UN Official Calls for Suspension of Israel’s Membership Amidst Gaza Crisis
New York, November 2, 2024 – Amidst theescalating violence in Gaza, a senior UN official has called for the suspension of Israel’s membership in the United Nations. This unprecedented demand follows Israel’s declaration ofUN Secretary-General António Guterres as persona non grata and the barring of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from conducting operations.
The call for suspension came from Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. In a statement delivered at a UNheadquarters meeting on October 30, Albanese accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and further alleged that Israel is engaged in genocide.
It is time to consider suspending Israel’s UN membership, Albanese asserted, highlighting that no other nation has consistently defied so many UN resolutions for such an extended period. The situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, and the Palestinian people are facing a catastrophe, she warned, emphasizing the widespread violence and destruction inflicted by Israel across the occupied territories. Albanese further expressed concern for the safetyof every Palestinian under Israeli control.
Albanese’s call for action comes as the conflict intensifies. On November 1, at least 47 people were killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes on central Gaza, according to the Palestinian news agency. The strikes targeted areas including Deir al-Balah,Nuseirat refugee camp, and Zawawiya.
The violence has also spread to Lebanon. Early on November 1, Israeli airstrikes hit an apartment building in the southeastern suburbs of Beirut, resulting in casualties, including an unspecified number of fatalities. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks, stating thatIsrael’s repeated threats to evacuate entire cities and villages, and the renewed targeting of the southern suburbs of Beirut with destructive attacks, are all indications that Israel is rejecting all efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
Albanese urged an immediate halt to the supply of arms to Israel, including export licenses and military assistance, andcalled for full accountability at all levels, from individuals to states.
This unprecedented call for suspension of Israel’s UN membership marks a significant escalation in the international response to the ongoing conflict. It remains to be seen whether the UN will take action on Albanese’s recommendation, but her statement underscores the growing international concernover the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the potential for further escalation.
References:
- The Guardian: [Link to article]
- UN News: [Link to news release]
- AFP: [Link to article]
- Al Jazeera: [Link to article]
Note: This article is based onthe provided information and does not express any personal opinions or beliefs. It is presented as a factual account of the events and statements made by the UN official.
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