Algeria and Slovenia call for UNSC meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza
ALGIERS – Algeria and Slovenia have called for a United Nations Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been devastated by nearly a year of Zionist genocidal aggression. Meanwhile, Algeria’s mission to the UN continues to emphasise in New York the urgent need for an “immediate ceasefire” to prevent further escalation of tensions in the Middle East region.
The call for the meeting on Friday comes in light of the dangerous situation in Gaza, including the latest developments on the ground. Algeria has made constant calls since it assumed its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January, as part of its efforts to support the Palestinian people and their just cause, with the goal of securing an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.
During his intervention at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, dedicated to the situation in the Middle East, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amar Bendjama, emphasised that “any effort to prevent an escalation of tensions in the Middle East region must start with the cessation of the brutal (Zionist) attacks on Gaza.” He stressed, “We must call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
While condemning the ongoing Zionist aggression against Lebanon, Algeria’s representative noted that the crimes committed in Gaza, now nearing one year since October 7, 2023, should not be overlooked. Gaza now counts nearly 42,000 martyrs and nearly 100,000 injured, the majority of whom are women and children.
Mr. Bendjama again lamented the UN Security Council’s failure to act, which he said has effectively given “a carte blanche” to the Zionist entity to attack Lebanon while continuing its crimes in Gaza.
In line with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria, through its permanent mission to the UN, has spared no effort since it assumed its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in early 2024 to achieve an urgent ceasefire resolution for Gaza.
In March of this year, Algeria drafted a proposal addressing the most complex issues, including an immediate ceasefire, leading to a permanent ceasefire, the release of all detainees, and the guarantee of the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
The draft, supported by other elected members, was adopted for the first time since the beginning of the genocidal war against Gaza, after four previous attempts had failed due to the American veto.
Resolution 2728 garnered 14 votes, with the United States abstaining. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the population and the release of detainees.
Since this diplomatic victory, Algeria has demonstrated its “unwavering” determination to continue its efforts at the UN in support of the just cause of Palestine, so that the State of Palestine can achieve the rightful place it deserves as a full and sovereign member of the United Nations.
