l’Algérie appelle à agir immédiatement face aux violations du droit humanitaire à Ghaza
Summary of Algeria’s Call at the UN on Humanitarian Violations in Gaza
In a recent address at the United Nations Security Council in New York, Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Amar Bendjama, urged an immediate response to the humanitarian crises in Gaza. He criticized the “double standards” in international responses and emphasized that “no one is above the law,” highlighting the UN’s failure to act decisively amid ongoing violations of international humanitarian law.
Bendjama described the situation in Gaza as “unacceptable,” asserting that the Security Council must not remain passive. He pledged Algeria, with the backing of the Arab Group, aims to present a clear draft resolution addressing humanitarian conditions and the necessity for aid access in Gaza. He expressed hope that this initiative would foster unity among Security Council members and the broader global community.
He reminded the Council of the severe toll the Palestinian people have faced in 2024, noting the myriad of killings and suffering endured. Bendjama argued that civilian protection failures stem not from lacking rules, but from a deficit in political will. He stressed the necessity of upholding international humanitarian law as an unyielding standard to shield innocents from war’s horrors.
Bendjama highlighted that Gaza has suffered the highest number of humanitarian law violations in 2024, largely due to ongoing Israeli aggression. He mentioned that more than 36,000 civilian deaths were recorded in 14 armed conflicts this year, a significant portion occurring in Gaza. Most of the region’s infrastructure has been systematically devastated, with about 70% damaged by the end of 2024. The situation has led to unprecedented levels of displacement, with nearly 90% of the population—approximately two million people—displaced, and widespread famine affecting 86% of residents.
Concerns were raised about the devastation of Gaza’s educational system, where thousands of children and teachers have perished, and most schools have sustained damage. Similarly, the media has faced stringent attacks, with over 200 journalists killed and international media access severely restricted. Humanitarian workers are also in peril, as a significant number have been killed while attempting to provide assistance.
With these points, Bendjama called for a decisive reaffirmation of the commitment to humanitarian law, urging the Security Council and the international community to take immediate action, uphold justice, and hold violators accountable to protect the innocent amidst the conflicts in Gaza.
Key Points
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Algeria’s Advocacy: Amar Bendjama emphasized the urgent need for international intervention in Gaza, condemning the inaction of the UN Security Council regarding humanitarian violations.
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Call for Unity: Bendjama expressed his hope that a new draft resolution would galvanize support within the Security Council and among global leaders.
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Humanitarian Crisis: Reiterating the extensive humanitarian crises faced by the Palestinian people, Bendjama highlighted that the root issue is not a lack of laws but rather a deficiency in political will to enforce them.
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Statistics of Suffering: He provided alarming figures, noting over 36,000 civilian casualties in 14 conflicts in 2024, and illustrating Gaza’s dire infrastructure situation and social collapse.
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Consequences of Conflict: The talk discussed the severe impact on education, media freedom, and humanitarian efforts within Gaza, calling attention to the systematic targeting of these sectors.
- Urgency for Action: The plea concluded with a call to reaffirm commitments to international laws that protect civilians, alluding to the necessity of accountability for violations and the moral obligation to shield vulnerable populations amidst armed conflicts.
Bendjama’s statements represent Algeria’s firm stance advocating for humanitarian principles and prompt action to mitigate the continuing devastation experienced by the people of Gaza.
