Statement by the Jeem S. Lippwe
Permanent Representative
New York, 1 November 2023
Mr. President,
This Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly meets at a time of extremely difficult circumstances for civilians in Israel and in Gaza. This august body, every one of us, must do its utmost to address and prevent this crisis – an already volatile situation from spreading.
Mr. President,
Now, more than ever, it is important for this General Assembly to stand against the terror of Hamas and condemn unequivocally the abhorrent and despicable acts of October 7 against civilians and the State of Israel. Many of the victims were women, children and the elderly. The heinous and brutal acts by Hamas and any other terrorist groups deserve this Assembly’s condemnation, and should never be tolerated. Terrorist attacks anywhere, on any one, should not be condoned and are not justifiable. Neither is it justifiable for terrorists to use schools, hospitals and innocent Palestinians as human shields.
Micronesia stands with any state to defend itself from terrorist acts, and we support Israel’s right to defend its territory and its people. It is not only a right under Article 51 of the Charter; it is the obligation of any sovereign country.
Mr. President,
On behalf of my country I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We call for the immediate unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas and on both sides to respect international humanitarian law. We are grateful to those countries that are working tirelessly to save and protect civilian lives, Israelis and Palestinians, alike. Any civilian’s life lost is a tragedy.
Mr. President,
Peace and security of the entire Middle East are under threat and the risk of the crisis expanding within and beyond the region is very real. The international community and the United Nations must redouble efforts to bring back the peace process. A durable solution – with two people, Israelis and Palestinians, two democratic states living side by side, in peace, security and dignity within mutually recognized borders is necessary for a lasting peace.
I thank you, Mr. President.