Date Published: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Category: Algeria
New York (United Nations) – Algeria expressed strong condemnation on Wednesday before the UN Security Council of recent statements by Israeli officials advocating for the annexation of the West Bank. The country also criticized the Israeli decisions aimed at halting the activities of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).
Ambassador Amar Benjamaa, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated, “We strongly condemn the statements made by various [Israeli] officials calling for the annexation of the West Bank, which represent a blatant violation of international law.”
During a meeting dedicated to the situation in the Middle East and Palestine, Benjamaa emphasized that such statements “undermine any prospects for peace” and “jeopardize efforts to establish a Palestinian state.”
The ambassador reiterated Algeria’s “firm condemnation of the decisions by [Israeli occupation authorities] to terminate UNRWA’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.” He warned that implementing such measures would “deprive Palestinians of access to essential services provided by UNRWA.”
Benjamaa stressed the indispensable role of UNRWA, which operates under a mandate from the UN General Assembly reflecting the collective will of the international community. He added, “Any attempt to undermine UNRWA’s work is an affront to the entire international community.”
Genocide in Gaza
The Algerian diplomat pointed to a recent Amnesty International report, describing the situation in Gaza as “genocide.” Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on October 7, 2023, over 45,000 people have been killed, 70% of whom were women and children. The number of injured has surpassed 107,000.
Benjamaa highlighted the destruction of infrastructure, persistent violence, and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where residents face disease and starvation. “Gaza has become a graveyard for the living,” he lamented.
He condemned the forced displacement of civilians, citing the bombing of four schools sheltering displaced families on December 15, which resulted in at least 50 deaths. “What will the international community do about this massacre? Is this not the time to pursue justice?” he asked.
He called for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire, criticizing the Security Council’s failure to enforce it.
Concerns Over the West Bank
Benjamaa also raised concerns about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem. He noted that settlements and associated practices violate international law, yet settlement activity continues unabated.
“In 2024 alone, plans were approved to build 13,000 housing units,” he said. “Meanwhile, Palestinian homes are demolished, and Palestinians live in fear of settler violence backed by Israeli authorities.”
On average, a Palestinian child is killed every two days in the West Bank, according to the ambassador.
International Responsibility
Benjamaa concluded by quoting President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who stated, “Stability and security in the Middle East are intrinsically linked to resolving the Palestinian issue, which requires ending the occupation and restoring the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.”
The Algerian ambassador called on the Security Council to uphold international law and hold those responsible for violations accountable.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
