By Mohamed Massaquoi
PMUN
History repeats itself after 53 years since Sierra Leone address the United Nations Security Council on the conflict situation in the Middle East.
During Council’s 9531st meeting on agenda item titled, the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Sierra Leone emphasized the need to look into the serious humanitarian situation and the plight of refugees in Gaza .
Hundreds and thousands of people are rendered homeless as results the way.
It could be recalled that in May 1970 When Sierra Leone first addressed the agenda item “The Situation in the Middle East” in the Security Council , Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative stated that the “plight of the Palestinian refugees is great adding that the
Development and progress are a matter of urgency for both Arabs and Jews people.
While briefing the Council on the current situation both Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, expressed grieve suffering of people thus urging for an urgent solution to the crisis.
Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Michael Imran Kanu said in the context of the continuing occupation by Israel of the Palestinian territories, and the escalation following the 7th October 2023 heinous attacks by Hamas.
Sierra Leone has and continues to condemn in the strongest terms the heinous attack against Israeli civilians by Hamas, and the taking of hostages.
He call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, noting that the taking of hostages is a serious breach of international law.
In concluding Ambassador Kanu reiterates its call for political and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the “two-state solution” that will ensure Israel and Palestine live side by side in long lasting peace and security.