Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, stated at an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly that Israel does not have the right to self-defense in Gaza due to its status as an “occupying power.” Nebenzia pointed out that the International Court of Justice confirmed this in 2004. He accused the US and its allies of hypocrisy, criticizing them for not respecting humanitarian law and for their silence in the face of the destruction in Gaza.
Nebenzia emphasized that Russia recognizes Israel’s right to ensure its own security. However, he stressed that true security can only be achieved through a fair solution to the Palestinian problem based on UN Security Council resolutions. He urged Israel to fight terrorists and not harm civilians.
On October 7, an attack by Hamas resulted in the death of approximately 1,400 Israelis. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. While Russia condemned the Hamas attack, it also accused Israel of indiscriminate killings of Palestinian civilians and called for an immediate ceasefire. According to Gaza health officials, over 9,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.
Despite recognizing Israel’s right to fight terrorism, Nebenzia urged Israel to prioritize terrorists over civilians. He called for a resolution to the ongoing violence and emphasized the importance of protecting innocent lives.
It is crucial to find a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction. International actors, including the United Nations, must work together to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue between the parties involved. The protection of civilian lives and adherence to international humanitarian law should be paramount, and all parties must be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Russia’s UN representative, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized Israel’s right to self-defense in Gaza as an occupying power and called for a fair solution to the Palestinian problem. While recognizing Israel’s right to fight terrorism, he urged Israel to prioritize the protection of civilian lives. The ongoing violence in the region highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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