'Grave Violation Of International Law': Greek UN Rep Decries Displacement Of Palestinians From Gaza

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During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Ioannis Stamatekos, Greece's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke about displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Transcript

00:00I thank the representative of Slovenia for the statement, and I now get the floor to the representative of Greece.

00:07Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jensha for his briefing,

00:15as well as Mr. Eli David for his powerful and moving testimony.

00:20And I express my deep sympathy for the suffering you, Mr. David, and other relatives of hostages have endured.

00:28I would also like to welcome the presence of His Excellency, Mr. Gideon Tsar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel,

00:36to this meeting, as well as of the representatives of the Observer State of Palestine and Tarzantina.

00:43Mr. President, Greece reiterates its firm condemnation of the heinous terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7.

00:53The recently released images of hostages were yet another stark reminder of this continuing calamity.

01:03Today, we stand in solidarity with the victims and the families, and above all, with those who remain in captivity.

01:11Our thoughts are with every hostage still held in Gaza, with those who return home traumatized,

01:19with those who perished in captivity, and those whose fate remains unknown.

01:26We once again demand the immediate, unconditional, safe, and dignified release.

01:32They must be released now.

01:35It is deeply troubling that these hostages have not been granted humanitarian access to address urgent medical and basic needs,

01:44as required under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

01:51Mr. President, in the months that have followed the appalling events of October 7,

01:58the members of the Security Council have been discussing and debating over the situation in the Middle East,

02:06and specifically in the Gaza Strip, as events unfolded, and a disastrous humanitarian situation took hold of the entire Strip.

02:15The world has witnessed violence surging, and people agonizing over the future of their loved ones.

02:23It has witnessed starvation and death.

02:27Unfortunately, as we continue to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza,

02:32a feeling of frustration of a peace that remains elusive is ever prevalent.

02:39We have repeatedly condemned the atrocities of October 7.

02:42We have made clear that Hamas has no place, no place in the day after in Gaza.

02:49We have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

02:55We have joined the calls of our fellow members of this Council for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid

03:02to be delivered massively immediately to Gaza.

03:05We have called on Israel to lift the blockade and spare the starving population.

03:11Mr. President, we cannot accept the suffering and humiliation of the hostages at the hands of Hamas

03:19and the anguish of their families.

03:22No one should.

03:24Nor can we turn a blind eye to the suffering of over 2 million Palestinians and their strive to survive.

03:31The toll is staggering.

03:33Thousands dead or injured, countless displaced, and the population struggling daily for survival.

03:40In this regard, we call on all parties to show responsibility and opt for an agreement,

03:48as it is evident by now, that this conflict has no military solution.

03:53The political process must be revitalized with the aim to create conditions conducive to achieving a two-state solution,

04:01according to the relevant Security Council resolutions,

04:05while guaranteeing the right of Israel to exist in peace and security.

04:10As we have stressed before, there can be no day after scenario for the Gaza Strip with Hamas.

04:18There can be no day after scenario without the Palestinians in Gaza.

04:22Forced displacement of the population from the occupied Palestinian territories

04:29would amount to a grave violation of international law,

04:33would jeopardize the regional stability and security,

04:36and would undermine the prospect of a two-state solution,

04:40as would any other actions that run counter to this objective.

04:45Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis on the ground demands immediate action.

04:50Millions are in urgent need of food, primary health services, education, and shelter.

04:58Border crossings must remain open.

05:01ANRA's role should not be undermined.

05:04Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected in line with international humanitarian law.

05:11Mr. President, we cannot change the past, but we can certainly shape the future.

05:17The suffering of both sides must come to an end.

05:22Neither the hostages and their families, nor the Palestinians can afford another day of this devastation.

05:30I thank you.

05:30Agradezco.

05:32Agradezco.

05:33Agradezco.

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