President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives has criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its failure to take decisive measures to end the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza. The president specifically denounced the UNSC's veto for not demanding a ceasefire and enabling potential war crimes. In response to the ongoing crisis, Maldives has co-sponsored a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
President Muizzu urged the UN General Assembly to exert pressure on all parties involved to fulfill their obligations under international law. He also called for increased pressure on the international community and the Israeli government to halt the expansion of illegal settlements and the economic isolation of Palestinians. Maldives remains committed to supporting the people of Palestine in their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.
The emergency session of the UN General Assembly was held at the request of Egypt and Mauritania, invoking the UNGA Resolution 377, 'Uniting for Peace.' The session aimed to address the urgent situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the situation in Gaza, with aid agencies and individuals calling for an end to the violence and the protection of innocent lives. The failure of the UNSC to authorize a resolution demanding a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza has been widely criticized. The dire conditions in Gaza, including constant bombardment and limited access to essential resources, have led to a collapsed healthcare system and the threat of disease outbreak. Aid agencies are urging the Security Council to reconvene and pass a resolution for a sustained ceasefire and the creation of conditions that enable humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) expressed concern about the possibility of a third world war, stating that it cannot be dismissed. He praised India's call for a two-state solution to the conflict in Gaza and described it as responsible, pragmatic, sensible, and necessary. He also expressed concern about the situation in the Red Sea, stating that third parties are facilitating harmful and dangerous actions by the Houthis. The UNGA President held talks with India's External Affairs Minister on various topics, including the situation in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, and UN reforms. The President emphasized the need for urgent reform of international institutions, especially the UN Security Council. He also highlighted the worrying situation in Gaza and the need for peace.
The president of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, expressed deep distress over the Israeli regime's attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. He stated that over a million civilians are already sheltering in dire conditions and that another phase of this humanitarian catastrophe is imminent. Francis called for all those with leverage to help stop the bloodshed and initiate meaningful dialogue for a durable peace. The Israeli regime plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, home to more than 1 million people seeking refuge from the war, to defeat what Tel Aviv calls the remaining 'Hamas battalions.' The Israeli onslaught has left 85% of Gaza's population internally displaced and caused acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. The UN has expressed concern about a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
The State of Qatar has also called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council (UNSC), to take necessary measures to end the wars in Gaza and Sudan and protect the Palestinians. Qatar strongly denounced the prevention of entry of High Commission employees into the occupied Palestinian territories, accusing Israeli authorities of hiding information and falsifying facts about violations and crimes against the Palestinian people. The statement highlighted various violations including illegal settlements, aggression and genocide in Gaza, starvation and collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, destruction of civilian facilities, targeting civilians and humanitarian relief, killing journalists, arbitrary detention and torture of detainees, and forced displacement of Gaza population. Qatar welcomed the Security Council's adoption of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need for dialogue between all Sudanese parties to permanently stop the military conflict and launch broad negotiations for a comprehensive agreement and sustainable peace. Qatar reaffirmed its support for the unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan, rejecting interference in its internal affairs.
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the UN Security Council resolution 2724, which calls for an end to ongoing fighting in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan. OIC Secretary-General, Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, appealed to all conflicting parties in Sudan to stop hostilities and all forms of violence with the advent of Ramadan. The OIC General Secretariat emphasized its support for all regional and international efforts supporting the Sudanese people and their aspirations for lasting peace, democracy, security, and development.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for ceasefires in Gaza and Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan. Guterres appealed for the silencing of guns and the removal of obstacles to ensure the delivery of life-saving aid in Gaza. He expressed concern over the unprecedented level of civilian killing and destruction in Gaza and the slow delivery of relief. Guterres also called for a Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan, emphasizing the need to end the fighting for the sake of the Sudanese people. He urged political, religious, and community leaders to work towards peace during this holy period.
Dr Hassan Al Kordi, a lecturer at IUM's Centre for Post Graduate Studies, is appealing for assistance in bringing his family from Gaza to the Maldives. His family has survived the attacks on Gaza and remains there while he has been working in the Maldives. The cost of transporting his family out of Gaza is extremely high, and he is unable to afford it. He is seeking help from the people and authorities of Maldives to bring his family to safety. Hassan has been working in the Maldives for eight years, and his family came to stay with him in 2018. However, due to the closure of borders, they were unable to return to the Maldives. Hassan is doing everything he can to facilitate the move of his family out of Gaza and hopes to live in the Maldives with them once they are safe. His family is currently facing hunger and is unable to source food for Ramadan. Hassan is determined to bring his family to safety and is concerned about their well-being if the attacks on Gaza continue. He fears that they may not survive if they are unable to leave Gaza.
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