UN Press Statement on the Middle East and Gaza

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said that the members of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are “united in demonstrating solidarity and support to the Palestinian people, and demanding the implementation of the Resolution in the General Assembly.”

Speaking to reporters today (03 Nov), together with the members of the OIC, Ambassador Mansour said that the Security Council is “unable to act collectively.”

He explained, “to maintain international peace and security when there is a war, the first thing that they should do - ceasefire, stop the war and deal with that situation. And because they want some, who have veto power, want Israel to continue with this crime, and to leave it completely to Israel to decide when they will stop.”

The Palestinian Ambassador reiterated, “Nevertheless we will continue to knocking on the door of the Security Council.”

On Jordan recalling its ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Mansour said, “We encourage as many as possible to take practical steps against those who are committing crimes against the Palestinian people. And by that I mean representative of the occupying authorities, they need to feel the pressure.”

Libyan Ambassador Taher Elsonni who is serving as the Chairman of the Arab Group, also spoke to reporters.

He said, “There's no justification to bomb refugee camps, like Jabalia twice. There is no justification to target hospitals, under what so called the right to defend.”

Ambassador Elsonni said, “depriving more than two million Palestinians from food, water and feul is a war crime. It's not questionable, because it's killing everyone.”

The Chairman of the Arab Group also said, “Dehumanizing Palestinians is not acceptable. We're all humans and all lives matter.”

He continued, “I'm wondering, where are the voices of human rights activists, special envoys on what's happening? Where are the human rights and when it comes to women and children in conflict? We hear that all around. Where is it today? And why we are not hearing those voices anymore? We heard messages or voices on humanitarian pauses. We're calling for ceasefire.”

Ambassador Elsonni reiterated, “it's not a movie to be played, to stop when we want and leave people die. A ceasefire must be called and must be called now.”

The Chairman concluded, “this narrative of everything started only on October 7, is false. This is seven decades of struggle. So if we don't put things into context, and we don't fix the root cause we will remain always in this vicious cycle, and more innocent lives will be lost.”

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Episode Transcript

(00:04):
Thank you for listening to Pictures MediaRadio. Welcome to Policy and Rights,
the show about the government policy andhuman rights. Perrian pauses. We're going

(01:11):
for ceasefire. It's not a movieto be played to stop what we want
and leave people die. A ceasefiremust be called and must be called now.
And this narrative of everything started onlyon October seventh is false. This

(01:33):
is seven decades of struggle. Soif we don't put things into context and
we don't fix the root cause,we will remain always in this vicious cycle
and more innocent lives will be lost. We as an Arab group and with
the Islamic Group, will continue ourmeetings with all different levels, with the

(01:53):
Secretary General Office, with the PGA, with the Security Council, and with
the other entities. Our goal nowis on those three basic issues, and
most importantly, nothing can be resolvedwithout an immediate ceasefire. Thank you.
My question to those of you whodo have relations with Israel, do any

(02:16):
of you plan to follow Jordan's leadand recall your ambassadors or sever your relations
with Israel like some countries in LatinAmerica have done. I will leave it
to those whoever wants to address thisissue in the meantime while they're thinking before
they respond, Pam, thank youvery mud, What in your words,

(02:40):
is stopping the UN Security Council fromhaving a consensus document? And Martin Griffiths
this morning told diplomats that what happenedin Israel and what's happening now in the
Palestinian territories is a stain on ourcollective conscience. Do you agree with that

(03:00):
statement and what's stopping the Security Council? Thank you? Oh, First of
all, you know it is.I agree it is a stain. And
also I agree with him when headdressed the Security Council about ten days ago
along with Lazzarini and Lynn Hasting,in which the three of them agreed collectively

(03:22):
on the need for an immediate ceasefire. We agree also with the Secretary
General when he asks for a humanitariancease fire, whatever that means, but
it is a ceasefire in order tosave lives and to allow for humanitarian assistance
to get inside the Gaza strip.With regard to the Security Council, I

(03:46):
think my brother tire Is explained thehypocrisy and the double standard of using different
sticks of measurements when it comes forexample, to Ukraine, but when it
comes to the situation in the GazaStrip, they look the other way around.
They give Israel, under the socalled the right to self defense,

(04:11):
to continue with these crimes against thePalestinian people. In fact, their proposal
for passes. It means that theyare not saying that the war should stop,
but keep killing, but give themfew hours to allow for some humanitarian
aid. We reject that. TheGeneral Assembly rejects that, and we are

(04:34):
knocking at the door of the SecurityCouncil to implement the resolution that was adopted
in the General Assembly. So thedivisions and the paralysis of the Security Council
for issues as the case of Ukraine, reflect itself in making it paralyzed,

(04:56):
and not to elevate itself to theresponsibility that they should undertake called for in
the Charter of the UN to maintaininternational peace and security, and they are
not doing that. To maintain internationalpeace and security when there is war,
the first thing that they should docease fire, stop the war and deal

(05:18):
with that situation. And because theywant, some who have veto power,
want Israel to continue with this crimeand to leave it completely to Israel to
decide when they will stop. Thentherefore the Security Council is unable to act
collectively. Nevertheless, we will continueknocking on the door of the Security Council.

(05:43):
The President of the Security Council,as we've met with him yesterday.
All members of the Security Council sawthat the Security Council to shoulder is responsibility.
But in the meantime, the GeneralAssembly spoke while the Security Council is
taking an app and paralyzed. Andwe hope that the entire the entire international

(06:05):
community to accumulate enough pressure so thatthose who are giving this license to Israel
to continue killing thousands of Palestinian civilians, thousands of Palestinian children and women,
and having you know, collective punishmentof denying our people in the Gaza,

(06:27):
strip of fuel for electricity, denyingthem food, medicine, water. We
listened to some representative from Honora andwhen mister Lazzarini, whom we salute him
as we salute the Secretary General,when he stood outside you know, the
Rapah gate, and he made hiscry open the gate, stop the fighting

(06:54):
and allow humanitarian assistance. Mister Lazzariniwent inside Palasin Senian children were telling him
we don't want bread. We wantwater. The basic element of life is
water. They were telling him,we need water in order to survive.
I think humanity and the international communityshould listen to that call of that brave

(07:18):
man who went inside, you know, the Gaza Strip, and we were
hoping that he would be reporting tous in the meeting that took place this
morning. Unfortunately he did not,but we will keep trying to invite him,
maybe in an event in the GeneralAssembly, so that he can share

(07:40):
with all of us that massive tragedyof the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
So perhaps the consciousness of some thatis not awakening to be awakened and
to stop this crime against humanity whichis bordering according to many humanitarian specialists in

(08:03):
the UN system, saying that itis bordering genocide. Now with regard if
any of my colleagues that you asktheir question wants to to say anything,
but we welcome those who are takingmeasures like what happened by our Jordanian brothers,
by what happened, you know,by a number of Latin American countries,

