The issue of Palestinian rights remains a focal point at the United Nations, as the organization marks seventy-eight years since the adoption of Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947. This resolution aimed to establish both an Arab and a Jewish state in Palestine, but while Israel is a recognized member state, the State of Palestine has yet to achieve this status.
During a recent address at the UN, officials emphasized that the Palestinian people have been denied their inalienable rights, particularly the right to self-determination. As the conflict evolves, there is an urgent call for decisive action to break the prolonged deadlock.
The recent attack by Hamas on October 7 marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, leading to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The two years of warfare have resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, including numerous women and children, with many more individuals left injured and traumatized. Civilian infrastructure has been devastated, displacing almost the entire population.
Survivors of the conflict are facing dire conditions. Families have been torn apart, with some finally reuniting with loved ones after prolonged captivity. In stark contrast, others mourn the loss of family members whose bodies have returned home. The toll on children has been particularly devastating, leaving many without parents or homes.
While the world focuses on Gaza, the situation in the occupied West Bank continues to deteriorate. The expansion of settlements, demolitions, and increased violence against Palestinians further threaten the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. Movement and access to essential services are severely restricted due to checkpoints and land confiscations.
During previous visits to West Bank villages, officials witnessed firsthand the impact of settlement expansion. Farmers and teachers shared their experiences of daily life under such conditions, where acts of violence and intimidation have become part of their routine. A notable incident involved a drone from an Israeli settlement hovering above a group of residents, symbolizing the constant surveillance and threat they face.
The challenges extend beyond immediate violence. Daily indignities complicate basic activities, such as children trying to get to school or pregnant women seeking medical care, who often face delays at checkpoints. The ongoing conflict underscores the reality that a resolution cannot be achieved through sustained military occupation or forced displacement.
Efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been outlined in the New York Declaration, which aims to establish a framework for peace. The security situation must improve, and there is a call for the ceasefire to become permanent. Since the most recent ceasefire, reports indicate that at least 67 children have lost their lives, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As winter approaches, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Many families lack adequate shelter and face hunger, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance. The delivery of aid must comply with international humanitarian law, ensuring that organizations like UNRWA can operate effectively in the region.
The General Assembly and the Security Council have consistently called for a resolution based on established parameters, which include the need for unity between Gaza and the West Bank. A sustainable peace requires an end to violence and incitement, as well as a halt to settlement activities in the occupied territories.
The path to lasting peace, stability, and justice in the Middle East hinges on the commitment of the international community. Member states must actively engage in the peace process, adhere to international law, and uphold the principles of the United Nations.
Self-determination and the right to live in peace, security, and dignity must be recognized as fundamental rights, not privileges to be negotiated. The time for meaningful action is now, as the world watches and waits for a resolution that has eluded the Palestinian people for decades.
