Guyana Demands Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Guyana has urgently demanded for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict and emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of civilians. Her comments come as the Gaza death toll neared 40,000, according to the Hamas Health Ministry and another 84 were killed and 329 wounded throughout the Gaza Strip today, as Israeli forces launch a new ground invasion in southern city of Khan Younis.
Relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives following the Israeli attack on Khan Yunis, mourn as dead bodies are taken from the morgue at Nasser Hospital for burial in Khan Yunis, Gaza on July 23, 2024. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Guyana’s Demands
“Mr. President, the silence has been deafening on a possible solution to end the war in Gaza. Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stated at the UN Security Council that Guyana had hoped for a change after adopting resolution 2735 five weeks ago. The resolution supported the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. However, bombs and bullets continued to rain down on Gaza, despite these efforts.
She commended the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, stressing the importance of maintaining optimism. “We remind that it is the responsibility of this Council to continue to do all in its power to bring an end to this war,” the Guyanese diplomat said, noting the worsening multilayered catastrophe in Palestine.
Calls for Ceasefire and Protection of Civilians
“The dimensions of this catastrophe stretch across every facet of Palestinian life, both in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Its principal characteristics are oppression and repression, indignity and impunity, destruction, deprivation, and death,” Rodrigues-Birkett elaborated.
She highlighted that Palestinians, despite their immense suffering, look to the United Nations for an end to their plight. “Guyana’s appeal is for a collective mustering of political will, to advance the peace process, and to give the Palestinian people real hope of a secure and stable future. This is the only prospect which can equally secure a stable future for Israel and the Middle East,” she added.
Condemnation of Israel’s Actions
The ambassador condemned Israel’s “barbaric war” on Gaza, which she said has resulted in a severely mutilated population. She stated that the death toll is nearing 40,000, with the majority being women and children. “What really is life in the Gaza Strip? Bombs, starvation, inadequate healthcare, and essential goods and services have seen the civilian population robbed of everything necessary for their survival,” she lamented.
Call for Humanitarian Aid and Protection of UN Facilities
Rodrigues-Birkett criticized the impediments to humanitarian aid, noting that despite the Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem crossing being “open,” only a trickle of aid has entered due to active combat zones. She emphasized that the ongoing bombardment and breakdown of law and order in Gaza exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
Guyana’s demands for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians in Gaza are a call to action for the international community to take immediate steps to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The country’s ambassador has made it clear that the status quo is unacceptable and that collective action is necessary to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
FAQs
Q: What is Guyana’s position on the Gaza conflict?
A: Guyana is calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence in Gaza. The country is also demanding that UN member states uphold their duty to ensure international law obligations are met, particularly international humanitarian law.
Q: What is the current situation in Gaza?
A: The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 40,000 people killed and many more injured. The country is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with inadequate healthcare, food, and shelter.
Q: What is Guyana doing to address the crisis in Gaza?
A: Guyana is calling on the international community to take immediate action to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The country is also providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.