The Press Statement on Humanitarian Workers and Threat of Famine in Gaza

0
75
Palestinian children carry pots as they queue to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid shortages in food supplies, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip December 14, 2023. REUTERS/Saleh Salem/File Photo

0:00

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the Israeli air strikes on the World Central Kitchen team members, which resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives. These dedicated humanitarian workers were on the frontlines, providing vital assistance and support to the people of Gaza, who are already suffering from dire humanitarian conditions.

The Security Council emphasized the need for all parties involved to respect and protect humanitarian workers, as well as their facilities and assets, in accordance with international law. The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a clear violation of the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality that underpin humanitarian action.

The Council recognized the significant contribution of humanitarian workers in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Gaza. Their selfless dedication and commitment to providing life-saving assistance deserve utmost respect and admiration.

The Security Council expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the threat of famine in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with millions of people in need of urgent assistance. The Council called upon all parties to immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.

The Council further stressed the urgent need for increased humanitarian access to Gaza to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need. The restrictions on the movement of goods and people have severely hampered the delivery of essential supplies, exacerbating the already precarious situation. The international community must work together to address these challenges and ensure the unhindered access of humanitarian assistance.

The Security Council reiterated its full support for the efforts of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and other humanitarian organizations in providing assistance to the people of Gaza. The Council called upon all Member States to generously contribute to the humanitarian response and provide the necessary funding to address the urgent needs on the ground.

In conclusion, the Security Council reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law and stressed the importance of upholding the safety and security of humanitarian workers. The Council urged all parties to respect and protect the rights of humanitarian personnel, and to ensure their unimpeded access to those in need. Only through collective efforts and genuine commitment to peace can we alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and work towards a sustainable solution to the conflict.

Accountability and Investigation

The members of the Security Council underlined the need for accountability for all of these incidents and noted that Israel has announced the initial results of an investigation into the incident of 1 April 2024. They stressed the need for a full, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the incident that is fully publicized.

The members of the Security Council expressed sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all who had lost their lives since the start of hostilities on 7 October 2023.

As the international community grapples with the aftermath of the hostilities that have plagued the region since October 2023, the issue of accountability takes center stage. The Security Council, recognizing the importance of justice and transparency, emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred on 1 April 2024. Israel’s announcement of the initial investigation results is a step in the right direction, but the Council insists on a comprehensive inquiry that leaves no stone unturned.
In the pursuit of accountability, it is crucial to ensure that the investigation is fully publicized. The Security Council emphasizes the importance of transparency, not only for the sake of the victims and their families but also to restore trust and confidence in the international community. By making the investigation findings available to the public, it becomes possible to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Security Council’s expression of sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of all those who have lost their lives during the hostilities underscores the gravity of the situation. The toll of the conflict has been immense, with countless lives lost and families shattered. These condolences serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
In addition to accountability and investigation, the Security Council must also address the underlying causes of the conflict to prevent further escalation. The international community must work together to find a sustainable solution that addresses the grievances of all parties involved. This requires diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and a commitment to upholding international law and human rights.
As the Security Council continues its deliberations, it is essential to keep the focus on accountability and justice. The victims of these tragic incidents deserve nothing less than a thorough investigation and a commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future. The international community must stand united in its pursuit of peace and stability in the region, ensuring that the voices of the victims are heard and that their suffering is not in vain.

Protected Status of Humanitarian Workers

The members of the Security Council also demanded that all parties to the conflict fully respect the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities, and operations under international law. They called for the parties to abide by humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms and immediately remediate any deficiencies in these mechanisms.

