The Algerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, addressed the Security Council on Monday regarding the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Palestinian question. Bendjama emphasized the urgent need for concrete measures to uphold the ceasefire agreement.
Bendjama stated that the Palestinian territories remain a scene of bloodshed. He highlighted that, in the 40 days since the ceasefire began, the agreement has been blatantly violated, with over 310 Palestinians, primarily women and children, killed.
Algeria strongly condemns these brutal and ongoing attacks. Bendjama asserted that violations are occurring across the region, stating, “From Lebanon to Syria, to Gaza, to the West Bank, arrangements are being flagrantly violated and mediating and guaranteeing parties are being ignored.”
Bendjama called upon mediators and guarantors of the peace plan to take decisive and immediate action to preserve the ceasefire and compel the occupying power to fulfill its obligations. He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where residents are living a nightmare following the recent conflict. He stated that over 70,000 Palestinians were killed, and the humanitarian assistance that was expected to arrive freely is being obstructed. Families are facing freezing temperatures without shelter, food, or clean water, and diseases are spreading rapidly among them.
Bendjama also drew attention to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, stating that the suffering of the Palestinian people necessitates concrete action from the Security Council and a clear commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement.
“This crackdown is not limited to the besieged Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, we see the situation is just as dangerous,” he said.
In closing, Bendjama affirmed that the thousands of documented Israeli crimes cannot be forgotten. He stressed that impunity should not be allowed, and those responsible for war crimes and these horrific acts must be brought to justice. “We must not allow impunity and the provision of immunity for war crimes, and those responsible for these horrific crimes must be brought to justice,” Bendjama concluded.