(08:24):
by what the Parliament of Bahrain didin this regard and Roman in saying
denying you know Israeli airline from flyingover their country. We encourage as many
as possible to take practical steps againstthose who are committing crimes against the Palestinian

(08:48):
people, and by that I meanthe representative of the occupying authorities. They
need to feel the pressure. Somebodyin the meeting of the I see the
other day proposed that maybe those whoexport oil and gas to Israel from some
of the Oic countries to consider suspendingsending them that while they are denying our

(09:15):
hospitals, fuel Toronto generators to savelives of injured Palestinians and sik Palestinians.
So I believe if they do notstop this war as soon as possible,
we will see more of these practicalsteps by different countries, and we appreciate
that immensely. Let everyone take whereverthey can in practical sense to stop this

(09:41):
crime against the Palestinian people in theGaza strip. Yes, I used comment
on that question of calling the ambassadorsand so on. We fully respect the
reasons behind Jordan and Bahrain calling theirambassadors in Tel Aviv. But I can
tell you if Egypt is maintaining theirambassador and he continues to operate and to

(10:03):
work in Tel Aviv for a reason, because we we are brokering, we
are helping, designing and having amodality whereby trucks and humanitarian assistants are flowing
into Gaza. You need people thathad sufficient outreach, sufficient contacts and so

(10:24):
on at the highest level. Soin the due course, if Egypt feels
sufficient reason to call our ambassador teleAviv, will will do such things.
We have done it historically. Wecall it. Yes, yes, we
have done it before. So believeme, the most important is to keep
doing what we're doing to fulfill ourduty for us as Egyptians. We are

(10:48):
at the front line doing a verychallenging job of coordinating with the U N
officials, with the US, withthe Israelis, and with the Palace Senior
Red Crescent and all the authorities inGaza to make sure at the end of
the day our Palestinian brothers and sistenswill be getting the sufficient humanitarian aid.

(11:11):
We're very grateful for all the countrieswho are have been helping and sending the
planes to Larish, and very gratefulfor the UN for doing what is correct.
We have been there. In thatbriefing, we have thanked andru for
doing what they're doing for Ocha andeveryone units have all of them. The

(11:31):
Secretary General himself is doing a greatjob helping us facilitating the assistance to our
Platinian brother. Thank you very much. And how many wounded Palestinian have crossed
to Egypt today? We know eightyone I believe yesterday. But do you
have any updates for us if theSituation room is providing us with constant updates?

(11:54):
As Ambassador Monsoon said last night,we have had one hundred and two
tracks. We have had four hundredssomething foreigners crossing into waves or so,
and we are continuing the plan toevacuate the wounded people, to have the
uniform flow of trucks and as wellto help countries getting some of the dual

(12:16):
nationalities Palatinians that are holding foreign passportsand so on, and the UN officials
to get out of and to beevacuated from GUS. Thank you guys,
well, we want to thank youvery much. We will keep you informed,
We will keep having these press conferencesas we feel necessary, and we

(12:37):
want to thank you for assembling,you know, in this large number.
But I want also to add rememberone of your colleagues his name is Mohammad.
He is a correspondent of Palestinian PalestineTV and han Uness I believe in
in the Gaza Strip. He finisheda report yesterday, he went home and

(13:01):
his house was bombed. He waskilled along with ten or eleven members of
his family. Remember him, Anaheimand defend journalist because it is our duty
and the duty of the international communityto defend journalists as they defend also children

(13:22):
and women and civilians during the timeof war. But there are your colleagues,
Palestinian journalists. The last one isyou know, a brother Muhammad.
May God bless his soul. Hewas killed along with his family yesterday in
the Gaza Strip. We thank youvery much. Good morning everyone, and

(13:54):
welcome to this press conference, orI should rather say thank you for welcoming
us your news briefing. I havethe pleasure to introduce you Ambassador of batchelab
Balleck, who's the of the CzechRepublic to the United Nations in Geneva,
and he's speaking to you today inhis capacity as President of the United Nations

(14:15):
Human Rights Council for the year oftwenty twenty three. So President Balack,
who was in New York this week, mostly to meet with senior officials,
but also to present the yearly reportsof the Human Rights Council to the General
Assembly. So, without further ado, I give the floor to Ambassador Balleck,
who will then take your questions.Thank you, ambassador, thank you,

(14:35):
thank you very much for this introduction. Good morning, colleagues. That's
a real pleasure to meet you.As you know, I'm here for the
second time. This is here inmy capacity as the President of the Humans
Council. The purpose of this visitis always the same, to meet the
key stakelers and to inform about thework of the Council in the General Assembly,

(14:58):
in the Committee and other players actuallywhich are interested and important also for
our work in Geneva. I've metthe President of the General Assembly, President
of the Security Council, President ofthe Economic and Social Council, Chair of
the Peace Building Commission, the UNand government officials, and I'm meeting this

(15:20):
afternoon the UN Secretary General as well. Now, let me seize the opportunity
and tell you what the Council wasdoing throughout the year. To a certain
extent, I've mentioned those data andthose facts already in front of the General

(15:43):
Assembly, but I repeat some ofthose highlights I really deem as important.
What is important is to keep inmind that the Humans Council is pretty busy.
Reid the agenda it was sitting asas the regular session is concerned for
fourteen weeks and two days, soit's the longest period in the history of

(16:04):
the Council, which is not badin the end because it shows that the
Council is important and Council is beingseen as the body which can deliver on
many issues. What is also importantthis year, what was important the year
is not yet over. That we'veintroduced some new topics into the human rights

(16:27):
domain. We've discussed the digital mediaand informacial literacy and we do have some
initiatives on that centrality of care.I was discussed, the rights of children
to quality and safe education, andclimate change was also prominent. What was

(16:48):
also discussed and where we have thenew resolution is the Right of development.
Agenda against tressing the Internet. Gatchesbetween the various pears of the UN system,
because of course we are not actingin a vacuum in Geneva. We

(17:10):
are very much being influenced. Whatthe Council is being very much influenced by
what is happening around us, andwe need to take into the consideration is
what is important for taxpayers as amatter of fact, who are paying for
all of that. Let me sayalso that we've had a special session on

(17:33):
Sudan in May. I briefed youalready during my previous visit. We've had
also an urgent debate on religious hatredand going back to the last year,
but it has happened after the afterthe presentation of my predecessor here in New
York, we've had a special sessionon Iran also, so that that's probably

(18:00):
important to mention it. We've establishedthrough the last year to new independent international
investigation mechanisms fact finding Mission on theIslamic Republic of Iran. I've mentioned the
special session how to last November,if I'm not mistaken, and fact Finding

(18:22):
Mission on Sudan. Let me addthat the Effect Filing Mission on Iran presented
its first or update in September andwill present its first report in March twenty
twenty three, meaning next year.And then the Effect Finding Mission on Sudan
will present its first oral update inJune twenty twenty four and the first report

