Palestine - Malaysia just revealed that it was the US that 'pressured' Malaysia on the Palestine-Israel conflict. This is better than simply suggesting 'threats' from Western powers. Was there any other 'threats' or pressure from other nations?
The United States had tried to exert pressure on Malaysia over its stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed.
“The Malaysian envoy to the United States was called by American authorities which questioned our stance on the conflict, especially the violence inflicted by Israel on Gaza.
"Our ambassador firmly stated our position,” he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 31).
He said this came about because Malaysia refused to condemn Hamas’ actions and brand the group as terrorists.
“I was informed by the Foreign Ministry that Malaysia received a demarche from the US Embassy twice, on Oct 13 and Oct 30, where Malaysia was asked to use diplomatic channels to urge a country to not take advantage of the conflict by using a proxy to get involved in the Gaza conflict,” he added.
Demarche - a representation or statement of views, complaints, etc. So, the follow-up question, is whether Malaysia sent a demarche to the US, UK and any other nation states on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict?
End of current conflict and humanitarian aid > is this all that Malaysia is talking about?
OR is Malaysia calling for the END of Israeli's occupation - demanding Israel to retreat back to its 1948 Borders, and for Palestine's REAL Independence.
West Bank remains an Israeli Occupied Territory. Gaza was also an occupied territory of Israel until 2005, when Israel troops and 'settlers' withdrew, and Gaza got its independence > although Israel treated Gaza as a 'prison' with extreme control of borders >> and even now, aid cannot flow into Gaza.
In 2005, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered full disengagement from Gaza, marking an end to settlements that started after taking control of the region following the six-day war in 1967....The unilateral disengagement process began in August of 2005 and by September, around 9,000 Jews living in 25 settlements were evicted and the Israeli troops completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip to the Green Line -- a 1949 Armistice Line drawing boundaries between Israel and its Arab neighbors. These settlements had stood for decades until 2005 and their removal involved bulldozing, forceful eviction by Israeli troops. Although the settlers received compensation from the Israeli government for rehabilitation, the process was protracted and tedious.
So, what Israel must do now is the same for West Bank - a full withdrawal forces and settlers.
Malaysia has NO DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL as a strong protest of Israel's Occupation of Palestine and the continued human rights violations.
Do Malaysia have a diplomatic relationship with Palestine? Palestine is still not recognized by the United Nations as a member State - even after it formed government following Legislative(Parliamentary) elections in 1996 and Presidential elections on 1996.
At the 1996 general election, Fatah won 55 of the 88 seats from multi-member constituencies, with the number of representatives from each constituency determined by population. Some seats were set aside for the Christian and Samaritan communities. 51 seats were allocated to the West Bank, 37 to the Gaza Strip. Five out of 25 female candidates won a seat.
The 1996 president election was won by Yassir Arafat with 88.2% of the vote.
2005 Presidential elections were held in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of the Palestinian National Authority on Sunday, 9 January 2005 to elect the President of the Palestinian National Authority, to succeed Yasser Arafat, who had died on 11 November 2004.The election was the first to be held since the 1996 general election, and voters elected Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Mahmoud Abbas for a four-year term.
Seven candidates contested the election. Abbas won over 67% of the votes cast, independent candidate Mustafa Barghouti came second with 21%, and the remaining candidates were far behind.The election was boycotted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Hamas urged supporters to stay away, but did not try to disrupt the election. In the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is strongest, it is estimated that about half of the eligible voters voted.
No presidential elections have taken place since 2005. Abbas has continued in office since the expiration of the four-year term on 9 January 2009,with planned elections repeatedly postponed.
2006 Parliamentary Elections - Hamas defeats Fatah
However, at the next Parliamentary elections, Fatah is defeated by Hamas - At the 2006 legislative election, six parties and 4 independents won seats. Change and Reform (i.e., Hamas) won 44.45% of the vote and 74 seats, while Fatah won 41.43% of the vote and 45 seats.
Palestine Liberation Organization, and now the Palestinian National Council(being only Fatah and does not include Hamas despite Hamas victory in 2006) enjoys OBSERVER status at the UN. Un has to date not accorded membership status to Palestine.
Malaysia has a Consulate in Ramalah in the West Bank - but no consulate in Gaza > Should Malaysia now establish a consulate in Gaza?
Therefore, if Malaysia still takes the position for the END of Occupation of Palestine - and for the INDEPENDENCE of the Palestinian State >> Is that the position of Malaysia >> Maybe Anwar Ibrahim needs to clarify...or is it merely the end of the present conflict and the allowing of humanitarian aid to Palestine???
