Annalena Baerbock was speaking at a plenary meeting of the Assembly where countries debated a resolution affirming the responsibility of the UN on the question of Palestine.
“For 78 years, the Palestinian people have been denied their inalienable rights, in particular their right to self-determination,” she said. said.
“NOW, It is high time we took decisive action to end this decades-long stalemate.”
War in Gaza, violence in the West Bank
Baerbock said the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023 “triggered one of the darkest chapters of this conflict.”
She described the immense devastation and suffering in Gaza after two years of war, with thousands dead, countless injured, communities starving, civilian infrastructure destroyed and almost the entire population displaced.
The hostages were freed and reunited with their loved ones, while other families mourn the returned bodies.
Even as the horrors of Gaza dominated the news, she warned that settlement expansion, demolitions and increased settler violence in the West Bank continue to undermine prospects for a sovereign, independent, contiguous and viable Palestinian state.
Two sovereign states
“Everything that has happened over the past two years has highlighted what we have known for decades. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved through illegal occupation, de jure Or de facto annexation, forced displacement, recurring terror or permanent war“, she said.
“Israelis and Palestinians will only live in lasting peace, security and dignity if they live side by side in two sovereign, independent states, with mutually recognized borders and full regional integration. »
This is highlighted in the New York Declaration, endorsed by many Member States and the United Nations. Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which approved the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza” proposed by the United States.
“Unfortunately, we still see on a daily basis that it’s just words on paper if we don’t keep our word“, she said.
Ceasefire and humanitarian aid
“We must ensure that the ceasefire is consolidated and becomes a permanent end to hostilities,” she added, noting that at least 67 children have been killed since the start of this fragile truce.
Ms. Baerbock also stressed the need to ensure that aid is delivered throughout the Gaza Strip safely and unhindered, and in full compliance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
This includes delivery through the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
She noted that “as indicated in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations…enabling UNRWA to fulfill its mandate and continue its operations is not simply a gesture of goodwill, it is a legal obligation.
Ms. Baerbock said that “the quest for peace, stability and justice in the Middle East needs our United Nations” – and that the General Assembly plays a significant role.
Right to self-determination
“This requires every member state to lead by example: engage in this process, respect the Charter of the United Nations, adhere to international law and the promise that this institution made to all the people of the world 80 years ago,” she continued.
“Let us remember once again: self-determination and the right to live in one’s own State in peace, security and dignity, free from war, occupation and violence, are fundamental principles. not a privilege to be earned, but a right to be defended.”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
