THE recent session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York once again exposed the double standards of world powers, especially the United States. Most world leaders in their speeches stressed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the stoppage of Israeli agg-ression in Lebanon.

US President Joe Biden voiced his frustration with Israel, but on the day he was addressing the UNGA session, Pentagon approved $7.5 billion in arms meant for Israel. This is the attitude that has kept Israel encouraged. This is why the US as well as its allies in the West are responsible for the ongoing genocide of innocent in Gaza.

In the last one year, Israel has killed hundreds of humanitarian aid workers, UN staff, journalists and doctors active in Gaza. This is in addition to the Palestinians, including children who have been brutally murdered. The death toll stands at well over 41,000. And the Israeli aggression in Lebanon has just begun, with close to a thousand deaths already. When Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UNGA, delegates of most countries boycotted his speech. He spoke to an almost empty hall. But that has not meant anything to him or his backers.

I suggest that the UN should warn Israel and its supporters to either stop its aggression or face termination of UN membership. The UN is now 79, and it is time to take some mature steps against countries that promote war.

Currently, the UN is under influence of the US, with its headquarters in New York. The UN must take steps towards sustainability, and free itself from American influence. The UN is the only hope that nations like Palestine have. It is up to the UN to come good on its promises.

Aijaz Ali Khawaja
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2024