(18:45):
in September twenty four. If youasked me actually how far we are as
far as the selection process of themembers of this fact finding mission on Sudan,
I would respond in a way thatthe process is taking place basically ass
to speak, my intention is toreally nominate those members, assume as I'll

(19:07):
get back from New York to Geneva, in order to allow them to work
quickly, efficiently and soon on thisimportant agenda on technical operational capacity building.
We've had also a couple of importantvenues and discussions this year. The Council
established new mandates for countries seeking technicallyconsistems and capacity building. The Council requested

(19:36):
the High Commissioner to designate two independentexperts on Haiti and Columbia. And the
Council also approved support to Honduras inthe reform of its prison system. And
what is important for many countries fromCaribbean is the fact that the Council also

(19:56):
approved an establishment of the origional Officeof the High come Mission for Human Rights
in a Caribbean area, exactly inthe Bahamas. Bahamas are going to host
that office. What else, maybesomething about the atmosphere, which is pretty

(20:18):
important, especially if you think aboutwhat is happening around us. I do
feel that we are still able toproduce good results throughout the work of the
Council is concerned. I do feela lot of support. I do feel
a good atmosphere in the Council,a responsibility which is really important for the

(20:40):
work of the Council. I'm reallyI would even there that I really do
feel to be proud President of theUNTS Council, which functions really well.
Of course, we do have somedifferences. We don't agree on everything.
But if you think think about thefact that we've adopted a number of resolutions

(21:06):
altogether, like more than one hundredand I think seventeen texts together, and
seventy persons, certainly four persons tobe precise, of those texts were approved
by consensus. That means quite alot. That means that there is a

(21:26):
really good will, There is akind of a feeling of responsibility, and
there is a space in which weare able to really work together and address
the issues which are important for allof us HRC membership. Maybe let me

(21:48):
say in passing that we will havea new fifteen members, or yet fifteen
elected members. Some of them arenew, some of them will serve the
second term. They are going tostart on the first January twenty twenty four,
exactly at the date at which mymandate will finish, and the Czech

(22:08):
Republic will be the country leaving theCouncil for the next year as a matter
of fact. But there'll be newblood, new energy in the Council,
I'm sure, and I'm also surethat the Council next year will be as
efficient and as consensual as this year. I do have a really long speaking

(22:36):
point, but since we are pitbehind the schedule and we need to finish
at twelve o'clock, I would maybepropose if you would agree to give the
floor to you questions and comments,and maybe we can have more interactive dialog
among us rather than me using anothertwenty minutes for might be thinking and then

(23:02):
leading. So if you, ifyou could accept that, that would be
my proposal. And I see noting. So thank you, Ambassador Balik.
Pamila Folk from CBS, thank youvery much. And because there's no one
else from the UN Correspondence Hell,thank you on behalf of the UN Correspondent
Association. And it's Pamela Falk fromCBS News. A lot of people have

(23:26):
voiced concerned that Iran is chairing oneof the committees of the Council, Can
you speak to that? And then, of course is the Council looking both
at the events of October seventh aspossible war crimes and what's going on in

(23:48):
the Palestinian territories or just the latter, thank you, Iran is not sharing
any of the leaders of the issueunits committees. Iran is chairing or chaired
an event yesterday and today which wasestablished based on the resolution which was adopted

(24:12):
last year by consensus by the membersof the Council, and the Iranian ambassador
was the only proposed candidate for thatposition. And if you read carefully the
resolution, there is no space forany president actually to somehow question or change

(24:33):
the opinion of the regional groups.And I acted according to the resolution,
and I nominated the Iranian ambassador asthe chair of that event. And according
to the information I have from Geneva, there are no problems whatsoever. An
event took place, and everybody actuallyprofited from the fact that actually there was

(25:00):
substanial exchange of information. So Idon't know what I can I can act,
I can act. I had noother chance to really do anything else,
and since there were no other nominations, well it was no brainer for
me or for any president on whatis happening in the least. You've just

(25:26):
been briefed by colleagues from the OIC. Of course, the Man's Council is
not functioning in a bubble or inan isolation of what is happening around us.
We've had a debate at the endof the last Council about the situation

(25:48):
in the Middle East, but itwas on what was it, thirteenth of
September, so it's October, thirtyyears thirteenth of October, and since then
there was no debate in the Councilwhatsoever. So we are following I think

(26:08):
all careful. What is happening here, what is happening in the General Assembly,
what is happening in Security Council?And if the Council is going to
be asked to contribute with its wisdomand expertise, we will do so.
Margaret Bischer from Voice of America,thank you, thanks very much, thank

(26:30):
you for briefing. I just wantedto ask you about accountability for attacks on
hospitals, un premises and such inGaza. That's happening. Now, what
role will the you and Human RightsCouncil have in finding some sort of accountability
for attacks from whichever side is doingthem. And do you plan to have

(26:55):
any emergency special sessions of the Councilon the situation in the occupied here?
Thank you for that question, Butas you know, I'm speaking to the
capacity of the President of the Counciland it's not up to me actually to
decide what's going to be and decidedor consulted or discussed or not discussed the

(27:15):
council level. So, as I'vesaid, we have following this situation,
you know, the mandate of theCouncil. So if the Council will be
asked or get that with a viewto really provide information on any particle situation
which is happening around us, it'snot just about what is happening in Ghaza.

(27:41):
The Council will certainly provide its viewand provide its position. But now,
as I said, we've had anexchange of information on thirteenth of October,
and since then there was no debatein the Council on this particle,

(28:02):
does it yes, if you couldplease introduce yourself, I'm sorry, I
don't know all of you here inhere. Mariam Ramadi with Afghanistan International News
Channel. My question is regarding theportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. As
you know, many people have beenthousands of people already have been forced to

(28:22):
leave the country and now the arrestof refugees started, and so many of
these people are facing prosecution if theygo back to Afghanistan, especially women who
were journalist, women's rights activists orhuman rights defenders. How worried is your

(28:44):
office regarding to this matter and allyou're talking to the Pakistani government, do
you tell them about the consequences andany developments on your front Human Rights Council
in regarding to this issue, orif you can just talk about that a
little bit, thank you, thankyou. That's the simial answer, similar

(29:06):
similar answer US for Gaza. TheCouncil is the body which consists of the
Member States and Member States I'm sureun following closely what is happening in all
parts of the world. And onceUH the Council discusses the situation, and
once the Council UH decides on anyactions, then it's up to me maybe

(29:30):
to brief you. But there wasno specific debate on this particle question as
you which we which you've raised andif there will be the debate I'll comment
on that. A part of that. Let me stress it's also applicable to
to Gaza. The the U N. Human Rights system is not only created

(29:59):
or made of the Humans Council.We do have various tools, experts,
mechanisms, so we do have HighCommission for Human Rights, and all these
elements within the system are working together. So we cannot actually pre end which

(30:21):
tool at which which point of timewill be used or shall be used.
So but as far as the HumansCouncil is concerned, there was no specific
debate on this particle question you've phraised, and if if the Member States would
like to discuss that issue, certainlythere there is a space even for this.

