Algeria calls for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon

New York (United Nations) – Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amar BendJama, called yesterday, Monday, for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. During an urgent meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, held at the invitation of Algeria, China and Russia,

Mr. BendJama stated: “We call on all members of the Security Council to impose an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and to work to establish an independent Palestinian state with Holy Quds as its capital.” And ending the Israeli occupation of all Arab lands.”

The diplomat stated that since the beginning of its term in the Security Council last January, Algeria has warned of “the danger of the Israeli aggression on Gaza spreading to the rest of the Middle East region,” noting that this danger has unfortunately become “a reality.”

He warned, saying: “We are facing a regional conflict whose consequences may spread to the entire world.”

Mr. BendJama also expressed his regret over “the reluctance of some Council members to classify this situation as a threat to international peace and security.”

He stated: “We affirm our full solidarity with Iran, and we condemn these attacks, which constitute a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.”

He stressed “the responsibility that falls on the international community to curb the Israeli occupation and stop its escalation, which has plunged the entire Middle East region into an endless spiral of instability.”

He also stated: “We had previously stressed, after the Israeli air strikes that targeted Iranian diplomatic sites in Damascus last April, that true peace requires respect for the principles of the United Nations and international law by everyone.”

He added, “Applying the policy of double standards to international law weakens our global legal system and the credibility of this Council.”

In the same context, he stressed “the necessity of respecting international law without exception,” adding that “no one is above the law and that the Israeli occupation force must be held accountable for its actions.”

Mr. BendJama was also keen to stress that “the crises in the Middle East are interconnected and must be addressed together,” noting that “their root causes are not hidden from anyone, which is the Israeli occupation of Arab lands.”

He explained that “recent events should not obscure the central issue of aggression against the Palestinian people.”

He stressed, saying: “In the short term, an immediate ceasefire is necessary to put an end to the violence, but in the long term, achieving lasting peace requires enabling the Palestinians to enjoy their legitimate rights and ending the occupation of all Arab lands.”

APS