The crisis has deeply divided the UN Security Council, whose high-level meeting angered Israel over a statement by the UN chief. In it, the Palestinian foreign minister for his part lamented the lack of action in the conflict, which has killed thousands of people on both sides, mostly civilians.
Opening the session, Guterres condemned the October 7 attacks by the Islamist group Hamas, calling them appalling, and warned of collective punishment for Palestinians.
“I am deeply concerned about the blatant violations of international humanitarian law that we are seeing in Gaza. I would like to make it clear that no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law,” Guterres said at the Security Council meeting, without explicitly naming Israel.
A. Guterres told the UN Security Council meeting that the Palestinians “have suffered a suffocating occupation for 56 years” and added that “it is important to recognize that the attacks by Hamas did not take place in a vacuum.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen was quick to condemn Guterres for his criticism of Israel’s campaign in the Gaza Strip and provided graphic details of Hamas attacks on civilians.
“Mr. Secretary General, what kind of world do you live in?” Cohen addressed the UN chief at the Security Council meeting.
“We gave the Palestinians the Gaza Strip down to the last millimeter. There is no dispute over the land of the Gaza Strip,” said E. Cohen, noting that in 2005, Israel completely withdrew from Gaza.
Israel soon imposed a blockade on the impoverished area, which has been in place since Hamas came to power.
Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, called on Guterres to resign and wrote on the X social network that the UN chief’s comments justified terrorism and killing.
Enormous suffering
According to Israeli officials, Hamas militants, who invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killed at least 1,400 people. people and took more than 220 hostages.
More than 5,700 people were killed in the Israeli retaliatory bombings in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians, the Hamas-ruled territory’s health ministry said.
Guterres, who personally went to the Egypt-Gaza border crossing to encourage the entry of aid, welcomed the fact that three aid convoys have passed through the Rafah crossing so far.
“However, this is just a drop in the ocean of need. Also, our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out within days. It would be another catastrophe, said A. Guterres. – In order to alleviate the enormous suffering, to facilitate the delivery of aid and increase its security, and to facilitate the release of hostages, I once again call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
The Security Council meeting is attended by top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has previously rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying it would only allow Hamas to regroup.
Last week, the United States vetoed a draft resolution on the crisis, saying it did not sufficiently support Israel’s right to self-defense.
A. Blinken informed the Security Council that the United States is submitting a new resolution, which, according to him, includes the essential comments of the members of the Security Council.
He asked why there wasn’t more outrage over the killing of Israelis.
“We must affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and prevent such harm from happening again.” No member of this Council – no nation in this entire institution – could or would not tolerate the killing of their own people,” said A. Blinken.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki condemned the inaction of the Security Council.
“The Israeli occupation authorities are deliberately, systematically and brutally carrying out continuous killings of civilians in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories,” he said.
“It is our human duty to stop them,” he said. “The inaction of this council is inexcusable.”
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Interview with Dr. Emily Thompson, International Relations Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The recent UN Security Council meeting has highlighted significant tensions in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Can you provide some context regarding the division within the council, particularly around Secretary General Guterres’s statements?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The UN Security Council is facing a significant split primarily between nations that support Israel and those that advocate for Palestinian rights. Guterres’s call for attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while condemning the Hamas attacks, has drawn fire from Israeli officials who argue that it downplays the immediate threat posed by Hamas. This division is emblematic of the larger geopolitical fissures at play in the region, with each side interpreting international law and humanitarian principles to fit its narrative.
Editor: In his remarks, Guterres emphasized the plight of the Palestinians and mentioned the “collective punishment” being enacted in Gaza. How significant is this statement, and what repercussions could it have?
Dr. Thompson: Guterres’s remarks are quite significant as they represent a rare acknowledgment from a high-ranking UN official regarding the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict for Palestinians. His statements could push more nations to publicly support humanitarian interventions and increase pressure on Israel to allow for greater access to aid. However, they may also provoke a backlash from Israel and its allies, who view such statements as morally equivalent justifications for violence against Israel.
Editor: Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen strongly criticized Guterres, insisting that Israel had made concessions by withdrawing from Gaza in 2005. How does this historical context influence the current situation?
Dr. Thompson: The historical context is critical here. Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza is presented by its officials as evidence of their willingness to cede land for peace. However, this withdrawal is complicated by the subsequent blockade and ongoing military operations. Cohen’s argument reflects a common narrative among Israeli leaders that frames the Hamas attacks as fundamentally unprovoked, which ignores the broader historical grievances of the Palestinian population. Understanding these nuances is essential for any meaningful dialogue on the conflict.
Editor: With the ongoing calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, which Guterres has reiterated, what challenges do you foresee in the path forward?
Dr. Thompson: The primary challenge is the political will—or the lack thereof—from key players like the United States, which has historically been a staunch ally of Israel. Calls for a ceasefire can be seen as politically risky, as they might potentially enable Hamas to regroup. However, the humanitarian needs in Gaza are dire. Finding a middle ground where humanitarian aid can flow without immediate military escalations is complex, requiring concerted diplomatic efforts. Until all parties recognize the necessity of addressing humanitarian issues, the cycle of violence may continue unabated.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. Your perspective helps illuminate the complexities of the situation.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going and remain engaged in seeking solutions for those most affected by the conflict.
From Gaza in 2005 is often cited by Israeli officials as evidence of their willingness to facilitate Palestinian self-governance. However, the subsequent imposition of a blockade and the rise of Hamas complicate this narrative. Many argue that the Israeli blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Gaza, creating a landscape where violence and retaliatory actions are frequent. This historical lens influences current perceptions and actions on both sides, often leading to entrenched positions that make diplomatic resolution increasingly challenging.
Editor: You mentioned the humanitarian crisis. Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. What do you think the chances are of achieving such a ceasefire given the current political climate, especially with the U.S. indicating its opposition to a ceasefire?
Dr. Thompson: Achieving a humanitarian ceasefire at this juncture seems quite challenging. The political climate is heavily weighted against such a move, especially with the United States maintaining its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. However, the humanitarian needs are dire, and if international pressure mounts, especially from key players in the Security Council and civil society, there may be room for negotiation. Still, without a shift in the attitudes of major powers like the U.S., a ceasefire remains a distant prospect.
Editor: Lastly, how can international organizations balance their support for Israel’s right to self-defense with the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
Dr. Thompson: This is indeed a delicate balance. International organizations must uphold the principles of humanitarian law, which necessitates protecting civilians in conflict zones. They can advocate for Israel’s security needs while simultaneously condemning actions that lead to civilian suffering and violation of rights. By pushing for independent investigations of both Hamas’s actions and Israel’s military responses, organizations can provide a platform for accountability and promote a narrative that respects the rights and lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. Ultimately, a just resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through recognition of the historical grievances and suffering endured by both sides.
