The UN Security Council meeting on October 24, 2023, spotlighted the urgent need to address the escalating violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a strong call for immediate action to halt the ongoing attacks on Palestinian civilians. A representative emphasized that the systematic violence perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian population must be stopped, framing it as a collective human duty under international law.
The representative expressed gratitude to Brazil for convening the session and acknowledged the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and humanitarian agencies, particularly UNRWA, which are working tirelessly under dire conditions to assist those affected. They mourned the loss of humanitarian workers, including doctors and nurses, who have been targeted amid the violence.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis, the representative reported that over 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks, including a significant number of children and women. They painted a stark picture of the situation, noting that over 1 million people have been displaced and housing units destroyed, urging the international community to recognize that continued violence will not lead to security for Israel.
The call to action was clear: peace with Palestine is essential for shared security, and the ongoing war must end to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. The representative stressed that humanitarian aid alone cannot resolve the crisis if the cycle of violence continues, urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities to pave the way for lasting peace.