Malaysia should also condemn the attack on Israel, where many of the victims were not soldiers but innocent civilians...Again, PM Anwar need to clarify.
Now, Palestine is an oppressed people - and they have been WAITING for the end of Israeli occupation and oppression(which includes 'ethnic cleansing' and changes of the population demography through the establishment of 'new settlements of Israelis in Occupied territories - something that the world, even the UN Security Council has condemned. What happens at the end of Occupation - will these Israelis in these illegal settlements be forced back to Israel, as what happened at the end of Israeli occupation of Gaza in 2005?
...around 9,000 Jews living in 25 settlements were evicted and the Israeli troops completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip t
The Palestinian struggle is NOT an Islamic Struggle - but really a struggle of the Palestinian people(Muslims, Christians and Jews) for end of occupation, and for independence of Palestine. When some in Malaysia try to wrongly make it an Islamic Struggle, then it causes problems confusing people - and may even reduce support from certain quarters.
EDUCATION is key - and events like 'Parliamentary Solidarity Week' in Malaysian schools maybe premature and confusing. Maybe, there should be a change in education syllabus to include education about certain global issues and conflicts. Not just about Palestine but other issues as well - where it will be education based on FACTS - not some biased perspectives.
Now, even in Israel, there are many in support of the end of Occupation and for a free independent Palestinian State > and thus the perpetrator is the ZIONIST State of PM Nethanayu.
It is SAD that now the Zionist actions against the Palestinian people is similar to what the Nazi did to the Jews during the WW II.
US tried to pressure Malaysia on Palestine-Israel conflict, says Anwar
- Nation
-
Tuesday, 31 Oct 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States had tried to exert pressure on Malaysia over its stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed.
“The Malaysian envoy to the United States was called by American authorities which questioned our stance on the conflict, especially the violence inflicted by Israel on Gaza.
"Our ambassador firmly stated our position,” he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 31).
He said this came about because Malaysia refused to condemn Hamas’ actions and brand the group as terrorists.
“I was informed by the Foreign Ministry that Malaysia received a demarche from the US Embassy twice, on Oct 13 and Oct 30, where Malaysia was asked to use diplomatic channels to urge a country to not take advantage of the conflict by using a proxy to get involved in the Gaza conflict,” he added.
While he did not specify the country, it is believed the country being referred to by the United States was Iran.
Anwar reiterated the country's independent stance, saying that Malaysia will remain firm in its humanitarian considerations and condemn Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestine.
“The politics and the disorder did not only start last month but it has been going on for decades since 1948.
“Therefore, it is unreasonable to set aside the violence, invasion and colonialism of Israel on the Arab territory of Palestine,” he added.
He said while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was condemned, the same was not done in the Israeli occupation of Palestine, especially by countries such as the United States, although it had gone on for many years.
In his speech at the Malaysia for Palestine Rally last week, Anwar said Malaysia had received criticism from pro-Israel countries, particularly the United States, for sympathising with Gaza and the Palestinians.
On Oct 7, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza, which saw a barrage of rockets being fired towards Israel and armed individuals breaching security barriers.
In response, Israel retaliated with air strikes and military operations.
At least 8,306 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's attacks on Gaza while the death toll in Israel has exceeded 1,400. - Star, 31/10/2023
PM Anwar confirms Nazri called up by Washington over Palestine stance, notice sent by US Embassy to Wisma Putra
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — Pressed over alleged intimidation over Malaysia's stance on Palestine, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that the United States Department of State called up its ambassador in Washington over the matter.
His office also confirmed with the press that Putrajaya had received a démarche notice from the United States on the Palestine-Israel conflict on October 13, while the US Deputy Chief of Mission to Malaysia, Chargé d'Affaires Manu Bhalla, had called on a deputy secretary-general of Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
“Despite the possibility of being faced with reprimands or warnings from any party, Malaysia will not succumb to any form of intimidation. The elements can come in various forms and ways, either written or implied.
“For example, our ambassador in Washington was called by the US State Department and pressed about the country's position on the Palestinian issue," he said during the Prime Minister Question Time session, referring to Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.
“In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also received a 'demarche' from the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for Malaysia to use diplomatic channels to ask one country not to take advantage of the conflict situation by using proxies to get involved in the fighting in Gaza,” he said, referring to Iran.
