A letter to the UN Security Council was sent by the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, Riyad Mansour in which he focuses on the humanitarian devastation and political crisis due to the protracted conflict with Israel.

In his letter, Mr. Mansour points out that the crisis, which lasts here and 16 monthshas had devastating consequences for the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, and describes Israel’s military operations as “genocidal war”, reporting massive civilian casualties, forced displacement and destruction of infrastructure.

The letter emphasizes that “over 45,000 Palestinians have been reported deadwhile tens of thousands have been injured”. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is marked, “it has also experienced ongoing violence, with over 840 Palestinians killed in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers within a year.”

International law and humanitarian aid

According to the letter, humanitarian relief efforts have been significantly hampered.

“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) staff and other workers in humanitarian aid missions have faced targeted violencewith more than 263 workers reported dead during the conflict,” it said.

The letter describes the tragic conditions in Gaza, where hospitals, homes and schools have been destroyed, while citizens are deprived of basic goods such as food, medicine and clean water.

The Palestinian Permanent Observer to the UN criticizes her “inadequate response of the international community”pointing out “failures to enforce international law and Security Council resolutions”. He emphasizes that “the Geneva Conventions, judgments of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have not been respected.”

Also, Mr. Mansour underlines that the effective enforcement of the aforementioned “is vital to stopping the ongoing violence and holding those responsible accountable.”

In another point of the Palestinian letter it is emphasized that “malnutrition, disease and adverse weather conditions have caused further civilian deaths.”

The Palestinians are demanding “immediate action by the Security Council, an unconditional ceasefire, the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access”while highlighted “the need for an international investigation into war crimes, reparations for victims and sanctions against Israel for violations of international law.”

The Permanent Observer for Palestine calls for the implementation of key UN resolutions, including resolution 2735 of 2024 and stresses the importance of respecting its opinion International Court of Justice in 2024.

The Palestinians see these actions as necessary for the end “of illegal occupation and the apartheid regime” and support the recognition of the Palestinians’ right to self-determination with the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In closing, Mr. Mansour appeals to the international community “to uphold its legal and moral obligations to protect civilian lives and support peace efforts.”