Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour urged the UN Security Council to act against Israel’s actions in Gaza, asserting that the ICC warrant for Netanyahu relates to his crimes, not his faith. The US opposes Israeli annexation but rejects the ICC’s decision, while Russia criticizes US pressure on Hamas, calling for decisive measures to stop violence.
During a recent meeting at the United Nations Security Council, Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour addressed the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He asserted that this warrant is unrelated to Netanyahu’s faith but rather rooted in his alleged crimes. Mansour condemned Netanyahu’s attempts to portray the ICC’s actions as antisemitic, urging the council to uphold international law amid the reported genocide occurring in Gaza, which he claimed could have severe repercussions for the region and beyond.
Mansour expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza, who are expected to endure another winter in makeshift shelters. He stressed that urgent action is required to halt Israel’s military operations in both Palestine and Lebanon, asserting that such violence fosters insecurity and hatred that could perpetuate conflict for generations. He called upon politicians to prioritize the lives of Palestinian children over political ambitions, underscoring the need to resolve the conflict without escalating religious tensions.
The US, represented by Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood, reiterated its opposition to the annexation of the West Bank and settlement construction in Gaza, asserting that such actions violate international law and exacerbate instability. However, Wood also rejected the ICC’s arrest warrant and shifted blame to Hamas for the ongoing conflict.
Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy criticized the US for its focus on Hamas while ignoring the severity of Israel’s actions and reiterated Moscow’s call for decisive measures to end the violence in Gaza. Mansour’s passionate plea highlights the urgent need for international engagement to restore peace and humanitarian conditions in the region.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly amid ongoing military actions by Israel, following recent hostilities and conflicts that have resulted in a humanitarian crisis. The International Criminal Court’s recent warrant for the arrest of Prime Minister Netanyahu has intensified discussions surrounding international law, allegations of war crimes, and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The UN Security Council remains a platform for these discussions as various nations express their concerns and stances regarding this issue, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
In conclusion, the Security Council discussion clearly illustrated the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while navigating the complex political landscape involving various stakeholders. The contrasting positions of the US and Russia emphasize the heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As urged by Palestinian representatives, there is a pressing need to uphold international law and safeguard human rights to avert further escalation and to provide relief to those affected by the violence in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
