower the Council to fulfil its mandate and protect lives. Commencing with an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Ample time has been afforded for Council members to deliberate on the content of the text.

Our approach involved meticulous consideration of received proposals and amendments, resulting in what we believe is a balance text capable of garnering broad support.

The draft resolution underscores key elements, including:

One, a humanitarian ceasefire.

Second, unhindered aid delivery to all parts of the Gaza strip.

Third, rejection of forced displacement of Palestinians.

Fourth, compliance with provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.

And, Fifth, and last, the imperative for all parties to respect their obligations under International humanitarian law.

Madame President, throughout this process we have heard calls to give time to a parallel track in order to preserve its chances, with concern raised that any action from the council would jeopardise this effort.

However, almost one month after the ICJ orders, signs of hope are still absent for improvement of the situation in Gaza.

Silence.

Silence, we contend, is not a viable option.

Now is the time for action, and the time for truth.

Madame President, members of the Security Council bear the responsibility of voting in favour of measures that uphold International Peace and Security.

This resolution is a stance for truth and humanity standing against the advocates for murder and hatred.

A vote in favour of this draft resolution is a vote in support of the Palestinians’ right to life.

Conversely voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them.

A positive vote for the draft brings hope for hundreds of thousands of children to return to school and enjoy their right to education.

Conversely voting against the draft resolution is a vote in favour of annihilating their dream for a better life.

A vote in favour of the draft resolution stands in solidarity with the right of Palestinian women.

While opposing it means to accept degrading practices that destroy their dignity.

Furthermore supporting the draft resolution means endorsing the Palestinian right to food.

Rejecting it constitutes however an approval of starvation as a means of war against hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

A vote in favour of the draft is a defence of the right to health.

While voting against it is an approval of violations. Violation of Hospital sanctity and an announced death of those who escaped it in the first place.

Madame President, the council must not merely call for ceasefire. It must ensure steadfast adherence by all parties.

The International Community must act swiftly, as the value of ceasefire diminishes with each passing moment.

We are rapidly approaching a critical juncture where the call to halt the Machinery of Violence will lose its significance.

Today every Palestinian is a target for death, extermination and genocide.

We should ask ourselves: how many innocent lives must be sacrificed before the Council deems it necessary to call for a ceasefire?

And I hope for all the Security members…

I hope for all the Security Council Members, Palestinians – Palestinian lives – matter.

Each one of us decides where to stand in this tragic chapter of History.

I thank you.

 

Editors’ note: In the subsequent UNSC vote, the US stood alone among members in voting against the ceasefire resolution, using its Veto power to shield the state of Israel, prevent an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure the continuation of genocide against the people of Palestine.

Transcript by Pearls and Irritations. Original audio first published by UN Web TV, February 20, 2024

 

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