(30:42):
Thank you. I'll take a questiononline from a dimmed You have the
floor, tolhamins, I am fromthere. RB. I hope my voice
is clear. Yes, yes,we can hear it. We can hear
it, Okay, sir, Sinceyou are the President of the Human Right

(31:07):
Council, which is the highest mechanismof the you and that deals with the
human right, I will ask youropinion about what constitute war crimes that the
Human Rights Counsel, the Independent Commissionfor Human Rights, the Human Rights the
High Commissioner for a Human should payattention and what's going on, gus.

(31:32):
Can you give us your opinion aboutwhat constitute a war crime a crime against
humanity? Thank you, thank you, thank you for a question. And
I'm sure you'll understand that there isno actually space for me to really offer
you my opinion. I'm here inthe capacity of the President of the Council

(31:53):
and I do represent the Council here, so your question is of political nature
and my role is the role toreally express what is the view of the
Council, as I've mentioned, Soif you ask me next year, I'll

(32:14):
happily answer your question, But todaythere is no point for me actually to
express my view, honest. Yes, so she could introduce yourself the question.
Because every question has been asked aboutGaza or what happened in the Middle

(32:37):
East, you try not to answerthemselves. So I really wonder why you're
just spelling all these questions of thetime. I mean just about listen.
Hour ago the hospital Shifa Hospital washit by aside, killing fifteen people on
the gate of the hospital. Andone of the scores of people, and

(33:00):
you'll try to dismiss talking about this, so I don't know if that is
honest. I take your questions veryseriously. I'm not avoiding them. But
I'm trying to explain to you thatthe Council Human Rights Council has not yet

(33:21):
set the position of the Human RightsCouncil on this particle situation. So I
cannot provide you and explain that position. And it doesn't matter what is my
private opinion. I'm not here inmy private capacity. I'm here as the
President of the Human Rights Council.Therefore, I'm representing the countries who are
members of the hum Rights Council,and I do repeat. Since there is

(33:44):
no position of the Humoritans Council onthis particle situation, I cannot offer an
opinion of the President. Thank you. It's clear, yes, sir,
for almost a month, so Itotally understand that it's not personal. You

(34:07):
can give your personal opinion. Itotally expect that. But about the Human
Rights Counsel, like, what's theformal position, how the Council characterize what's
happening now in Gasa. It's almosta month, and if there is no
position so far. What's hindering aformal statement from Human Rights Counsel about what's

(34:28):
happening in Gaza for almost a monthnow? Thank you very much, sir,
thank you sim question. Basically,it's not up to the President of
the Units Council to set the agenda. The agenda is being decided by the
member states and if member states decidedto really have a debate on specific situation.
So I was referring what was happeninghappening in the past. We've had

(34:51):
a specialization on Iran, we havea special on Sudan, We've had an
earned general debate on religious Then thedebate is there, the agenda is set,
Council is called up an order andvia debating and we are deciding.
And since there is no such adecision, we are not debating and we

(35:15):
are not deciding. And it's nota role for any president or for the
Barrow to set the agenda because hecannot manipulate actually the agenda in this way
and to express our opinions. Andhonestly, I'm in my capacity not even

(35:35):
representing my country because as you know, the President of the Council is the
only ambassador who is released from hisnational duties throughout the year as far as
the Remans Council is concerned. AtDelhamy, did you have another question?

(36:00):
Now I found that this is pressconference. Well's disappointment, at least for
me. I'm sorry, this ismy personally. What's happening you gus and
you can't ask about this and youcannot get answered. And there is an
independent commission that has been established bythe Council and it's been investigated. And

(36:21):
they spoke here in this room aboutthis, and they spoke to us,
and she spoke about the war,possibly possible war crimes, and they are
investigating what happening and here we getno answer. So but please, please,
I do apologize that you are notsatisfied with my answers. But again

(36:44):
I'm here in the capacity of thePresident of the Council. I'm representing the
Council. You referred to the independentcommission. Independent commission is independent, it's
their view. My views depend theyare dependent on the views of the Council.
That's the reference. Yes, Margaret, if I could just ask one

(37:07):
follow up. The Human Rights Councilis one of the most criticized bodies in
the United nations, And I justwonder what your response is to critics who
say that there are too many humanrights abusers as members of the Council,
that you focus on Israel too much, that you're biased, the Council members

(37:28):
are biased, and so on.What's your answer to the critics of the
Human Rights Council. I'm awa,I'm maybe on the hot ground here in
New York, and from New York'sperspective, there might be some criticism as
far as Humans Council is concerned,but if you're in Geneva, you have
totally different opinion. Humanrights Council isreally a functioning body which is able to

(37:52):
deliver, which is able actually toseek for consensus, and I refer to
it at the beginning. We arestill able to deliver seventy for percents of
our decisions by consensus. So Idon't see that the criticism is really relevant
or adequate to the to the workof the Council. And of course you

(38:17):
can have different opinions. I dorespect all the opinions, but those are
the arguments I would I would provideto you. I said that I'm really
proud of the president of the differentMariage Council because though we've had really really
difficult debates, we also faced difficultatmosphere and the Council we were always up

(38:38):
to now able to decide agree ordisagree, but really go further and really
address the issues which are important forall of us. And again, if
you if you take into an accountjust the simple fact that the countries are

(39:01):
still striving to get elected to theCouncil means basically that they do see the
country did the Council as the relevantbody, because you wouldn't actually run your
election campaign actually to get elected intothe irrelevant body as a matter of effects.
Such a logical, easy argument.So if you again looked at the

(39:23):
list of countries who are running toget the members of the Council for the
next year, I think the answeris clear. It's relevant. It's relevant
even for important countries. I'm notsaying that any country is unimportant. Don't

(39:45):
take it wrongly. Do you thinkthe Council needs any sort of internal reform?
I wouldn't focus only on the randsCouncil. We need to maybe think
about what kind of institutions we arehaving right now at our disposal. When

(40:06):
those institutions were created and to extend, they are really able to react adequately
and quick enough today's challenges. Butit's not just a question which is relevant

(40:28):
for Remarce Councel. Romance Councel,in my view, is one of the
most efficient bodies in the UN system. As a matter of fact, you
don't have to agree with me,but this is my sincere belief because I've
run the Council throughund the last yearand I saw the results. I know
how many decisions we were able tomake, how many debates you've had,

(40:52):
and how many issues we were ableto address and even introduce new elements into
the human eight It's agenda. MaybeI summed a bit naive, but I
really sincerely believe that this is thecase. Do we have more questions,

(41:14):
Ambassador, Buttic maybe if you haveany concluding remarks, Thank you very much
for listening to me. Thank youfor being nice on me. I usually
do appreciate your openness and curiosity.I would only invite you to Geneva because

(41:37):
the atmosphere in Geneva is slightly differentand in New York maybe during maybe during
the less emotional period of time.But yeah, thank you, thank you,

(41:59):
thank you, ambassad balk And,as did the presidents say, the
work of the Council this year isnot yet over. On Monday, the
Council will start the review the universoperiodicReview of fourteen countries Takmanistan, Brookin,
Apaso, Cabo Verde, Columbia,Uzbekistan, to Value, Germany, Djibouti,
Canada, Bangladesh, the Russian Federation, as Erbaijian, Camroon and Cuba.

