January 23, 2024
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, condemning Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel, stressed that those responsible must be held accountable and called for the release of all hostages.
The escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip is concerning, he said, spotlighting “the unacceptable human cost” paid by health-care workers, United Nations staff and journalists.
Highlighting the significant efforts made in the Council – including the adoption of resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023), which called on the parties to observe international law — he said that a full and comprehensive ceasefire is “the minimum required” for any humanitarian operation to be successful in the Gaza Strip.
He also expressed concern over Israeli political actors’ rhetoric regarding the forcible displacement of Palestinians and rejected any attempt to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip or the West Bank either temporarily or permanently.
Further, he voiced alarm over rising tensions in the West Bank, across the Blue Line in Lebanon and in the Red Sea, calling on the relevant parties to desist from any action that will further endanger the lives of civilians, escalate regional tensions or threaten global peace and security.
All diplomatic and political avenues geared towards finding a just and lasting solution to the conflict, based on the two-State solution, should be further explored, he added.