The
US State Department defined a démarche as a "formal diplomatic
representation of its official position, views, or wishes on a given
subject" which seeks to "persuade, inform, or gather information from a
foreign government", or to "protest or object to actions by a foreign
government". - Malay Mail, 31/10/2023
Malaysia stands firm on Palestine: Israel-Singapore relations won't affect ties
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that Singapore's diplomatic ties with Israel will not have any bearing on Malaysia's relationship with its neighbouring nation.
He emphasised that both Malaysia and Singapore share a common stance, having voted in favour of the United Nations ceasefire and humanitarian resolution amid the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Anwar said Malaysia ought to show a stronger position as the matter is not related to the incidents that happened two weeks ago.
It is more of a political disposition by Israel for decades, the prime minister added.
"A country cannot continue to colonise another Palestine land, but what is critical for now is, of course, peace and stop killing of civilians, including women and babies.
"The sentiments shown by Malaysia are strong (towards Palestine), but we (Malaysia and Singapore) have expressed our position for a peaceful resolution.
"Humanitarian assistance is paramount," Anwar said in the joint press conference today.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said though it has diplomatic relations with Israel, it also has friendly relations with the Palestine Authority (PA).
He also said Singapore had made repeated statements condemning the violence and human tragedy of civilians and hoped both Israel and Palestine would soon make progress for the two-state solution.
"We understand Malaysia's position is not the same as ours.
"The diplomatic situation is not identical, but there is no reason to cause a difficulty between the relations of both the countries," he said.
Both the country leaders met for the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat held in Singapore. - NST, 30/10/2023
Anwar: Let the West criticise, Malaysia's support for Palestine stands [NSTTV]
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite receiving criticism from pro-Israel countries, especially the United States, Malaysia will not retract its support for Gaza and the Palestinians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this in his speech at the 'Malaysia Bersama Palestin' rally last night.
He said that although Malaysia has always criticised the violence against Palestine, for the first time in history, the grouses were conveyed in person to Saudi Arabia leaders.
"Yes, we are far away from Arab (the Middle East) but every bit of violence happening there, we can relate to. We know what is suffering, what is humanity and have compassion for those victims in Gaza," he said, condemning the continuous attacks on Palestine by Israeli forces.
Anwar who arrived for the gathering at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil after 9pm had just returned from an official working visit to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, including Egypt this evening.
"In Malaysia's history, we have always voiced our concern from afar. However, this is the first time that a Malaysian leader has gone all the way to Saudi and around to Riyadh, Cairo, Emeritus (UAE), Bahrain, Istanbul, Turkiye and discussed the welfare and declared support for the Palestinians, amidst the Israeli aggressions.
"I met with many gulf country leaders, including King Salman and the King of Bahrain and held discussions on what measures to take and how to address this violation of basic human rights against the people of Gaza.
"Where is the justice, where is democracy, humanity (in the case of Israelis attacking Palestinians)?
"We are not asking for much, all we want is for the people of Gaza to be treated humanely, provided basic food, medical treatment and etc… Is that too much to ask?
"Where is the United Nations now to defend their rights?" he asked while addressing a strong crowd of more than 20,000 supporters.
He said in his discussion with leaders he met during the visit, one thing was common.
"None of them expect this Israel-Palestine conflict to be resolved easily because Israel has become arrogant with the support from the US.
"The possibilities of the US army invading Gaza is also so real," he said.
Anwar said that during one of his meetings with his Egyptian counterpart during the visit, he managed to convince their government to allow humanitarian aid to be transported via their border.
"Rafah borders Egypt and Israel, and without this permission, none of the aid can be sent into Gaza. Humanitarian aid such as food, medical supplies and basic necessities are very important to ensure their well-being and survival," Anwar said before adding that 200 humanitarian aid containers will be allowed to pass through the border daily.
Anwar said upon his visit to Saudi Arabia and ever since openly stating Malaysia's support to free Palestine, he has received criticism from certain countries.
"But do you really think it bothers me?
"Will it stop us from fighting against the Israeli aggression towards Palestinians or Gaza? Certainly not.
"Malaysia is a fiercely independent country and we will not bow down to such inhumanity against any mankind," he said.
"The war between Israel and Palestine has reached the height of barbarism." - NST, 24/10/2023
Explained: Israel's 2005 Gaza Disengagement Plan And "Full Siege" Order
After lightning strikes by Hamas last week, from land, sea and air, the Israeli forces are now advancing towards a full siege of Gaza.
Israel still has control over the airspace and maritime boundaries of the Gaza Strip.