(42:20):
And on the eighteenth of December,the Human Rights Council will hear from
the High Commissioner on Human Rights onthe situations in Ukraine and Nicaragua. So
thank you very much. I wouldonly add that in the meantime, on
twenty three and twenty fourth November,we will have an informal session of the
Council in my capital in Prague,and we will try to address some of

(42:45):
those important issues we are seeing flyingin the air also in this infemos setting
and informa atmosphere, and we willtry hopefully to cease opportunite and contribute to
the debates about the efficiency and thefuture of the of the malto too system

(43:07):
as well. Thank you, thankyou. Seeing on waste and suffering and
prevent further escalation. In the lastfew days, mister ven Islam met with
President Hertzog, Senior Ministry of Defensein Israeli defense officials, as well as
US and EU en Wars, amongothers. Back here this morning, the

(43:30):
Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths briefMember States on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He talked about the despair he sawas he spoke to families of families
of Israeli hostages and families in Gazawho have lost loved ones and their homes.

(43:51):
Mister Griffith said, we have seenwe have seen unfold in Israel and
in the occupied Past Union territory overthe last twenty six days is nothing short
of a blight on our collective conscience. He said. There are intense humanitarian
negotiations involving Israel, Egypt, theUnited States and the UN with more than
three hundred trucks having moved into Gazaas of yesterday, more than one hundred

(44:15):
trucks moved into Gaza yesterday alone,he added, Yet that remains far less
than the five hundred truck loads ofgoods that moved into Gaza every day prior
to the current crisis. Mister Griffithscalled once more on the immediate release of
all hostages and stress the need tokeep civilian infrastructure safe from harm and he

(44:36):
reiterated our call for humanitarian pauses.Lynn Hastings, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
in the Occupied Pascian Territory, alsobrief but viy video conference. She said
the humanitarian impact of the attacks inGaza have been catastrophic, with more than
nine thousand people have been killed inGaza and that's according to the Ministry of

(44:57):
Health there. Thomas White from theun Really Works Agency UNROH briefed from RAFA
and he discussed the worsening situation asfuel is running out, noting that we
could soon have a situation where rosssewage gushes out into Gaza streets. He
paid tribute to the work of UNWAstaff for doing in very dangerous condition and

(45:20):
sadly, just to recall, seventytwo staff from monro have been killed so
far to date, excuse me.Still on the Occupied Pascian Territory, the
Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairssays we, along with our partners,
will release a flash update on Mondaycovering the remainder of the year. The
one point two billion dollar peel aimsto support two point seven million people,

(45:44):
that's the entire Gaza population and halfa million people in the West Bank.
The original appeal that was launched onOctober twelfth as for two hundred and ninety
four million dollars to support one pointthree million people. The situation has grown
increasingly desperate since then. The revisedflash appeal will outline the need for food,
water, healthcare, shelter, hygieneand other urgent priorities following the massive

(46:08):
bombardments in Gaza. Update on anothercrisis we're following closely, which is our
peacekeeping mission in Mali. The convoywe've been updating you on, which is
traveling from Kiddal to Gao again sufferedan attack. This is part of the

(46:29):
withdrawal process. Earlier today, theconvoy hit another improvised explosive device about three
kilometers northeast of Aniphis village in theKiddal region. Seven peacekeepers have been injured
and are being medically evacuated. Yesterday, as you'll recall, eight other peacekeepers
were injured in similar incidents. Theyare now reported to be in stable condition.

(46:52):
This is the fourth time that theconvoy has been impacted by NIDI since
it left the UN base in Kiddalon the thirty first of October. And
a quick update for you from Sudan, which, as you know, is
another major major humanitarian crisis. Anupdate on our efforts to deliver life saving

(47:15):
assistance. Our colleagues at OCHA saysthey facilitated an eight truck convoy of food
and medical supplies to South Court offantscapital Cadiguli, the first since the intense
fighting broke out in April. Thisis a positive development, but we of
course need sustained access to continue deliveringto people in need across the country.

(47:36):
However, the situation remains extremely distressing, specifically in Darfur and especially for women
and girls. The UN Human RightsOffice says they're deeply alarmed by reports they've
received of women and girls being abductedand held in inhuman degrading in slave like
conditions in areas controlled by the rapidsupport forces in Darfur, where they are

(47:59):
alleged forcibly married and held for ransom. Credible information from survivors, witnesses and
other sources suggest that more than twentywomen and girls have been taken, but
the number could be higher. TheUN Human Rights Office restated the High Commissioner's
call on senior officials of both theSudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces,

(48:22):
as well as any other armed groupsaffiliated with them, to unequivocally condemn
these vile acts and issue urgently clearinstructions to their subordinates demanding zero tolerance for
sexual violence. They must also ensurethe abducted women and girls are promptly released
and provided with the necessary support,including medical and psycho social care, that

(48:44):
all alleged cases are fully and promptlyinvestigated, with those found responsible held accountable
and brought to justice. Turning tothe Democratic Republic of the Congo, our
humanitarian colleagues tell us that in Octoberalone, last month, more than three
hundred thousand men, women and childrenwere driven from their homes by escalating violence
in North Kivu Province in the easternpart of the Congo. This brings the

(49:07):
total number of people displaced in theeastern part of the country to more than
six million people. The eastern provincesare also facing continued outbreaks of cholera and
measles. Despite the volatile situation.We along with our partners, have reached
some three million people with humanitarian aid, including one point nine million with food

(49:28):
assistants in the region. However,as we've said on several occasions, access
remains very much of a challenge dueto the recent and ongoing violence in Benny.
This has forced many humanitarian workers totemporarily suspend their operations, leaving more
than one hundred and forty thousand peopleunable to receive assistance. This year's two

(49:49):
point three billion dollar humanitarian response planis only thirty six percent funded. We
need more money. Turning to Ukraine, I can tell you that we strongly
condemned the latest wave of Russian attacksagainst critical infrastructure in various parts of the
country, which reportedly resulted in injuriesamong the civilian population, including children,

(50:13):
and cause damage to civilian residential andcommercial buildings. We are concerned about the
escalation of such incidents and their impacton the lives of civilians, especially the
onset of the winter period. Wereiterate in the clearest terms that attacks against
civilian and civilian infrastructure excuse me,are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they

(50:36):
must stop immediately. Also, juston a humanitarian update from Ukraine. Our
colleagues there tell us that the attacksthis week have destroyed energy facilities, schools,
hospitals and other public sites. TheCurson region in the south and Doughnets
region in the east were particularly affected. Kharkiv City was also attacked last night.

