December 8, 2023
Mr. President,
The draft resolution tabled by the United Arab Emirates, which in less than 24 hours garnered the co-sponsorship of at least 97 UN Member States, is clear in its intention:
An immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
It reiterates the Council’s demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians. It demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
And it requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on an urgent and continual basis on the resolution’s implementation.
It is brief, it is simple, it is crucial.
The draft echoes the call for a humanitarian ceasefire made by world leaders, humanitarian organisations, and most recently by the Secretary-General in his extraordinary letter.
We have expedited the negotiation process because after 63 days of conflict, and after more than 18,000 people dead, there is nothing else left to do or say other than to demand this war be brought to an end.
The imperative of saving as many lives as possible – right now – must supersede every other consideration.
Mr. President,
The adoption of resolution 2712 on 15 November mattered, but it was not enough.
The bombing of Gaza must stop, humanitarian aid needs to be delivered at scale, and the lives of scores of civilians, including Israeli hostages, must be protected.
Colleagues, I implore all of you to vote in favour of this draft resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President.