Guyana reiterates urgency for Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages & boost in humanitarian aid to Palestinians

Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Trishala Persaud, recently addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the situation in the Middle East.
Ambassador Persaud reinforced that at the outset, Guyana stresses the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) amidst the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and urges the Council’s strong support for the Agency as it faces ongoing attacks.
She reminded that “we are approaching 300 days of Israel’s war on Gaza”, noting that for those civilians dwelling in the beleaguered enclave, the days since 7 October 2023 have been characterised by destruction and decimation of an unprecedented magnitude.
She expressed too that Guyana has taken note that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) continues its aerial, land and maritime bombardment across the Gaza Strip.

“Civilians, who have been ordered to evacuate multiple times and relocate to so-called humanitarian safe zones, have not been spared these bombardments, since the IDF has not been distinguishing between civilians and legitimate military targets. In fact, we continue to witness a deliberate targeting of schools and shelters housing displaced persons on the pretext that the IDF is targeting Palestinian fighters,” Ambassador Persaud explained.
“Were the thousands of children killed and maimed in Gaza by Palestinian fighters? Were any measures at all taken to spare these little ones from harm?” she asked while reinforcing that Guyana condemns in the strongest terms the wanton killing of civilians.
The Ambassador noted too that Guyana calls on all parties, including the IDF, to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
Moreover, she said Guyana is concerned about the frequent attacks on humanitarian personnel, including those travelling in convoys utilising clearly marked vehicles.
“We have too frequently heard the complaint that even though movement coordinates were shared with the Israeli authorities or approval given for passage, convoys have still been shot at, endangering the lives of humanitarians. We condemn these attacks and call on Israel to respect the humanitarian nature of the work that these personnel are undertaking in response to the catastrophic, manmade humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Further, there must be accountability for these violations of international law,” Ambassador Persaud emphasised.
Additionally, she said Guyana has taken note of how the breakdown of law and order in the Gaza Strip has become a prominent factor inhibiting the delivery of aid across Gaza.
“According to OCHA, this is engendered by desperation stemming from slow and inadequate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and is perpetuated by the lack of civil authority created by the unprecedented nature of the war. This could likely create persistent challenges even after a ceasefire is achieved and Guyana stresses the need for this Council to begin considering how these potential challenges could be staved off,” Ambassador Persaud noted.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese representative reminded of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered on July 19 which states “The precise modalities to bring to an end Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a matter to be dealt with by the General Assembly… as well as the Security Council. Therefore, it is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to consider what further action is required to put an end to the illegal presence of Israel… The urgent necessity [is] for the United Nations as a whole to redouble its efforts to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, to a speedy conclusion, thereby establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”
Against this backdrop, Ambassador Persaud stressed that “consensus in this Council on the critical matter of mandating the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is key to ending this decades-long conflict.”
Secondly, she said consensus in this Council on the equally critical matter of enforcing such a mandate is also key to ending this decades-long conflict.
“Third and final, consensus in this Council is key for the injustice against Palestinians to be remedied. The key, Mr. President, is consensus in this Council,” Ambassador Persaud added.
In concluding her presentation, the Ambassador reiterated the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
“Guyana also calls for an immediate halt of settlement activities and the accompanying violence in the West Bank. These are the immediate, short-term measures needed. The solution, though, is to take the collective feet off the back of Palestinians, paving the way for them to exercise their right to self-determination,” Persaud pointed out.
She added that achieving a free and independent State of Palestine is the international community’s responsibility and Guyana remains committed to doing its part.