New Delhi:
Israel's all-out war against the Palestinian group Hamas has entered the next phase, marked by an order to take "full control" of the Gaza Strip. Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said this meant, "No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it's all closed," for 2.3 million people living in an area about one-fourth the size of Delhi.
In 2005, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered full disengagement from Gaza, marking an end to settlements that started after taking control of the region following the six-day war in 1967. After lightning strikes by Hamas last week, from land, sea and air, the Israeli forces are now advancing towards a full siege of Gaza.
The 2005 Unilateral Withdrawal
The first and second Intifada or Palestinian uprisings were marked with violent protests, riots, suicide bombings and terror strikes. A very small Jewish population settled in the Gaza Strip compared to a majority Palestinian population.
The second Intifada, which began in 2000, was marked by intense violent protests, suicide bombings, riots and attacks. Then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon argued that defending a population of approximately 9,000 settlers came at a high cost. Clashes in Gaza between the Israeli forces and Hamas and even Yasser Arafat's PLO made the future of the peace process with Palestinians look bleak and the defence of Jews in the area was turning into a costly affair for Israel.
The unilateral disengagement process began in August of 2005 and by September, around 9,000 Jews living in 25 settlements were evicted and the Israeli troops completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip to the Green Line -- a 1949 Armistice Line drawing boundaries between Israel and its Arab neighbours. These settlements had stood for decades until 2005 and their removal involved bulldozing, forceful eviction by Israeli troops. Although the settlers received compensation from the Israeli government for rehabilitation, the process was protracted and tedious.
Israel still has control over the airspace and maritime boundaries of the Gaza Strip and supplies electricity, and water to the region.
Ariel Sharon was not always a supporter of the disengagement plan in the occupied areas. The former Prime Minister in his election campaign vocally opposed the withdrawal of Israeli settlements in occupied areas but a few years later a climbdown from his stance elicited both criticism as well as support from people, leading to the orange and blue ribbon protests in Israel.
Vehicles with orange ribbons symbolized opposition or disapproval of the withdrawal plan, while blue ribbons signalled support for the process. Sharon, however, portrayed the plan as a bold initiative to break the "stalemate in the peace process."
Hamas-Fatah Clashes And No Hope For Peace
Israel's withdrawal from Gaza was portrayed as a step towards a peace process, but in 2006, Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council election, marking a dramatic shift in Palestinian politics and the emergence of the group as an alternative to Fatah, a group that now governs in the West Bank. The aftermath of the disengagement plan was starkly different from what was envisioned.
Hamas failed to maintain a unity government with Fatah, which resulted in violent clashes or referred to by some experts as a brief civil war in Gaza.
Hamas took complete control of the military and political establishment in Gaza and Fatah was left to govern in the West Bank, it was followed by terror attacks against Israel by Hamas. Between 2008 and 2023, Israel and Hamas engaged in recurring clashes, resulting in thousands of casualties over the years.
Israel and Egypt have enforced stricter border controls and measures to restrict the movement of people from the Gaza Strip. The shore along the Mediterranean Sea in Gaza is reportedly used to supply arms and ammunition in the region. Though Iran denies any role in supporting Hamas, the Iran-backed Hezbollah is often reported supporting the Palestinian group.
The Full Siege
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas but also expressed concern over Israel's order for "complete control of Gaza". Mr Guterres said the military operations should be conducted in "Strict accordance with international humanitarian law." The Israeli government is bent on revenge and has vowed to obliterate Hamas.
The US has ordered the deployment of US ships and warplanes to Israel, signalling an "unwavering" support for its ally. A Carrier Battle Group led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford is headed towards the eastern Mediterranean to boost fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
Post a comment Meanwhile,
Hamas has threatened to kill hostages unless Israel halts its
airstrikes in Gaza. The "full siege" plan is backed by its proposition
of "right to self-defence". The ongoing conflict has claimed over 1,500
lives on both sides, raising concerns of potential escalation in the
coming days. - NDTV, 10/10/2023
General Assembly Adopts Resolution Calling for Immediate, Sustained Humanitarian Truce Leading to Cessation of Hostilities between Israel, Hamas
Member States Fail to Adopt Amendment Condemning 7 October Terrorist Attacks by Hamas in Israel
Calling for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, the General Assembly today demanded the unhindered provision of essential aid to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, as the body continued its emergency session on the situation in the Middle East. The Assembly also failed to unequivocally reject and condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October.