(50:57):
Our partner NGOs are already on siteproviding psychological support and shelter material to
people whose homes were damaged in theattacks. We and our partners continue to
provide critical aid to frontline communities.Today, an interagency humanitarian convoy delivery delivered
vital aid to about sixteen hundred peoplewho remain on the front line towns of
Arkiev in the Japaritza region. Theaid includes medicine, household hygiene kits,

(51:22):
as well as blankets, mattresses,solar lamps, sleeping bags and food.
Aid is also continuing to be distributed. This year alone, we and our
partners have delivered fourteen convoys to frontlinecommunities in Japariza Region, providing essential support
to more than thirty thousand people livingin near the southern front. They have

(51:42):
been ninety six humanitarian convoys to frontlineareas since the beginning of this year.
Ahead of winter, humanitarian workers aredistributing vital items such as thermal blankets,
mattresses and portable heaters. We andour partners have also appealing for four hundred
and thirty five million dollars to deliverwinter assistance to more than one point seven
million people across Ukraine through March oftwenty twenty four, which obviously covers the

(52:07):
winter. A couple of travel announcementsfor you. Tomorrow, our Deputy Secretary
General Miana Mohammad will be heading tothe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where she
will participate in the opening ceremony ofthe inaugural International Conference on Women in Islam.
This is organized by the Ministry ofForeign Affairs and the Organization of Islami

(52:28):
Cooperation in Jedda. The conference aimsto facilitate dialogue about the position of women
in Islam, encompassing both religion andcultural aspects, and promoting Muslims women's rights.
During her visit, she will meetwith senior government officials from the Islamic
Development Bank and other stakeholders. She'llbe back in New York on the seventh.

(52:49):
On Tuesday, Jean Pierre la Croix, our head of peace Operations is
wrapping up his three day visits toCyprus. Today. He had discussions with
leaders of both sides of the islandregarding recent developments within the buffer zone and
the work of the UN Peacekeeping Forceto maintain stability on the island. He
also engaged with civil society representatives,including women and youth representatives. He also

(53:13):
went to the Pila Pile plateau andstressed that the implementation of the understanding that
was reached recently is essential. Inaddition, he visited the Committee on Missing
Persons and met with some of itsmembers. Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs
Joyce Musuya is in Mozambique, whereshe visited the northern province of Gabo del

(53:34):
Gado yesterday and today. We,along with our partners, are continuing to
provide life saving assistance to people impactedby the conflict there. Miss Misuya met
with women and children and men who'vereturned to the district of Musimboi da Praya
after fleeing violence that started in twentyseventeen. Nearly three quarters of the one
hundred and seventy five thousand retorneys inthe districts reside in areas where basic infrastructure

(53:58):
such as school, health center andwater facilities have yet to be restored.
A reminder that more than two millionpeople in Mozambique need humanitarian assistance to cope
with the impact of the conflict,climate change, extreme weather events, including
cyclone Freddy. Earlier this year,we and our partners have reached now some
one point five million people in thecountry with some form of humanitarian assistance in

(54:21):
the first part of this year.To do more, we need more funding.
In twenty twenty three, humanitarian appealfor Mozambique for five hundred and thirteen
million dollars is just over one thirdfunded. Our response plan for cyclone Freddy,
floods and cholera is even less resourced, having received over just sixteen percent
of the one hundred and thirty eightmillion dollars that we need. Food price

(54:45):
Index our friends at FAO will reporttoday that the international food commodity prices have
declined moderately in October, down zeropoint five percent from September, with the
index for dairy products the only oneto see a bit of rise. According
to the latest Crop Aspects and FoodSituation Report also published today, FAO says
persisting and intensifying conflict or aggravating foodinsecurity, moderating international food commodity prices and

(55:09):
are being countered, are being counteredby weak currency in many low income country.
Sunday is which day Besides being Sunday, it is a marathon. I
will not be running. I hateto tell you. It is will Tsunami
Awareness Day. In his message,the Secretary General says Early Warning for all.
Initiative which aims to protect every personon Earth by twenty twenty seven,

(55:34):
prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable. It requires an investment of three point
one billion dollars about fifty cents foreach person to be covered, which is
small price to pay to protect people. Monday, we will be joined virtually
from Paris by Guillerm Canela dis juzA Goudoy, UNESCO's head of Freedom of
Expression and Safety of Journalists, andI just want to fly to Also on

(55:57):
Sunday, the UN Office of Drugsand Crime, in coordination with you,
an assistance mission in Afghanistan will launchits twenty twenty three Afghan Opium Survey Or.
It is an interesting document. Thesurvey examines the latest findings and emerging
trends of the illicit opium trade andeconomy. It will be the second report
since the de facto authorities banned thecultivation of opium poppy in all narcotics in

(56:19):
April of last year. The twentytwenty two harvest was largely exempted from the
decree meeting. The survey is thefirst to examine trends since the enforcement of
the ban. I think the advancedcopies have been shared with you, Maggie
than Idia A lot of bad newsfor Friday stuff a lot and there's more.

(56:40):
After meeting with Secretary of State Lincoln, Prime Minister and At Yaho said
there would be no humanitarian pauses untilthe hostages are released. How is this
going to impact the UN's work,Well, it's we will continue. We've
seen the statements. We will obviouslycontinue to to push for humanitarian goods to

(57:01):
get in. I mean, Idon't We couldn't be any clearer as to
what the humanitarian situation in Gaza isand the need for more aid to come
in. Eadie this time Maggie beatme to that the exact same question.
But also, can you tell uswhat the Secretary General is going to do

(57:30):
now? Is he planning any futuretravels. Who's he been talking to the
travels the travels will I mean,I've let me put this. I have
no travel to announce in the immediateI think you will be here next week.
We also have his annual meeting ofthe Chief Executive Board, which will

(57:54):
happen next week, which will formallyannounced later, which will be an occasion
for him also to have very focuseda discussion only on the years ahead,
but on the situation, especially thehumanitarian situation now. And he remains I'm
not going to go into the detailsof his calls, but he remains in
contact with a number of people.Is the Chief Executive's Board meeting going to

(58:17):
be here in New York? Itwill be in New York. Yeah,
the fall sessions always here in NewYork. DESHI, they asked some parts
of my question. Actually, Idon't to me about who's asking a question.
Yeah, everybody's talking about the humanitarianpauses. But as far as I
remember, the Secretary General is actuallyactually asking for humanitarian ceasefire, which is

