Pakistan Calls US Gaza Veto a ‘Dark Moment in History’ at UN

At the United Nations, Pakistan has described the US veto of a Gaza ceasefire resolution as a “dark moment in history” and urged Washington to reconsider its stance.

On Thursday, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of all restrictions imposed by Israel on the delivery of aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.

Pakistan expressed deep regret over this move, especially with regard to the resolution which was presented purely in a humanitarian context.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asif Iftikhar Ahmed said that this is a very dark moment on the occasion of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and High Level Week, and the 10,000th meeting of the Security Council.

He clarified that the obstacle to the passage of the resolution arose only from the use of the veto and that this is a responsibility that must be held accountable.

He said that at a time when humanity is suffering greatly, preventing the Security Council from fulfilling its duties is actually tantamount to prolonging this suffering.

The Pakistani delegate highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, saying that the people there are trapped in the torment of Israeli bombing on one hand and the blockade on the other.

Against this tragic backdrop, today’s failure sends a dangerous message that the lives of besieged Palestinians are of no importance compared to political expediency.

He said that every hour of obstruction is deepening the wound and increasing the hardships of the people. According to him, this failure is not only increasing the loss of human lives but is also damaging the credibility of the United Nations Security Council.

Asif Iftikhar Ahmed said that there is a risk of famine spreading in Gaza, Israeli attacks are claiming dozens of lives every day, millions are at risk of displacement, while illegal settlements in the West Bank expose a conspiracy to destroy the two-state solution.

He described this situation as the worst form of colonial occupation in the 20th century.Pakistan reiterated its position that it stands in favor of the legitimate struggle, self-determination, dignity and justice of the Palestinian people and calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, as well as an end to the blockade and the provision of full humanitarian assistance.

Pakistan called for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state, with pre-1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.”We stand with humanity, justice and international law,” he said. Algeria’s UN ambassador Ammar Bandjama said after the vote, “We apologize that despite all the efforts of this council, we could not be of help to you.

“The representative of the State of Palestine, Riyad Mansour, said that the international community can no longer disappoint the Palestinian people. He stressed that the whole world must come together to take steps to end this genocide and tragedy.