By a recorded vote of 120 in favour to 14 against, with 45 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” (document A/ES-10/L.25), demanding that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
Resuming the 193-member organ’s tenth emergency special session on the “Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory”, the Assembly called for immediate, full, sustained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other UN humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners. It also called for the rescinding of the order by Israel, the occupying Power, for Palestinian civilians and United Nations staff to evacuate all areas in the Gaza Strip north of the Wadi Gaza and relocate to southern Gaza.
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive, the Assembly also stressed the grave impact that armed conflict has had on women and children as well as on other civilians who may have specific vulnerabilities, including people with disabilities and older persons. Emphasizing the importance of preventing further destabilization and escalation of violence in the region and calling upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, the body reaffirmed that a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means, based on the relevant United Nations resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of the two-State solution.
Prior to adopting the resolution, the Assembly failed, by a recorded vote of 88 in favour to 55 against, with 23 abstentions, to adopt the amendment titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” (document A/ES-10/L.26). In addition to unequivocally rejecting and condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023, the rejected amendment would have also condemned the taking of hostages and would have demanded the safety, well-being and humane treatment of those hostages in compliance with international law and call for their immediate and unconditional release.
Gilad Menashe Erdan, the representative of Israel, said the world has witnessed that the United Nations “no longer holds even one ounce of legitimacy or relevance”. This Organization was founded in the wake of the Holocaust for the purpose of preventing atrocities, he said. Israel just endured the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and according to a majority of the so-called “Family of Nations”, Israel has no right to defend itself, he said.
Entire families and communities have been exterminated by genocidal Hamas jihadists, he said, adding: “We saw exactly what they dream of doing to every Israeli and Jew, and we will not sit idly by to let them rearm and commit such atrocities.” The only way to ensure this is the eradication of Hamas’ terror capabilities. Yet this resolution does not even name Hamas; even when discussing “our hostages”, the drafters could not even bring themselves to name the Hamas terrorists responsible for this blatant war crime, he said. “Why are you defending terrorists that deliberately beheaded children and abducted babies,” he asked.
“We all know that if given the chance Hamas and Hizbullah would commit the October 7 massacre again and again and again until there is not a single Israeli left to murder or a single citizen to terrorize and drive away from Israel,” he said. Hamas has embedded itself deep within and under the Gazan civilian population and the people of Gaza are being exploited as human shields for terrorists. “Why are you not holding Hamas accountable,” he asked.
Trusting information coming out of Gaza is like “trusting reports from ISIS,” he said. Every Gazan ministry is run by Hamas. Every official statistic is the word of genocidal terrorists. The fact that UN officials and some Member States still parrot lies about what happened at the hospital in Gaza City is a true disgrace, he said, adding it was proven with absolute certainty that it was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket and that the number of casualties is far lower than Hamas’ reports. “Yet you continue to echo these lies. Shame on you,” he said.
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said that in the world’s parliament today, peace-loving nations stood up and proved that the international community has not forsaken the promise, purpose and principles of the United Nations and has not abandoned the Palestinian people in these darkest hours. He said he was thankful to all the countries that voted for the draft resolution tabled by Jordan and co-sponsored by 46 countries.
The occupying Power has launched its ground invasion and has cut electricity, Internet and all communication, he added. Some still refuse to condemn these war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated by Israel, he said, adding that today he would not focus on such regrettable stances. “We will focus on the unequivocal message this august Assembly has sent to our people that the overwhelming majority of the people of the world stand with you, stand with the people in the Gaza Strip,” he said. “They bear witness to your suffering. They feel your pain. And they have not forgotten you and will not forsake you.”
He said the resolution was vital since the Security Council regrettably remains deadlocked, failing to fulfil its chartered duty to uphold peace and security. He thanked everyone from every region around the world for their principled support of the resolution. “We are one in seeking an end to the killing,” he said. This is not something the representatives of the occupying Power will ever understand, he said.
After the General Assembly has clearly spoken and said enough bullying and inciting, the representative of the occupying Power still comes here and tries to force everyone to accept their twisted, criminal definition of self-defence, he said. “There is no such right in this world, not legally, not politically, not morally,” he said. “This is the message that was sent today by the General Assembly to him and anyone else who are attempting to rewrite international law.” More than 7,000 people, at least 3,500 of whom are children, have been killed, he said, adding Gaza is becoming a graveyard. “Do not let this happen,” he said. “Listen to your conscience.”