(58:39):
which is to some degree is actuallydifferent from the humanitarian pauses which led to
the hostages. So what does theSecret General's idea on this, this pauses
for releasing the hostages. Do youthink that? I think the Secretary General
has been very clear. Is thatall the things he's been talking about,

(59:00):
which is, you know, haltin the fighting to get humanitarian aid,
the release of of hostages immediately unconditionally, are not should not be linked and
they should not be used as bargainingchips. So, since we've already talked
about hostages, is there any updateon the negotiations? Nothing to share with

(59:22):
the hostages? What about this,the situation in the border area between Lebanon
and Israel, do you have anyI mean, we're just where they're being
again, they've been an exchange ofa fire across the blue line today.
We will reiterate our message to avoidany sort of further escalation in what is

(59:45):
already a very tense area. Imeanly then, Celia, thanks Steph on
money. It's been I mean,the boy has been hit on every day
by an ID. So what isminisma? I mean, do they believe

(01:00:07):
that the convoy is specifically targeted onits way to go or it's just that
the road is it's hard. Imean, let me put it this way.
I think it's hard to Uh,it's it's hard to tell, right,

(01:00:28):
don't I've not seen any reports wherethey have seen people leave ideas,
whether or not these are ideas thathave been there for a long time,
whether people know that the convoy iscoming this way, because frankly, there
aren't a thousand ways to get fromKidal to Gau when you're dealing with that
many trucks. So the the road, it's clear what road they will use.

(01:00:53):
We can only speak to the impactthat it's having, which is a
continuous threat to our peacekeeping. Collumjust a follow up, considering some previous
convoy where driving really really slow,like one or two clameters an hour,
how many more days will they takefor them to reach it out? And
so how many more days are goingto be my senses, there is about

(01:01:15):
for it was about four days worthof travel. So hopefully they will arrive
some time this weekend. And it'sclear that it's clear that every time there's
such an attack, it delays theconvoy further. Sylvian don and then Caitlin,

(01:01:36):
thank you, Stephan. And onthe south of Lebanon, the uniform
is called now in the heart ofthe tension between Benon and Israel, Is
there any plan for the Scretor Generalor for Lacrois to go to Lebanon and
visit UNIFIELD? I will if Ihave any travel to announce. I don't

(01:02:01):
think there's any plan for the SecretaryGeneral in the immediate term. For mister
Laqua, I will will keep you, We will keep you posting. There
is another the seventeen o one willbe the new report will be discussed on
November twenty second. Is there anew Can we have some more information about

(01:02:23):
the UNIFIL well, I mean realengagement? Are there are there new engagement
rules for during the new engagement rules? No? Not, but there are
no new rules of engagement as faras as far as I know. Okay,
uh, Dawn, then Caitlin,and then I'll get to the rest.

(01:02:44):
Thanks Steph. I have two questions, one on Syria and one on
Gaza. For Syria, there wasa suicide drone attack in homes on October
fifth, but since then the Syrianregime hasn't let up on its attacks in
northwest Syria. While I can't speakfor Syrians, when I go on social
media, a lot of Syrians thatI follow say that they feel forgotten by

(01:03:07):
the world. So I wanted toknow what would be the Secretary General's message
to the people in Northwest Syria whoare still suffering. And then my second
question is has to do with theSecretary General's level of confidence in the crop
of world leaders that we have todayand their ability to deal with the situations

(01:03:32):
that we have in Gaza and Ukraine. Does he believe that these people and
I mean you could think about likethe p five of this Security Council,
Are they up to the task?Do they have what it takes to deal
with what's happening in the world today. Thanks, why I listen? No,
no, no, it's not theanswer. The answer is that they

(01:03:55):
have no choice. We have nochoice. We all have to be up
to the task. You know,while there may be not as much political
progress as we would like on theSyria track as outlined and what it's called
for by the Security Council resolution,the United Nations, embodied by the humanitarian

(01:04:23):
staff that remains in Syria has notforgotten the Syrian people, has not abandoned
the Syrian people. We continue todeliver aid in whichever way we can,
whether that's crossline or cross border,and we continue to be there with the
Syrian people, and I think aswe have from this podium quite often express

(01:04:45):
not only expressed our concern but condemnedthe violence civilians are subjected to on a
regular basis in many, many partsof the country. Can I just follow
up really quick on the Babahawa crossing. I believe that that renewal is coming
up, but it's a secret renewal. Yeah, let me understanding. Let's
let me see if I can findanswer to that secret Caitlin, and then

(01:05:08):
Pem, thank you. Does youhave any comment or was it aware of
this ambulance convoy that was reportedly struckby Israeli fire in Gaza as it was
heading towards Rafa. No, Ihaven't seen anything from here, but I
will I will check also on Gaza, do you have any updated numbers on

(01:05:30):
how many UN staffers have been ableto leave Gaza through the Rafa crossing foreign
nationals and have they been replaced?There is a rotation, it's a small
it's a small number. I thinkit's about a less than ten of the
rotation, but that is on thatis ongoing. Been replaced, so yes,
some of them been replaced, ye, Pam, sorry, and that

(01:05:54):
Serio, I apologize separate question,but just as a follow up to this
question, total number of UN inGaza now about a thousand I thought you
said no, I've always said aboutthirteen thousand UN staff. Thirteen thousands still
in god Well, I mean theyare the vast, vast majority of them
are Palestinians who live and work inGaza. Okay, and only ten or

(01:06:16):
so have but those are internationals andthey're not they're from different agencies. They're
also they're operating in Gaza. Okay. Now my question, which is just
turning to Ukraine. There's there havebeen some announcements by Ukraine that that a
black Sea carter is still working alittle bit. What's the status is the

(01:06:42):
JCC in is Tembul still there?I mean they're still the structure is still
there. And our efforts to revivethe Grain deal and fully implement the MoU
are also continuing. All right,Thank you, Seriah, You've been very
patient. Thank you, No problemat all, thank you. Step So,
the hospitals in Gaza are continuing tobe a target despite all calls by

(01:07:03):
the United Nations, and there arereports and images that Israel has targeted the
vicinity of three hospitals today, alShifa, al Kutz and the Indonesian Hospital.
I want to ask, is theUN working on a plan, an
initiative to enforce international law and stopIsrael from targeting health facilities. Basically,

(01:07:23):
first of all, we we continueto call for the full respective international law,
which includes the point that hospitals shouldnot be used in any part of
combat. But you know, likein any conflict, and we talk,

(01:07:45):
I mean just today, we've spokenabout, you know, what's going on
in Gaza. We've spoken about what'sthe horrific stories from from Sudan, We've
spoken about Ukraine. We keep callingfor the respect of international humanitarian law.
But none of these cases is theUN the one with the fingers on the

(01:08:06):
trigger, right, So I thinkthat hopefully answers your question. Desji.
Sorry, I just got this news. Russia, you just got it.
I didn't get it. The RussianForeign Minister said that the Foreign Minister of
Russia, Lavrov, has already senta letter to the Secretary General on de

