UNITED NATIONS: On the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, Pakistan has urged the United Nations to establish a special tribunal and accountability mechanism to investigate alleged war crimes by Israel.

Pakistani envoy, Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon also called for the deployment of an international protection force to safeguard Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children in Gaza and the West Bank. This plea underscores the gravity of the situation and the dire need for international intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the imperative of advancing towards “a two-state solution” in a “determined, irreversible way,” emphasising the global community’s collective responsibility to address longstanding tensions in the region.

Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, echoed these sentiments, cautioning that sustained security and stability in the Middle East would remain elusive without achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.

Guterres tells UNSC efforts are underway for an extension of the truce

The acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of peace and stability in the region emphasises the intricate diplomatic challenges that must be addressed for a more harmonious future.

As the international community rallies around the cause of Palestine, these impassioned calls at the UN reflect a pressing need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the unrest, hold accountable those responsible for alleged war crimes, and work towards a lasting solution ensuring the rights and safety of all affected parties.

A delegation of Arab and Muslim states is currently visiting capitals of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to encourage them to persuade Israel to stop its aggression.

On Oct 27, the General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, cessation of hostilities, unimpeded supplies of relief goods, and an end to forced displacements.

“We regret that the General Assembly’s call was not heeded by Israel, which continued its indiscriminate and criminal attacks against the Palestinian people,” the Pakistani envoy said.

He noted that Israel also ignored the Security Council’s call to protect civilian lives and allow the continuation of basic humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

Security Council debate

Like the General Assembly, the UN Security Council also held an intensive debate on Wednesday in New York on the Middle East crisis.

This is the first open meeting since the 15-member body passed a resolution in mid-November, and the first where foreign ministers are weighing in.

Briefing top diplomats, the UN chief said the world must not look away from the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Mr Guterres said the UN was working to maximise the positive potential of the current pause in fighting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told the UN Security Council that a resumption of fighting in Gaza threatens to “devour the region”.

“Resumed fighting will most likely turn into a calamity that devours the whole region,” he said, expressing hope that the pause will be the beginning of a negotiated ceasefire.

Like the UN chief, the Chinese foreign minister also said that “only the implementation of the two-State solution can restore peace” in the Middle East.

Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the observer State of Palestine, said a truce must become a ceasefire.

“This is not a war,” he said. “This is a carnage that no one can justify. It must be brought to an end.” People must be allowed to go back to their homes, Al-Maliki added.

Vassily Nebenzia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Russia accused the West of West showing ‘blatant double standards’ over Gaza.

He pointed out that for over two months now, a conflict of biblical proportions has gripped the Middle East. “It is no exaggeration to say that it has become one of the most lethal regional conflicts in recent decades,” he said, noting the devastating impact on civilians, in particular children.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2023