June 7, 2024 – In a solemn address, Palestinian envoy, Abdullah Shawesh marked 243 days of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging the international community to uphold international law and reject what they termed as the “law of the jungle.”
He expressed sincere thanks to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its support in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) resolution. Nigeria’s backing of the three Palestinian amendments was noted as a crucial step. “We look forward to Nigeria utilizing its full political weight, known and respected around the world, to secure balance on the international political stage,” they stated.
“On June 4, Slovenia’s parliament overwhelmingly voted to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. This move was hailed as a significant milestone in the Palestinian struggle for international recognition and support.
“As of June 4, the Palestinian toll from the ongoing conflict stands at 36,550 martyrs, with 82,959 injured and nearly 10,000 missing beneath the rubble that rescue teams have been unable to reach. The majority of the victims are reported to be women and children.
“The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs reported that since October 7, 16 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli prisons due to intense beatings, medical negligence, and torture.
“Preliminary satellite analysis by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) revealed that approximately 55% of all structures in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged by the war. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with significant impacts on infrastructure and essential services.
Reports also highlight severe disparities in water access between Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli control extends over 88% of Palestinian water sources in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians receive only 105 million cubic meters of the 400 million cubic meters needed annually, a stark contrast to the significantly higher consumption rates of Israeli settlers, he added.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that humanitarian facilities in Rafah are closing one after another. Since May 7, the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza has dropped by 67%, exacerbating the already dire conditions as kitchens, clinics, and hospitals shut down due to resource shortages.
Calls for Legislative Action
The Palestinian leadership condemned recent Israeli legislative moves aimed at consolidating control over Palestinian territories. They called on national parliaments worldwide to sever relations with Israel until it repeals these “racist laws” and dismantles settlements on Palestinian land.
Controversy Over UNRWA
Israel’s preliminary approval of a law to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and label it as a terrorist organization was met with condemnation. The EU issued a statement emphasizing the essential role of UNRWA in Gaza’s humanitarian response and criticizing attempts to delegitimize the agency.
Appeal for Global Solidarity
Highlighting the plight of displaced Palestinians, including those sheltering in UN schools under Israeli siege, Palestinian leaders called for international solidarity. They urged all national parliaments to act against Israel’s policies and support Palestinian rights.
Freedom of Expression
The address also touched on issues of freedom of expression in Western democracies, noting that criticism of Israeli policies is often labeled as hate speech or anti-Semitism, thereby stifling open discourse on the conflict.
As the conflict endures, Palestinian leaders continue to call for international intervention and support to secure peace, justice, and recognition for their people.