(01:08:27):
ratifying the nuclear test ban treaty.Does the Secret General receive that letter and
what message does the Secret General havefor both Russian and I don't know if
the actual letter has been received,but we've obviously seen the news, which
the Secretary generally deeply regrets, andhe deeply regrets Russia's revocation of the ratification

(01:08:53):
of the CTBT. He's consistently stressedthe need for entry into force of the
treaty, which is, you know, one of the main main pillars of
the global disarmament and non proliferation architecture. He strongly urges all states that have
not yet ratified the cb CTBT todo so without retireservation or condition, especially

(01:09:16):
those whose ratification is required for thetreaty's entry into force. In the interim,
he calls on all nuclear weapons statesto publicly reaffirm them moratorium against nuclear
testing and the commitment to the treaty. Cell Ya Stephing, the state of

(01:09:36):
the world right now, do youthink it's wise for the Security on members
to go on a retreat treat II have first all I have, I
have no we have no authority onwhat the Security Council does. I fully,

(01:09:59):
we fully believe that Security Council memberscan do more than one thing at
the same time. And frankly,perhaps meeting in a retreat and meeting off
site can only can have positive developments. Do you really believe so? Well,
if I didn't believe it, Iwouldn't say it. I tend to

(01:10:20):
believe what I say, Yes,sir, thank you. Eric Peters with
the Caroo News. Thanks to fun, I was wondering if so. The
Idea of spokesperson announced that they hadencircled Gaza City and I was wondering if
aid can still get in. No, I mean we've we've been it's been

(01:10:42):
very difficult for us to access thenorthern part of Gaza and as we've said,
we're not able to deliver the humanitarianservices we need to do that in
those areas. So nothing can reachGaza City right now. That's that's my
understanding from anhuis they've not been ableto deliver the humanitarian aid they need to
the areas in the north. Thankyou, Yes, sir, so you're

(01:11:09):
the microphone. Okay, finally,thank you for doing this briefing on daily
basis. We've heard so many characterizationsfor what's happening in Gaza, war crimes,
genocide applied. How does the GeneralSecretary characterize it officially and formally?

(01:11:29):
Well, he read what he's beensaying, Read what we've been saying.
I mean, we've been characterizing usingdifferent words since the beginning, but I
mean his I think his characterizations arereflected in his in his very public remarks,
whether to the press or whether tothe Security Council. Tony, thank

(01:11:53):
you, Steph. So I rememberat the very beginning of this briefing you
started with Secretary General contacts and tornSlid what they are doing and working with
different parties. But that wasn't enoughinformation for us. Can you are you
able to share more about this likevery specific part of the UN role in
this crisis? I mean, areyou know our role is I would say

(01:12:17):
is multi pronged. We are continuingto speak to key interlocutors obviously, who
are they Palestinian interlocutors, Israeli interlocuts, Kataris, Americans, Egyptians and others.
There are a lot of different memberstates and entities that hold partially hold

(01:12:43):
the key to solving and stopping whatis what is going on? We do
not we share as much as wefeel comfortable sharing so as not to engage
the policies that, I mean,the the issues we're trying to move forward.
Uh, let me go to thescreen to those who haven't had a

(01:13:05):
chance, and then I'll come back. Abdelhahmid. Thank you, Stephan.
I have a couple of questions.I hope, I hope you you would
be patient with me. First,the question about targeting the hospitals. It
has been asked, so I won'trepeat that. In the Wist Bank,

(01:13:30):
Stephan, we've lost you were killed. Is really storm into this, and
yet you and we have not heardanywhere about what's going on in the Wist
Bank in the last few days,especially about this, what happened engineering this

(01:13:54):
today? Even Adhamid, I thinkyou know, I think it's it's I
I would encourage you to really lookat the transcripts of past briefings, because
we have spoken about what the violencein the West Bank. We have condemned
the violence by the settlers. Wehave underscores Israel's responsibilities to ensure the safety

(01:14:14):
of all people living in the WestBank. So we have spoken about that,
we continue to do. So whatis your next question, sir?
My next question? On October OnOctober thirtieth, mister Tor Winsland had the
time to go visit to Israeli settlersettlement inside for Alza and Beery, and

(01:14:39):
he said with the families of whathe said, suffer appalling acts of terror
by Hamas against women, children andwhole family. That's what his word.
I've been asking you, Stefan formany times why he never are visited a

(01:15:00):
Palestinian family. I didn't visit thosetowns that were destroyed by the settlers,
including how I think I think mister, whether mister mister Venislan, mister Venisland
has uh has also uh spoken toPalestinian families. I would remind you that

(01:15:25):
Martin Griffiths was also there. Uh. He met with families of Israeli hostages.
He also spoke to families in inin Gaza. UH. So I
don't agree with your characterization. Ifyou have a third question, go ahead,
Otherwise I'll move on. Does yougive me one example that he visited

(01:15:47):
a family. I do not havehis personal agenda. I did not have
his personal agenda with me. ButI can assure you that it's whether it's
mister Venislan, his his colleagues.I mean, we are, we are,
we try to be there with peoplewho have suffered and who continue to

(01:16:08):
suffer. Okay, let's go mylast question. My last question mister gave
one speech today the head of hisbold First, did you and follow that
speech? Yes, we said thathe himself part of the what's going on,

(01:16:32):
and he said he will escalate.Depends on escalates, he would increase
also his involvement. Do you haveany ques. We're fully aware of the
speech delivered by mister Nostralla, whichobviously, like many others, were watching.
I'm not going to go into ananalysis or comment of everything that he

(01:16:54):
said. I would just reiterate ourour comment and what we've said earlier today.
What we've been saying is the needto for all those who have the
power to do so, to avoidany sort of escalation along the Blue line
and to avoid to cease all hostileactivities across the Blue line and as well

(01:17:20):
as escalatory rhetoric. Maggie two followup, Steph, you mentioned on Monday
that OCHO will increase the appeal forGaza to one point two billion. Can
we expect a donors conference? Idon't think, we asked this morning.
I don't think there will be anactual event, but it will be a

(01:17:41):
release. But we hope that evenwithout a conference, donors will donate.
Okay and second, okay, somuch is made of language at the UN
and diplomatic language. So the SecretaryGeneral has been calling repeatedly for humanitarian ceasefire.
Today mister Griffiths called it a humanitarianpause. You repeated that at the
podium pause. The Americans have beensaying no to a ceasefire, okay,

(01:18:04):
to a pause. That is yourchange in language a reflection of that.
Because you don't think you can getbetter than a pause. Can you explain?
I think we are trying to getas much as we can and I
will leave it at that. Soyou think that's all that's realistic. I
will leave it at that. Uhyeah. And then going back to Mollie,

(01:18:29):
as I recall, one of thebig issues was that the authorities and
MOLLI would not allow any aerial coverfor the convoy. