Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, has condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, highlighting the death toll, human suffering, and widespread injuries that have characterized 349 days of continued violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Speaking on September 19, 2024, Ambassador Abu Shawesh recounted the brutal and oppressive actions of Israeli soldiers, accusing them of crimes against humanity, which he described as driven by "hearts filled with hatred and messianic, catastrophic beliefs toward our people."
Abu Shawesh further criticized the United States and Israel for their disregard for human rights and international law, referencing Israel’s recent verbal attack on EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell. “Israel’s foreign minister accused Borrell of being an ‘anti-Semite and Israel-hater’ simply because he participated in discussions about establishing a timeline for the Palestinian state,” said the Ambassador. He pointed out how such accusations have become futile, as the international community increasingly stands with Palestine’s right to self-determination.
The statistics speak volumes. As of September 18, over 41,272 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 95,551 injured, while 10,000 remain missing under the rubble. Citing a World Health Organization report, Abu Shawesh revealed that at least a quarter of the injured will have life-altering conditions requiring long-term rehabilitation. Severe limb injuries are widespread, with up to 17,550 cases requiring rehabilitation services and as many as 4,050 limb amputations reported.
Amid these horrors, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months. With 124 out of 193 countries voting in favor, including Nigeria, the resolution shows a global consensus for Palestinian rights. Ambassador Abu Shawesh expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its unwavering support and vote in favor of this resolution. He praised Nigeria's consistent stance in defense of international law and human rights.
Abu Shawesh’s statement was not just limited to the present conflict. He also marked the 76th anniversary of the assassination of UN peace mediator Count Folke Bernadotte by a Jewish militia in 1948, whose leader, Yitzhak Shamir, later became Israel’s prime minister. The Ambassador exposed further violations of human rights by revealing a new investigation conducted by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which found that Israel is recruiting African asylum seekers for life-threatening operations in Gaza in exchange for promises of permanent legal status.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh concluded by warning that Israel's conduct is eroding the foundation of international law, and he called on the global community to take more meaningful steps to hold Israel accountable.
**Full Statement by Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh:**
"349 days of being in the crosshairs of Israeli rifles, at the mercy of soldiers with fingers itching to pull the trigger, driven by hearts filled with hatred and messianic, catastrophic beliefs toward our people. 349 days of US-Israeli war against human rights, moral values, international law, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and an endless list of institutions and individuals daring to stand up against their brutal, barbaric and tyrannical colonial interests.
Israeli officials have become like raging bulls, especially after the scarecrow of anti-Semitism can no longer serve anymore. As of yesterday, September 18, the death toll of Palestinians has surpassed 41,272 martyrs and 95,551 injuries, not to mention the more than 10,000 Palestinians still missing under the rubble. Citing World Health Organization 'At least one quarter of the people injured in Gaza are estimated to have life-changing injuries that require rehabilitation services now and for years to come…. The analysis found that severe limb injuries, estimated to be between 13,455 to 17,550, are the main driver of the need for rehabilitation. Many of those injured have more than one injury. According to the report, between 3,105 and 4,050 limb amputations have also occurred.'
Yesterday, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution to impose sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The resolution demands that Israel bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory no later than 12 months. With 124 out of 193 UN member states voting in favor of the resolution, it proves once again that the international community, apart from the classical occupying club, supports the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an end to Israel’s deadly and prolonged occupation. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its continued support and vote in favor of this resolution along with 123 other countries.
UN experts are warning that the edifice of international law stands upon a knife’s edge, with most States failing to take meaningful steps to comply with their international obligations reaffirmed in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Two days ago marked the 76th anniversary of the assassination of the UN peace mediator Count Folke Bernadotte at the hands of a Jewish militia gang called Lehi. In 1983, the former leader of Lehi, Yitzhak Shamir, became the Prime Minister of Israel.
In clear violation of human rights and hideous exploitation, a new investigation conducted by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz proves that 'Israel is recruiting African asylum seekers for life-threatening Gaza war operations, promising them permanent legal status.' When we say Israel is a pariah state, we are absolutely correct."
Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh
Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine
X – Twitter: @AM_Shawesh
Tags
News