Prior to the vote on the resolution and amendment, the Assembly resumed its debate on the matter, with many speakers stressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the representative of the United States, said that two key words were missing from the draft resolution: Hamas and hostages. “It is outrageous that this resolution fails to name the perpetrators of the 7 October terrorist attack,” she said. “These are omissions of evil.” Their exclusion gives cover to Hamas’ brutality, and the United States-Canada amendment is straightforward in calling for a condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack and for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, she said. “One-sided resolutions […] will not help to advance peace,” she added.
Hamas is determined to destroy Israel and kill Jews, it has never cared about the genuine needs or safety of the people it claims to represent and has no respect for the rule of law or human life, she said. As Israel exercises its right and responsibility to defend its people, it must do so in line with the rules of war. “There are no law-free zones in war,” she said, adding that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties. “The death, destruction and desperation playing out before our eyes is enough to make one lose faith in humanity,” she said, urging Member States not to look away. “We must not become numb to the pain and the suffering,” she said.
Prior to the vote, several delegates expressed frustration at the failure of the Security Council to adopt resolutions related to the current escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
Olof Skoog, the Permanent Observer for the European Union, in its capacity as observer, expressed regret over the use of vetoes, which has prevented the Council from fulfilling its mandate. This dramatic conflict and the humanitarian situation required a timely and strong message by the Council, which it failed to deliver, he said. “This is deeply regrettable,” he added and condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. The use of civilians as human shields by Hamas is a particularly deplorable atrocity, he said, strongly emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law. “We reiterate our call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without any preconditions,” he said.
Almaha Mubarak F. J. Al-thani, the representative of Qatar, aligned herself with the Arab Group and the Gulf Cooperation Council and expressed deep regret over the failures of the Security Council to adopt any resolutions on the situation. Considering the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Assembly’s resolution represents the minimum obligations of Member States and addresses a critical vacuum created by the Security Council, she said, renewing a call for all parties to de-escalate violence, for the release of all prisoners, particularly civilians, and for the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Sedat Önal, the representative of Türkiye, said there can be no justification for indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure or the forced displacement of people. It is the responsibility of the United Nations to help achieve unity and deliver results in terms of maintaining international peace and security, he said, regretting this has not been possible because of the “paralysis of the Security Council”. It is incumbent upon the General Assembly to make the UN system function, he said, adding that is why Türkiye co-sponsored the resolution.
Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, the representative of Egypt, said the world must oppose the targeting of civilians, the violation of international law, bombardment of hospitals and medical centres, the killing of children, as well as forcible displacement and destruction of human rights. Citing an Arab proverb, he said the Assembly must not be “a mute devil that does not speak out for the truth”. He pointed out that the denial of basic necessities, including food and water, “have no place in the twenty-first century” as “they are reminiscent of practices of the Middle Ages”.
Brian Christopher Manley Wallace, the representative of Jamaica, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), called on all parties to take every necessary step to re-establish a pathway to peace and stability. “Let us once and for all acknowledge and accept the utter futility of war, violence and terror and recognize that dialogue and diplomacy constitute the only viable pathway to a lasting peace”, he said. The Group, he stressed, is committed to the UN’s ongoing efforts towards a two-State solution.
Joaquín Alberto Pérez Ayestarán, the representative of Venezuela, speaking for the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter, urged Israel to take the path of international legality by adhering to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter, the Geneva Conventions and other relevant international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Action
Speaking in explanation of vote before the vote, the representative of Jordan, presenting resolution “L.25”, said the situation in Gaza is dire, during which more than 7,000 innocent Palestinians having lost their lives. He also called a vote on Canada’s amendment “L.26”.
The representative of Canada, presenting amendment “L.26”, said “facts are facts”. On October 7 Hamas committed acts of terror. Not mentioned in draft resolution “L.25” is the organization that bears responsibility for those events.
The representative of Pakistan said resolution “L.25” is a humanitarian text. The crime originated with Israel, he added. The real cause is the occupation of Palestine. He described the Canadian amendment as unfair and unequal. “Name both or name neither,” he said.
The Assembly then took a recorded vote on amendment “L.26”. With 88 votes in favour to 55 against, with 23 abstentions, the body failed to obtain a two thirds majority and therefore the amendment was not adopted.
Turning to draft resolution “L.25”, the Assembly adopted that text with a recorded vote of 121 in favour to 14 against, with 44 abstentions.
Speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Iran said historical experiences and recent developments “demonstrated that Palestinians have no choice but to continue their resistance against occupation, aggression and blatant violations of their rights”. His country voted in favour of the text, which he said demonstrated the international community’s strong support for the Palestinian cause, and he regretted that Canada’s representative tried to whitewash Israeli aggression.
