New York, 15 November 2024
Mr. Chair,
The ongoing conflict in Israel, Lebanon and Palestine has resulted in a significant escalation in violence, with thousands of innocent lives lost and extensive humanitarian consequences. My Delegation echoes the plea of Pope Francis for “an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let us pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.”[1]
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 perpetrated by Hamas and other armed groups against the people in Israel. It also renews Pope Francis’ urgent appeal for the immediate release of all hostages. The Holy See calls on all parties to act swiftly to restore their freedom.
At the same time, the Holy See expresses profound concern at the catastrophic humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict has caused an extensive loss of life, including the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinians, many of them children. In addition, hundreds of thousands of families have been forcibly displaced, particularly from the northern Gaza Strip, resulting in a lack of shelter, food, and basic necessities.
The protracted conflict is exerting significant pressure on Lebanon, which was already experiencing political and economic distress. The Country is once again facing the consequences of war and the loss of life. The prevailing circumstances are causing considerable suffering to all Lebanese communities residing in the southern provinces of Lebanon, where there are numerous Christian villages. The Holy See is similarly concerned that in the northern part of Israel several communities are suffering and being displaced due to this protracted conflict.
In this challenging situation, it is crucial that the flow of international aid not only be unhindered but facilitated, so as to ensure that it reaches those in need. In this regard, customary international humanitarian law must be upheld with the utmost respect by all parties. This includes the protection of individuals who are not actively engaged in hostilities and the safeguarding of medical facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship that serve civilians, along with their tangible and intangible assets.
In this context of the current acute crisis, the role of UNRWA is of great importance. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges, the Agency is providing vital assistance in areas such as healthcare, food aid and education to over 5 million Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Therefore, the Holy See urges the international community to continue supporting UNRWA’s activities. At the same time it calls on the Agency to remain politically neutral, impartial and effective, with its actions firmly grounded in the principles of human dignity and universal human rights.
It is essential that Member States continue to support UNRWA’s mandate and safeguard its role in providing humanitarian assistance and protecting Palestinian refugees. Any efforts to undermine UNRWA’s mandate not only deprive vulnerable populations of essential support, but also risk weakening the framework of international law and the UN’s broader commitment to a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Holy See firmly believes that the only solution to the suffering of the Palestinians and the Israelis is the establishment of a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution.
Mr. Chair,
Allow me to conclude with the words of Pope Francis: “All of us must work and commit ourselves to achieving a lasting peace, where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down the walls of enmity and hatred. We must all cherish Jerusalem so that it will become the city of fraternal encounter among Christians, Jews and Muslims, protected by a special internationally guaranteed status.”[2]
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[1] Pope Francis, Angelus Prayer, 13 October 2024.
[2] Pope Francis, Address during the Tenth Anniversary of the Invocation for Peace in the Holy Land, 7 June 2024.
