In its 54th regular session, the United Nations Human Rights Council discussed on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the human rights situation in occupied Palestine and other Arab territories.
Speakers from various groups, including the African Group, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab Group, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Group of Friends of the UN Charter, strongly condemned the ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation.
These violations include settler aggression, the targeting of children, and attacks on the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque.
They also expressed their rejection of the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, the expansion of settlements, and the practice of discrimination and racial segregation.
The suffering of Palestinian administrative detainees was highlighted, with calls to continue supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Read more: Qatar Strongly Condemns Al-Aqsa Mosque Incursions, Calls for International Action
Ambassador Ibrahim Khreisheh, Palestine’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations, pointed out that Israeli occupation practices have intensified in brutality against Palestinians.
He cited the enactment of racist laws by the Knesset, such as the Nation-State Law, the execution of prisoners, the Judaization of Jerusalem, the encouragement of settlements, and reprisals against the families of martyrs and prisoners.
He pointed out that the Prime Minister of the Israeli occupation, in his address to the General Assembly, denied the existence of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Khreisheh added, “In December, we will mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is completely violated by the Israeli occupation, as it has been a member of the United Nations. This year also marks the 56th anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip.”
“How can we celebrate this anniversary with you while our people are still suffering from the blockade, daily killings, and the targeting of civilians, including children, women, religious figures, journalists, and medical staff? This is in addition to the theft of Palestinian money and natural resources, land theft, and the construction of settlements,” he said.
He emphasized that the occupying power must be held accountable and boycotted, and the UN must fulfill its legal responsibilities in ending the occupation and recognizing Palestine’s statehood.
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