The members of the Security Council recognized the outstanding and admirable efforts of all humanitarian, medical, and United Nations workers serving in Gaza. They acknowledged the extremely difficult and dangerous conditions under which they are operating, as well as the tremendous courage they continue to demonstrate in pursuing their lifesaving mission.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, the protection of humanitarian workers becomes increasingly crucial. These brave individuals risk their lives every day to provide aid and assistance to those in need. They are on the frontlines, working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.
International law recognizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of humanitarian workers, facilities, and operations. The Security Council, as the primary body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, has a duty to ensure that all parties involved in the conflict adhere to these legal obligations.
Humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms play a vital role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. These mechanisms allow humanitarian workers to coordinate their activities with relevant parties, including armed forces, to avoid any unintended harm or interference. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict respect and abide by these mechanisms to prevent any further escalation of violence and to ensure the delivery of essential aid to those in need.
However, it is not uncommon for deficiencies to arise in these mechanisms, hindering the smooth coordination of humanitarian operations. The Security Council’s demand for immediate remediation of any deficiencies is a clear indication of their commitment to upholding the protected status of humanitarian workers. It is crucial that all parties involved take swift action to address any shortcomings and ensure the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations.
In recognizing the efforts of humanitarian, medical, and United Nations workers in Gaza, the Security Council highlights the immense challenges they face on a daily basis. These dedicated individuals operate in an environment characterized by constant danger and uncertainty. Despite the risks, they continue to demonstrate unwavering courage and commitment to their mission of saving lives and alleviating suffering.
The Security Council’s acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the invaluable contribution these workers make in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Their selflessness and dedication inspire hope and demonstrate the power of humanity even in the most challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, the protected status of humanitarian workers is of utmost importance in any conflict situation. The Security Council’s demand for respect and adherence to international law reflects the global commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. The recognition of the efforts of humanitarian workers in Gaza further underscores the critical role they play in alleviating the suffering of the affected population. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the protection of these individuals and facilitate their life-saving work.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with the threat of famine looming over the population. The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over the human toll of the ongoing conflict and the catastrophic impact it has had on the civilian population. The people of Gaza are facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis.

In response to this crisis, the Security Council called for the immediate lifting of all barriers to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population. While they acknowledged Israel’s announcement to open the Erez crossing and allow the use of the Ashdod port for aid deliveries into Gaza, they emphasized that more needs to be done to address the scale of needs in the region. The Council members stressed the importance of fully implementing this decision in a sustained manner to ensure that the required relief reaches those in need.

The Security Council reiterated their demand to the parties involved in the conflict to allow, facilitate, and enable the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip. They emphasized that this demand is in line with Resolution 2720 (2023), which calls for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the well-being of the civilian population in Gaza and take immediate action to alleviate their suffering. The international community must come together to provide the necessary support and resources to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent the threat of famine from becoming a reality. Time is of the essence, and urgent action is required to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.

The members of the Security Council emphasized the importance of upholding international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They stressed the need for all parties involved to fully respect and adhere to these laws in order to protect the rights and well-being of all individuals affected by the conflict.
In light of the upcoming month of Ramadan, the Security Council members called for an immediate ceasefire that would be respected by all parties. They recognized the significance of this holy month for Muslims around the world and emphasized the importance of creating an environment of peace and tranquility during this time. The aim was to establish a lasting and sustainable ceasefire that would bring an end to the violence and suffering endured by the affected populations.
Furthermore, the Security Council members expressed deep concern for the well-being of all hostages held by any party involved in the conflict. They called for their immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the need to prioritize their safety and well-being. Additionally, the Council urged all parties to ensure humanitarian access to address the medical and other urgent humanitarian needs of the affected populations. This included providing necessary medical assistance, food, water, and shelter to those in need.
To ensure compliance with international law, the parties involved were reminded of their obligations in relation to all persons they detain. The Security Council referred to Resolution 2728 (2024), which outlined the responsibilities of parties in accordance with international law. This resolution aimed to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals in detention, ensuring that they are treated with respect and in accordance with international standards.
In conclusion, the Security Council members reiterated their call for full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, leading to a lasting and sustainable peace. The release of all hostages and humanitarian access to address urgent needs were also highlighted, along with the importance of complying with international law in relation to all detainees.

In addition to expressing their support for the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, the members of the Security Council emphasized the importance of providing adequate resources and funding to ensure the success of humanitarian efforts in the region. They recognized the crucial role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in delivering essential aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza.

The Security Council acknowledged the immense challenges faced by UN personnel and agencies operating in Gaza, including the risks they encounter on a daily basis while carrying out their lifesaving work. They commended the dedication and commitment of these individuals, who often work in hazardous conditions to provide much-needed assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, the Security Council stressed the need for all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers and facilities. They called upon all parties to respect the principles of international humanitarian law and to refrain from any actions that could impede or obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The members of the Security Council recognized that humanitarian assistance alone is not sufficient to address the long-term needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza. They emphasized the importance of sustainable development and reconstruction efforts in order to improve the overall living conditions and prospects for the people in the region.

Moreover, the Security Council urged all relevant stakeholders, including international donors and regional organizations, to increase their support for humanitarian and reconstruction initiatives in Gaza. They called for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to ensure that the assistance provided is effective, efficient, and targeted towards the most vulnerable populations.

The Security Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza. They recognized the critical role played by the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, as well as UN personnel and agencies, in delivering lifesaving assistance to the Palestinian population. The Council emphasized the need for sustained international support and cooperation to address the immediate humanitarian needs and work towards long-term development in the region.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here