By Hosea Parah, Abuja, Nigeria
In a stunning blow to the aspirations of the Palestinian people, the United States has vetoed their request for full membership in the United Nations. The decision, which came on April 19, has deepened the anguish and frustration already felt by the Palestinians in the face of the genocidal war being waged against them.
In a statement issued by the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria,Abdullah M.Abu Shawesh on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria.
The United States justified its veto by stating that Palestinian membership in the UN would not contribute to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This stance not only reaffirms their unfair support for the Israeli occupation but also legitimizes the brutal actions of the Israeli forces.
According to the statement, Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas expressed his disappointment, accusing the United States of continuing to support the occupation and providing Israel with weapons and funds that harm innocent Palestinian civilians. He criticized the US for violating international laws and reneging on its promises regarding a two-state solution and the pursuit of peace in the region.
This He said, the United States’ veto further solidifies its position as the staunch defender of the Israeli occupation. It undermines the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, a fundamental human right, and reinforces its role as the largest sponsor of the Israeli occupation. The veto effectively gives the green light to the ongoing Israeli genocide and strengthens the grip of the occupation on Palestinian territories.
“The devastating consequences of the Israeli occupation and the ongoing war are evident in the staggering numbers of Palestinian casualties. As of April 23, over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed, 77,000 injured, and more than 8,000 detained, including women, children, journalists, and administrative detainees. These numbers do not account for the Gazans who have been arrested and forcibly hidden.”
According to him, the United Nations has also raised concerns about the dire situation in Gaza. Over one million women and girls in Gaza face extreme deprivation, with limited access to food, safe water, sanitation facilities, and basic healthcare. The educational system has been severely impacted, with numerous students and teachers killed, injured, or displaced. The destruction of educational facilities and cultural heritage sites further exacerbates the crisis.
Added that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been at the forefront of providing essential aid and support to the Palestinian population. However, Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian efforts and its campaign to undermine UNRWA’s presence in the occupied territories have hindered life-saving deliveries and exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinians.
He emphasized that International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war and called for targeted sanctions and the suspension of arms transfers to pressure Israel to comply with its obligations under international law.
Despite repeated Israeli accusations and propaganda, Palestinians have called for an independent inquiry commission to investigate the events surrounding October 7. They argue that Israel’s fabrication of narratives to justify its planned crimes should be thoroughly examined by a neutral third party.
The US veto and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people highlight the urgent need for the international community to take decisive action to address the Israeli occupation and support the Palestinians’ legitimate rights. The voices of the Palestinians must be heard, and justice must prevail to bring an end to this protracted conflict.