BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | November 18th, 2024 — Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amar Bendjama, has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take decisive action to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East and restore its credibility. His remarks, delivered on Monday, November 18, during the Council’s discussion on the Middle East situation, emphasized the urgent need for immediate measures to halt the violence and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Ambassador Bendjama underscored the UNSC’s core responsibility for maintaining global peace and security, noting that its numerous resolutions are often undermined by the intransigence of the occupying power, which, he said, “acts as if it is deaf to the voice of justice.” He highlighted the severe toll of the conflict, stating, “We have lost tens of thousands of lives, and hundreds of thousands endure hunger, disease, and forced displacement. To restore its legitimacy and credibility, the Council must act swiftly and resolutely to address this escalating crisis.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The Algerian diplomat outlined a series of steps the UNSC must prioritize, starting with the imposition of an immediate, unconditional, and durable ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. He described the ongoing violence as a “massacre that must end,” emphasizing the pressing need to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
Bendjama criticized the obstruction of humanitarian efforts by Zionist authorities, accusing them of weaponizing starvation, as documented in UN reports. He urged the Council to adopt a proposed resolution by elected members without delay to achieve the collective goal of an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Addressing Root Causes and Upholding International Law
Ambassador Bendjama reiterated Algeria’s unwavering support for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question, grounded in international law. He called on the UNSC to adhere to the roadmap outlined in General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24, which envisions ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“The shared goal of a two-state solution faces an existential threat due to Israeli occupation practices, including annexation plans, settlement expansion, and the displacement of Palestinians, in blatant violation of international law,” he stated.
Strengthening Palestine’s International Standing
Bendjama advocated for granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations, asserting that such a move would bolster international law and compel the occupying power to respect global norms. “Accepting Palestine as a full member state in the UN would reinforce the principles of international law and hold the occupying power accountable,” he said.
Accountability and Enforcement of UNSC Resolutions
The Algerian representative stressed the importance of enforcing UNSC resolutions through sanctions on violators of international law. He cited Resolution 2334, which declares Zionist settlements illegal, lamenting its non-implementation despite its adoption eight years ago. “Settlement activities continue unabated, mocking the Council’s authority and eroding global confidence in its resolutions,” he remarked.
A Unified International Response
Bendjama called for a unified international effort to support Palestinian governance and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of assisting the Palestinian Authority in unifying Gaza and the West Bank. “International agencies and institutions must consolidate their efforts to rebuild infrastructure devastated by Israeli aggression and empower the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its responsibilities,” he said.
The Cost of Inaction
Ambassador Bendjama warned that the root cause of conflicts in the Middle East remains Zionist entity’s occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian territories. He urged the UNSC to enforce its own resolutions, including Resolutions 1701 and 497, to end the occupation and restore peace in the region. “The cost of silence and inaction is enormous. Today, Palestinians and Lebanese pay the price with their lives; tomorrow, the repercussions will spiral beyond control,” he cautioned.
A Final Appeal
In a powerful conclusion, Ambassador Bendjama criticized the UNSC’s failure to implement its resolutions, attributing it to a system dominated by might rather than justice. “This failure undermines justice and the rule of law,” he asserted. “The Security Council bears a heavy responsibility to prevent the collapse of the international legal order. The time to act is now. We must restore hope for peace and uphold the principles of justice and international law.”
Algeria’s unwavering stance highlights its commitment to a just resolution for the people of Gaza and Lebanon, urging the global community to rise to the challenge of safeguarding peace and human dignity.
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