Palestine Urges International Community to Encourage Israel to Change Course
The permanent observer of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, has called on the international community to prevent Israel from doubling down on its “terrible choices” and instead encourage the country to change its course towards peace. Mansour made these remarks outside the Security Council chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, where ambassadors were holding emergency consultations to discuss the escalation in Israel and Gaza.
The recent conflict has resulted in over 700 Israeli deaths due to an unprecedented incursion by Hamas gunmen and thousands of rockets launched by the group. On the other side, at least 415 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. Despite the severity of the situation, no statement was agreed upon during the Security Council meeting.
Mansour expressed his disappointment that media and politicians often only pay attention when Israelis are killed, while Palestinians have endured years of deadly violence. He emphasized that the Palestinian people have chosen the peaceful route and called on the world to support this choice. Mansour warned against justifying Israel’s assault, as it would only lead to more killing and further entrenchment of oppression and occupation.
Israel has long maintained that its actions are intended to weaken Hamas’s military capabilities and ensure its own security. However, Mansour argued that Israel has failed to achieve any of its goals and has only inflicted suffering on the civilian population. He called for an immediate end to violence and bloodshed, as well as an end to the blockade on Gaza.
Mansour raised fundamental moral and legal questions about the unequal treatment of Palestinian lives and the lack of international protection when international law is violated by the occupying power. He stressed that protecting Palestinian civilians is not only a moral obligation but also a crucial step toward achieving peace.
In response to Mansour’s remarks, Gilad Erdan, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, described Hamas’s attack as “Israel’s 9/11” and accused the group of committing war crimes. Erdan demanded that the Security Council condemn Hamas and show steadfast support for Israel in defending itself.
Mansour urged the international community to consider a different path, one that prioritizes the lives and rights of the Palestinian people. He called for equal measures of freedom and security, emphasizing that standing up against occupation is not only morally right but also legally and politically necessary.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again brought attention to the ongoing tensions in the region. It is crucial for the international community to play an active role in promoting dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution. Both sides must be held accountable for their actions, and steps should be taken to ensure the protection of civilian lives.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize peace and work towards a sustainable solution. The international community must use its influence to encourage Israel to change its course and engage in meaningful negotiations with Palestine. Only through dialogue and mutual understanding can a lasting peace be achieved in the region.