November 24, 2023
Ambassador Harold Adlai Agyeman, Ghana’s Representative to the United Nations, condemning the horrendous attacks of Hamas against Israel on 7 October, expressed concern about the high number of civilian casualties arising from Israel’s military response.
He urged “a strong recalibration of approach” and welcomed the decision for a temporary ceasefire. Further mutual measures could reinforce respect for international humanitarian law by the parties, safeguard hospitals and schools and facilitate humanitarian access to prevent a potential health catastrophe. Efforts to build confidence should also work towards reducing attacks on UNRWA installations. Calling for an immediate halt to airstrikes beyond agreed deadlines, he emphasized that holding civilian hostages violates their fundamental human rights.
In this context, the Council must commit to ensuring the protection of civilians in strict compliance with international humanitarian law, he added.