Greece Urges Peace at UN as West Bank Violence and Gaza Famine Escalate

The United Nations Security Council held an open debate on Monday to discuss “the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,” focusing on the escalating crisis in Gaza, Israel’s settlement activities in occupied territories, and the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution. Greece, a member of the Security Council, expressed grave concern over the expansion of settlements and violence in the West Bank, including attacks on Christian communities.

The session featured the 35th report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the implementation of Resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for Israel to halt settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territories and for both sides to avoid violence and unilateral actions. Presented by Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov, the report highlighted a sharp increase in settlement activities, with Israeli authorities approving or advancing approximately 20,810 new housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On August 20, a plan for over 3,400 homes in the E1 area was approved, a move described by Guterres as a “catastrophic development” and a “flagrant violation of international law.”

Alakbarov reported intensified Israeli operations in Gaza, targeting schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and displacement camps, resulting in at least 7,579 Palestinian deaths and 37,201 injuries, predominantly women and children. He also noted 1,911 deaths of individuals attempting to collect aid. The UN officially confirmed famine in Gaza City on August 22, marking the first recognized famine in the Middle East, with over 500,000 people facing starvation and 440 malnutrition-related deaths, including 147 children.

In the West Bank, 46 Palestinians were killed and nearly 900 injured due to Israeli operations, settler attacks, and clashes, while seven Israelis lost their lives in Palestinian attacks. The demolition and seizure of 455 Palestinian structures, including 30 donor-funded ones, displaced 420 people, including 175 children.

Guterres condemned the “morally, politically, and legally unacceptable” situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. He described the famine as a “man-made disaster” and urged the international community to ensure aid reaches civilians. He also praised France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the New York Conference, which produced the New York Declaration, and called for global mobilization to implement the two-state solution.

Greece’s Position: A Call for Peace and Humanitarian Action

Greece’s Permanent Representative, Aglaia Balta, emphasized that the two-state solution remains “the only viable path forward.” She highlighted the Palestinian Authority’s clear stance, with President Mahmoud Abbas condemning Hamas’s terrorism and pledging that Hamas will have no role in Gaza’s future governance. Balta stressed the need to thoroughly examine and implement the New York Declaration’s roadmap.

However, she noted serious challenges, particularly the recent expansion of settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, including against Christian communities, which she described as “equally concerning” and detrimental to peace prospects. The E1 settlement plans were singled out as “particularly alarming.” Balta also addressed the “deeply concerning and unsustainable” humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially for children, and called for safe, sustained, and large-scale humanitarian access.

She commended Jordan’s air corridor initiative and Cyprus’s Amalthea initiative, urging further support, and reiterated Greece’s commitment to the release of hostages held by Hamas, stating, “We do not forget them. They must be freed without delay.” Greece, as a traditional partner to both Israel and the Palestinians, expressed readiness to contribute actively to collective peace efforts, with Balta concluding that “a new dawn for Israelis and Palestinians is possible if we have the courage to seize it.”

Israel and Palestine: Divergent Perspectives

Israel’s Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, revealed evidence of mass rocket production in Judea and Samaria near Jerusalem and Netanya, warning of an “immediate” terrorist threat. He stated that Israel’s goals are to bring hostages home and eliminate Hamas, calling on the Council to acknowledge the presence of Hamas in the West Bank.

Palestine’s Permanent Observer, Riyad Mansour, accused Israel’s leadership of pursuing a “second stage of genocide” in the West Bank, aiming to eliminate the Palestinian nation under the slogan “No to the two-state solution.” He praised global support for Palestine, including state recognitions and the New York Declaration, and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to peace.

U.S. Critique and Humanitarian Efforts

U.S. Permanent Representative Michael Walsh criticized the Security Council’s “obsessive focus” on Israel, noting over 80 meetings since October 7, 2023. He called Resolution 2334 “fundamentally flawed” for denying Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and urged Hamas to release the remaining 48 hostages and end the war. Walsh highlighted U.S. humanitarian efforts through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has distributed 175 million meals to Gaza civilians.

The international Greek audience is reminded of Greece’s active role in advocating for peace and humanitarian solutions in the Middle East, aligning with its historical ties to the region and its commitment to a just resolution.

(Source: Amna)