Algeria strongly condemns Zionist Officials’ Statements Calling for West Bank Annexation
NEW YORK (United Nations) – Algeria strongly condemned on Wednesday before the Security Council, the latest statements made by Zionist officials calling for the annexation of the West Bank as well as the Zionist entity’s decisions aimed at interrupting the UNRWA’s activities.
“We strongly condemn the statements made by several Israeli officials calling for the annexation of the West Bank, a clear violation of international law,” said Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
Bendjama, who spoke during the meeting devoted to the situation in the Middle east and Palestine, affirmed that the Israeli officials’ statements “jeopardizes any prospects for peace and undermines efforts toward the establishment of the State of Palestine.”
“We reiterate our strong condemnation of the decisions adopted by the Israeli authorities aimed at halting UNRWA’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories,” he added.
“If implemented, these measures will utterly deny the Palestinians access to the lifesaving services provided by UNRWA,” said Bendjama.
“Let me be clear, the UNRWA is irreplaceable. It operates in accordance with a mandate from the United Nations General Assembly, and it reflects the collective will of the International Community,” he recalled.
“Any attempts to undermine UNRWA is an affront to the International Community as a whole. We must all work together to preserve UNRWA and ensure it could continue its critical work,” Bendjama said.
Bendjama emhpasized that the Zionist entity is committing a true genocide in Gaza, mentioning Amnesty International’s latest report.
He noted that since 7 October 2023, the death toll exceeded 45,000, 70% of whom are women and children, with more than 107,000 wounded.
In addition to the massive destruction of infrastructures and permanent violence, the People of Gaza face diseases and starvation, which are “omnipresent threats.”
“Humanitarian aid remains highly insufficient to meet the immense needs of the population. Gaza has turned into a graveyard for the living,” he lamented.
The Israeli occupying army systematically hunts Palestinians from one shelter to another. On December 15th, just three days ago, four schools sheltering displaced families were bombed, killing at least 50 people, said Bendjama.
“So, what will the international community do in the face of this genocide? (…) Is it not time for justice ? ” he questioned.
“Stopping this ethnic cleansing is for us, a moral and legal duty,” said Bendjama.
“We deeply regret this Council’s inability to demand an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire.”
“The situation in the West Bank, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, is equally alarming. The Security Council, the General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice have reaffirmed that Israeli settlements, and associated practices constitute flagrant violations of international law. Yet, the settlement activity continues unabated,” he underscored.
“In 2024 alone, plans for over 13,000 housing units have been advanced. Meanwhile, Palestinian houses are destroyed, Palestinians live in the terror of settler violence, emboldened by the protection of the occupying authorities.”
“On average, one Palestinian child is killed every two days in the West Bank,” he noted.
“The developments in Gaza, in the West Bank, and the broader region offer a stark reflection of the true intentions of the occupying power. Yet, the situation is dire but not irreversible.”
“This Council must rise to the moment, uphold international law, and ensure accountability for violation of the International Humanitarian Law.”
Bendjama recalled the statement of the president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in which he affirmed that “Stability and security in the Middle East are closely linked to the resolution of the Palestinian issue, which requires the end of the occupation, and the restoration of the Palestinian peoples’ inalienable rights.”
