Vienna: The Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna briefed representatives of several UN member states from the Group of Friends of Palestine on the latest developments in the occupied territories.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Permanent Observer Ambassador Salah Abdel Shafi highlighted ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip despite the announcement of a ceasefire. He pointed out the continued casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions, which are occurring amid declining international media attention.
Abdel Shafi expressed concerns over recent decisions by the Israeli cabinet to expand settlements and take steps toward annexing the West Bank. He described these actions as grave violations of international law and UN resolutions, directly undermining the peace process and signed agreements.
Additionally, Abdel Shafi mentioned the demolition of buildings at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East headquarters in Jerusalem. He characterized this act as a serious infringement on UN institutions and an escalation against international organizations operating in Palestine.
Representatives from several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, Russia, China, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey, Tunisia, Iran, and Venezuela, participated in the briefing. They reaffirmed their support for the rights of the Palestinian people, the need to halt the aggression, and the importance of respecting international law and relevant UN resolutions.