On February 22 local time, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an expanded meeting to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip.
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| The UN Security Council holds an expanded meeting on the Gaza Strip on February 22. (Source: UN News) |
UN News reported that speaking at the meeting, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland expressed concern over the alarming and unstable developments and the unclear prospect of ending the war in the Gaza Strip as the conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its 140th day.
Mr Wennesland described the humanitarian situation in the territory as “shocking, unsustainable and desperate”; displaced Palestinians are facing severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while infectious diseases are also on the rise.
Referring to the two-state solution, the UN official said that international support for strengthening and reforming the Palestinian government to enhance its legitimacy in the country and in the world is very important.
Mr. Wennesland called for the establishment of a clear political framework towards ending the occupation and negotiating a two-state solution.
The best way to promote lasting peace and security for Israel is to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that exists alongside Israel, said Robert Wood, deputy head of the US Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
However, Mr. Robert Wood said that realizing this vision continues to face many obstacles.
The National reported that Chinese Foreign Ministry Legal Adviser Ma Xinmin on the same day affirmed his support for the two-state solution and called for a comprehensive ceasefire for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
At the working session of the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, Mr. Ma Xinmin affirmed: "Beijing has consistently supported the Palestinian people's just cause in restoring their legitimate rights."
According to the official, the Palestinian people's use of force to "resist foreign oppression" and complete the establishment of an independent state is an "inalienable right" in pursuit of the right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, regarding the conflict with Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “In the south, we have a simple goal - total victory. We are moving towards the destruction of Hamas and the release of the hostages."
Mr Netanyahu warned Hezbollah that Israel was ready to restore security in the north by any means necessary, with a simple goal of "bringing the residents back to their homes and giving them a sense of security".
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