Sat Nov 30 06:04:31 UTC 2024: ## UN Condemns Violence in Palestine, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Aid
**UNITED NATIONS, NY** – The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, delivered a stark warning on Tuesday, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, highlighting the ongoing suffering and denial of dignity, rights, and self-determination for Palestinians. She unequivocally condemned the October 7th Hamas attacks and hostage-taking, while simultaneously stressing that the collective punishment inflicted on Palestinians is unjust.
Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 43,000 Palestinians, a majority of them women and children, have been killed following Israeli military operations in response to last year’s attacks. Gaza, she noted, has been reduced to rubble.
The UN official urgently appealed for immediate humanitarian assistance to reach the millions in desperate need in Gaza, specifically endorsing the work of UNRWA, a crucial lifeline for many Palestinians. She reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly.
Mohammed emphasized the need to advance a two-state solution in line with international law and UN resolutions, envisioning a future where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and securely, with Jerusalem as a capital for both. She reassured that the UN remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the rights of Palestinians to peace, security, and dignity.
These sentiments were echoed by the President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Filimon Yang, who underscored the need to restore hope and trust among the Palestinian population. He stressed that achieving a better future hinges on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, immediately releasing all hostages, and initiating negotiations towards a long-term peace. He urged the international community to take concrete and just steps to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions.
Riyad Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, described the current situation as a genocidal war that has been ongoing for over 400 days, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians, largely women, children, and the elderly. He accused Israeli forces of deliberately and systematically targeting civilians. He concluded that the illegal occupation is the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East and must be ended.
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