New York, October 25, 2023, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session addressing "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question." The session, convened under the presidency of Brazil for the month of October, saw Prince Faisal express his unequivocal condemnation of any party targeting civilians. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, an end to violence, hostage releases, and adherence to international agreements and laws.
Prince Faisal also underscored Saudi Arabia's active efforts to engage with neighboring nations to find an urgent and practical solution to halt the escalation and end the cycles of deadly violence. He expressed disappointment with the international community's failure to uphold shared humanitarian principles and the laws governing the peaceful coexistence of nations and communities.
The minister highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the suffering of the Palestinian people due to the Israeli blockade, continuous escalation, and the targeting of civilian facilities and infrastructure, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly. Prince Faisal called upon the Security Council and the international community to assume their responsibilities in halting Israeli violations, lifting the blockade, and ensuring the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
He voiced concern over the Security Council's inability to fulfill its role in maintaining international peace and security, particularly in addressing the ongoing crisis and Israeli violations of international conventions. Prince Faisal pointed to the dangerous consequences of double standards and selectivity in adhering to UN laws and resolutions, which erode the legitimacy of international law and the system as a whole.
Prince Faisal stressed that the continuation of violence stems from the international community's historical inaction regarding the Palestinian issue and the failure to comply with relevant UN resolutions. He called for an end to the Israeli occupation and serious support for peace efforts.
Prince Faisal concluded by emphasizing the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East, not only for regional prosperity but for the future generations of the entire region. The panel also included Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati and the Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel.
