Israel-Hamas War:S/L demands conflicting parties to comply with resolutions
By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel including other regional and international allies, the Sierra Leone Ambassador Michael I. Kanu to the United Nations Security Council has urged Israel and Hamas (conflicting parties) to comply with resolutions 2712;2720 and 2728 as an obligation for ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Kanu in his presentation on April 5th 2024 stated that “we recall resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728 which demand parties to the conflict to comply under international law, to protect civilians, and the need to allow for full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts in the Gaza Strip”.
These resolutions of the Security Council according to him are binding, and security council are deeply concerned about the non-compliance by the parties.
He further referenced a report from the Global Nutrition Cluster exploring on the acute malnourishment among children, the increasing threat of famine in the region, which underscored the deep concern over the casualties among humanitarian workers such as the World Central Kitchen among few.
“Madam President, thank you for convening this meeting at the request of Algeria, joined by Guyana and Slovenia, to receive an update on the risk of famine and attacks against humanitarian workers in the Occupied Palestine Territory, in particular the Gaza Strip” Ambassador presented.
Kanu highlighted the report from Global Nutrition Cluster referenced during UNSC briefing indicates that approximately 15 percent of children under two years of age and that the region is facing imminent famine.
On the continuing bombardment by Israel on the Gaza strip, he further mentioned that they have been briefed about the unrelentless Israeli bombardment on Gaza that almost destroyed all public and private infrastructure.
These include markets, private enterprises and financial institutions which are the bedrock of Palestine economic activity not functioning in Gaza. Infrastructure for essential services like water and sanitation, energy, and health all bombarded.
“The global community is aware of the result of the two-week military operation in the Al-Shifa hospital, which has left most of the hospital structure in ruins” he noted accounted for civilian casualties and internally displaced persons, with women and children being the most affected.
In respect of the death threat in the region and the dangers posed on humanitarianists according to him have remained resolute in assisting civilians to access food and life-saving aid needed for their daily survival.
“We recalled resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728 which demand parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, to protect civilians, and the need to allow for full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts in the Gaza Strip,” the UNSC Sierra Leone Ambassador remarked.
He underscored that the resolutions of the Security Council are binding.
Ambassador Kanu disclosed to the UN has recently reported in this stage during the conflict that at least 196 humanitarian personnel have been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
And that hundreds of humanitarian workers have paid the ultimate price, from the UNWRA Palestinian humanitarian workers to the World Central Kitchen workers he added.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families and organizations” he stated.
He noted each day they are reminded of the risk of famine and the steep rise in malnutrition due to intense hostilities and restricted humanitarian access. He recounted the report of OCHA that at least 576,000 people in Gaza are one step away from famine” and are “facing catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation”.
On the impact of the dire humanitarian situation he told the Security Council that despite the focus on food insecurity and famine, malnutrition, and disease, Sierra Leone recommended the following,
First, Sierra Leone condemns all attacks against civilians and humanitarian personnel and calls for the implementation of a ceasefire and effective de-confliction measures to deliver humanitarian aid.
Secondly, Sierra Leone called and to strongly urge the parties to the conflict to respect the resolutions of this Council by fully implementing resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728.
In the ongoing war between the conflicting parties which escalated on 7th October, Kanu reaffirmed the relevance and validity of the International Court of Justice provisional measures Order of 26th January 2024 and the request for modification Order made on 28th March 2024, which initially, obligates the State of Israel to ensure, without delay, full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned are urgently needed for basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation throughout Gaza.
Sierra Leone through its representation mentioned the significance and accountability for the grave violations of international law by all responsible parties to restore peace must be accompanied by accountability to end impunity.
Kanu further presented the vital role of UNRWA which he further lamented posed several factors impeding its humanitarian response on Gaza. Kanu disclosed the need for lifesaving humanitarian services to Palestinians across the Middle East region and to ensure the need for intensified political engagements and to consistently pursue the real substance of peace on the two-state solution. AJ/7/4/2024