The Syrian delegate said the world has grown sick and tired of the hypocrisy of some Western States and that Syria voted for the resolution because it primarily aims to stop the barbaric Israeli war machine and calls for an immediate halt to aggression, for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and for rejecting the forced eviction of Palestinian. He expressed reservation over some of the language of the resolution, which he said could be construed as equalizing the Israeli aggressor, the murderer, and the occupied Palestinian people, the victim.
The speaker for the Russian Federation said the adoption of the resolution is extremely important and necessary in the current escalating conditions. “This resolution is less than what we could and must do,” he said. Unfortunately, due to the position of Western delegations, the Security Council was unable to take any action. “We clearly condemned both the terrorist acts and the deaths of Israelis and other citizens in Israel, as well as the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and the victims there,” he said. The Canadian amendment was “clearly biased,” he added.
The representative of France said he voted in favour of the resolution because nothing justifies the suffering of civilians but regretted the missing condemnation of the terror attack by Hamas and other groups, and he said that the Assembly must call for the release of hostages. Echoing this sentiment, the representative of Poland said his country decided to abstain on the resolution in part for this reason. He said among the hostages taken by Hamas is a Polish citizen, a distinguished historian working for Yad Vashem Institute. “We expect Mr. Alex Danzig to return home safe and sound,” he said.
The
representative of Ghana said her country also voted in favour of the
resolution because it cannot turn away from the unfolding humanitarian
disaster in the Gaza Strip, ignore the real threat of a regional war or
“squander the impetus within this organ to seriously push for the
resumption of negotiations on the two-State solution” - UN Press Release
This UN General Assembly Resolution was adopted with a recorded vote of 120 in favour to 14 against, with 45 abstentions,
Agenda item 5
Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Yemen, Zimbabwe and State of Palestine:*
Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations
The General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling its relevant resolutions regarding the question of Palestine,
Reaffirming the obligation to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances in accordance with article 1 of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,1
Recalling the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967, 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, 446 (1979) of 22 March 1979, 452 (1979) of 20 July 1979, 465 (1980) of 1 March 1980, 476 (1980) of 30 June 1980, 478 (1980) of 20 August 1980, 904 (1994) of 18 March 1994, 1397 (2002) of 12 March 2002, 1515 (2003) of 19 November 2003, 1850 (2008) of 16 December 2008, 1860 (2009) of 8 January 2009 and 2334 (2016) of 23 December 2016,
Recalling also Security Council resolutions on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including on children and armed conflict,
Expressing grave concern at the latest escalation of violence since the 7 October 2023 attack and the grave deterioration of the situation in the region, in particular in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel,
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* Any changes to the list of sponsors will be reflected in the official record of the meeting.1 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, Nos. 970–973.
A/ES-10/L.25 23-206142/
Condemning all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement and destruction,
Recalling the need to uphold the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities,
Emphasizing that civilians must be protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and deploring in this regard the heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction,
Emphasizing also the need to pursue accountability, and stressing in this regard the importance of ensuring independent and transparent investigations in accordance with international standards,
Expressing grave concern at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and at its vast consequences for the civilian population, largely comprising children, and underlining the need for full, immediate, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access,
Expressing strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and for his calls for the immediate and unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to respond to the most basic needs of the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, underlining the Secretary-General’s message that food, water, medicine and fuel need to be sustained and at scale, and expressing its appreciation for the critical role played by Egypt in this regard,
Expressing strong support also for all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of civilians and providing humanitarian aid,
1. Calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities;
2. Demands that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in regard to the protection of civilians and civilian objects, as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat, and humanitarian facilities and assets, and to enable and facilitate humanitarian access for essential supplies and services to reach all civilians in need in the Gaza Strip;
3. Also demands the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, including but not limited to water, food, medical supplies, fuel and electricity, stressing the imperative, under international humanitarian law, of ensuring that civilians are not deprived of objects indispensable to their survival;
4. Calls for immediate, full, sustained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Pales tine Refugees in the Near East and other United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, the International Committee of the Red Cross and all other humanitarian organizations upholding humanitarian principles and delivering urgent ass istance to civilians in the Gaza Strip, encourages the establishment of humanitarian corridors and other initiatives to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians, and welcomes efforts in this regard;
5. Also calls for the rescinding of the order by Israel, the occupying Power, for Palestinian civilians and United Nations staff, as well as humanitarian and medical workers, to evacuate all areas in the Gaza Strip north of the Wadi Gaza and relocate to southern Gaza, recalls and reiterates that civilians are protected under international humanitarian law and should receive humanitarian assistance wherever they are, and reiterates the need to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well -being of civilians, in particular children, and their protection, and allowing their safe movement;
6. Firmly rejects any attempts at the forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population;
7. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive, demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law;
8. Also calls for respect and protection, consistent with international humanitarian law, of all civilian and humanitarian facilities, including hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as their means of transport and equipment, schools, places of worship and United Nations facilities, as well as all of humanitarian and medical personnel and journalists, media professionals and associated personnel, in armed conflict in the region;
9. Stresses the particularly grave impact that armed conflict has on women and children, including as refugees and displaced persons, as well as on other civilians who may have specific vulnerabilities, including persons with disabilities and older persons;
10. Also stresses the need to urgently establish a mechanism to ensure the protection of the Palestinian civilian population, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions;
11. Further stresses the importance of a humanitarian notification mechanism to ensure the protection of United Nations facilities and all humanitarian installations, and to ensure the unimpeded movement of aid convoys;
12. Emphasizes the importance of preventing further destabilization and escalation of violence in the region, and in this regard calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and upon all those with influence on them to work toward this objective;
13. Reaffirms that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means, based on the relevant United Nations resolutions and in accordance with international law, and on the basis of the two -State solution;
14. Decides to adjourn the tenth emergency special session temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from Member State.
Whilst there are many UN General Assembly resolutions, UN Security Council Resolutions (may of whom are vetoed by US and Israeli friends) are lesser - below is one UNSC Resolution ...
Illegality of Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Territory Occupied Since 1967
Resolution 2334 (2016)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 7853rd meeting, on 23 December 2016
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 446 (1979), 452 (1979), 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), and 1850 (2008),
Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirming, inter alia, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,
Reaffirming the obligation of Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and recalling the advisory opinion rendered on 9 July 2004 by the International Court of Justice,
Condemning all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, including, inter alia, the construction and expansion of settlements, transfer of Israeli settlers, confiscation of land, demolition of homes and displacement of Palestinian civilians, in violation of international humanitarian law and relevant resolutions,
Expressing grave concern that continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperilling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines,
Recalling the obligation under the Quartet Roadmap, endorsed by its resolution 1515 (2003), for a freeze by Israel of all settlement activity, including “natural growth”, and the dismantlement of all settlement outposts erected since March 2001,
Recalling also the obligation under the Quartet roadmap for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces to maintain effective operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and dismantling terrorist capabilities, including the confiscation of illegal weapons,
Condemning all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement and destruction,
Reiterating its vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders,
Stressing that the status quo is not sustainable and that significant steps, consistent with the transition contemplated by prior agreements, are urgently needed in order to (i) stabilize the situation and to reverse negative trends on the ground, which are steadily eroding the two-State solution and entrenching a one-State reality, and (ii) to create the conditions for successful final status negotiations and for advancing the two-State solution through those negotiations and on the ground,
1.Reaffirms that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace;
2.Reiterates its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard;
3.Underlines that it will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations;
4.Stresses that the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities is essential for salvaging the two-State solution, and calls for affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse the negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution;
5.Calls upon all States, bearing in mind paragraph 1 of this resolution, to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967;
6.Calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction, calls for accountability in this regard, and calls for compliance with obligations under international law for the strengthening of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, and to clearly condemn all acts of terrorism;
7.Calls upon both parties to act on the basis of international law, including international humanitarian law, and their previous agreements and obligations, to observe calm and restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, with the aim, inter alia, of de-escalating the situation on the ground, rebuilding trust and confidence, demonstrating through policies and actions a genuine commitment to the two-State solution, and creating the conditions necessary for promoting peace;
8. Calls upon all parties to continue, in the interest of the promotion of peace and security, to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations on all final status issues in the Middle East peace process and within the time frame specified by the Quartet in its statement of 21 September 2010;
9. Urges in this regard the intensification and acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts and support aimed at achieving, without delay a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap and an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967; and underscores in this regard the importance of the ongoing efforts to advance the Arab Peace Initiative, the initiative of France for the convening of an international peace conference, the recent efforts of the Quartet, as well as the efforts of Egypt and the Russian Federation;
10.Confirms its determination to support the parties throughout the negotiations and in the implementation of an agreement;
11.Reaffirms its determination to examine practical ways and means to secure the full implementation of its relevant resolutions;
12.Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every three months on the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution;
13.Decides to remain seized of the matter.
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