Ambassador Domingos Estêvão Fernandes, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mozambique to the United Nation, said that it is the responsibility of Council members to maximize efforts and implement a coordinated response to save civilian lives in the Gaza Strip.
Describing as a “positive signal” the potential agreement between the Government of Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages, he said that it could lead to a humanitarian ceasefire facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
There should be a unanimous call by the Council in support of these actions, he said, underscoring that the humanitarian assistance to Gaza should be scaled up to match the scale of the humanitarian crisis on the ground. The parties need to demonstrate leadership, wisdom and courage to work towards a long-lasting solution allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace. Council members should exert their influence for this noble and ideal goal,” he added.