UN envoys expressed opposition to American proposals concerning the ‘displacement’ of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

In a news conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday, Kuwait’s UN envoy, Tareq Al Banai, speaking as the chairperson of the Arab Group, strongly denounced the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Al Banai emphasized that such actions must be steadfastly opposed, highlighting that they represent a blatant violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. The Arab Group, he asserted, firmly stands against any such displacement.

The declarations received support from ambassadors representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

He criticized the Israeli government’s aggressive actions in the occupied West Bank, describing their military operations in the region as a “blatant breach of international law.”

On January 21, Israeli military forces, along with the police and the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, initiated a major and indefinite operation in Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp.

The military offensive has been broadened to encompass additional regions in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, specifically targeting areas such as Tulkarem and Tammun, located to the south of Tubas.

According to the Jenin Refugee Camp Media Committee, recent Israeli military actions have resulted in the displacement of approximately 20,000 Palestinians.

The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations has urged an immediate cessation to what was described as the “illegal occupation.”

At a recent news conference, Palestine’s United Nations envoy, Riyad Mansour, emphasized the urgent need for advancing peace efforts. He called for the establishment of a political pathway and the swift termination of what he described as the ongoing illegal occupation.

Following the intensification of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, reported fatalities have surpassed 48,239, with over 111,676 individuals injured. Authorities anticipate an increase in these numbers as recovery efforts continue in the affected areas.

Mansour called on media organizations to prioritize precise and factual reporting concerning matters related to Palestine. He emphasized the importance of preventing any further injustices against the Palestinian population, warning against the risk of experiencing another displacement akin to the Nakba, which could potentially lead to their expulsion from their homeland.

In a statement reflecting deep national sentiment, the speaker asserted, “Our sole homeland is Palestine. With unwavering affection for our land, we are committed to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the entirety of Palestine.” He further conveyed aspirations for the future, expressing a desire to one day commemorate the independence of the State of Palestine.

In anticipation of specific actions desired by the Palestinian mission from the United Nations Security Council or the General Assembly within the coming fortnight, Mansour has urged the Security Council to enforce Resolution 2735.

In an address to the Security Council, the speaker emphasized the Council’s unified stance on two key issues: the enforcement of Security Council Resolution 2735 and the collective commitment to the recently agreed ceasefire, which was unanimously celebrated.

Mansour emphasized the urgency for action within a matter of weeks, stating, “Should we fail to witness a genuine commitment, we will resort to Plan B, the specifics of which remain undisclosed both to you and to them at this time.”