UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to undo injustices done to the Palestinian people by granting full membership to their state, while the Palestinian ambassador cautioned against allowing Israel to veto the process.

At an emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, the United States emphasised that the membership should be achieved through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Palestine holds the status of a ‘Permanent Observer State’ at the UN, allowing it to participate in all proceedings except voting on draft resolutions and decisions. General Assembly President Dennis Francis, in remarks read on his behalf, stated that the meeting was convened due to persisting divisions in the Security Council, hindering its effectiveness.

He warned that there would be serious consequences if Israel went ahead with its plan to attack Rafah. He said that the impunity granted to the apartheid Israeli regime had allowed it to flout UNSC resolutions on ceasefire and ignore the provisional measures prescribed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram also urged the international community to enforce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, guarantee unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

He demanded providing international protection for the Palestinians, reviving the peace process and holding Israel responsible for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the state of Palestine, emphasised the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, a demand that was echoed by both the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Emphasising the timeliness of recognising the state of Palestine, he thanked over 140 countries for their recognition and urged those yet to do so to act promptly, while also warning against further delays that could jeopardise peace efforts.

US Deputy Representative Robert Wood reiterated US support for a two-state solution and clarified that their veto doesn’t oppose Palestinian statehood but underscores the need for direct negotiations between the parties.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2024