Palestine: Violators of UNSC Resolutions Must Be Held Accountable to Prevent Continued Crimes

In a session of the UN Security Council (UNSC) focusing on Gaza, Majed Bamya, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Palestine to the United Nations, highlighted the ongoing violations of UNSC resolutions by Israel, which have allowed crimes and illegal actions to continue unchecked.

Bamya pointed out that massacres in Gaza and the West Bank are still ongoing, stating, “The price of not holding violators of this Council’s resolutions accountable is allowing crimes and illegal actions to continue.”

He reminded the Council that condemnations of Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories have persisted for nearly 60 years, but the lack of accountability has allowed these activities to continue unabated.

“Nothing justifies genocide”
Bamya firmly rejected the notion that the killing of Palestinians is a “right,” stating, “This has been our stance from the beginning. Today is the 632nd day, and this massacre is still ongoing. Nothing can justify genocide. A people are fighting for survival against an existential threat. Palestinians want to see their children grow up without pain and death. They reject the only future offered to them: either a shroud of death or chains of oppression.”

He emphasized that while the UNSC continues to meet, the genocide in Gaza persists. Bamya called for immediate action to hold perpetrators accountable, prevent further crimes, stop the massacres, and ensure dignified delivery of aid throughout the Gaza Strip.

Bamya expressed frustration at having to repeatedly assert that Palestinians are part of humanity and deserve to be treated as such, calling it an “unbearable and frankly humiliating situation.”

“Palestinians did not choose to live under occupation”
Bamya stressed that Palestinians were not born to live their lives under foreign occupation or to face repeated death, destruction, displacement, and dispossession. He said, “This is not our destiny. We are not lesser beings than those who demand these rights for themselves.”

He underscored that the forced eradication of a nation or the continued occupation of a people is “horrific and unacceptable.”

Bamya noted that while there should be consensus on crimes committed against Palestinians, the situation changes when it comes to the Palestinian people. He said, “We are experienced in this. When it comes to us, people try to defend the indefensible.”

“Double standards in favor of Israel are unjustifiable”
Bamya emphasized that no solution can succeed without the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. He highlighted the importance of continuing to advocate for a two-state solution even as the massacre of their people continues.

He stated that the double standard of constantly demanding passivity from Palestinians while justifying or condoning the strengthening of the Israeli army is unjustifiable and will not lead to progress.

Bamya concluded by saying that while the Palestinian people are expected to resume their lives after the massacre ends, despite their suffering, this is inhumane. He said, “We are only demanding the rights granted to us by international law. But we will never accept less.”