Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador Norberto Moretti, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação no Oriente Médio, incluindo a Questão Palestina - 15 de novembro de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement of the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
November 15th, 2023
Mister President,
The adoption of a Security Council resolution on the horrific humanitarian and hostage crisis unfolding in Gaza and Israel (resolution 2712 (2023)) is certainly to be welcomed. It was long overdue. A response by this body commensurate with the gravity of the situation was urgent since day one — that is, more than five weeks ago. It was urgent not only to prevent further violence against civilians and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, but also to restore some of the Council’s credibility. It has been a long, painful process, as we all know. I thank the delegation of Malta and others, especially for their flexibility, for helping us conclude what we hope is only a first step in the Council’s deliberations on this matter.
Before the text adoption today, more comprehensive and timely resolutions had been attempted, including one submitted by Brazil (S/2023/773). Successive vetoes, the spectre of pocket vetoes, or the lack of a real negotiating process prevented them. As the Council repeatedly failed, the General Assembly acted on 27 October. Its resolution (resolution ES-10/21) called for the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law in Gaza as well as an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. Such measures have been and continue to be supported by many Member States, including Brazil. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire. Unfortunately, the resolution we have just adopted falls short of these bold but necessary steps. We do hope that if truly and urgently implemented, today’s decision will at least mitigate the dreadful situation we have before us.
More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The number of dead children is shamefully appalling. 1.5 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in a mere month. Hospitals and schools have been destroyed, damaged or rendered useless. Al Shifa Hospital was raided today, putting hundreds of sick and wounded in extreme danger. Hundreds of thousands in Gaza lack or do not have adequate provision of water, electricity, medical supplies or shelter. Hundreds of foreigners continue to be prevented from leaving the region. The number of humanitarian workers killed has risen to more than 100, the highest in any conflict in the history of the United Nations. More than 200 hostages of several nationalities have not been released, and humanitarian access to them continues to be denied.
All these violations of international humanitarian law must stop now. For all civilians, Palestinians and Israelis alike. They have been paying the price of decades of systematic denial of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The establishment of a viable Palestinian State, living side by side with Israel, within secure, mutually accepted and internationally recognized borders, is the only possible solution. A lasting peace must be the ultimate goal for all. Brazil hopes that the Council will truly and functionally remain seized of this matter. Our voice will be strong and fearless in insisting on that.
Thank you.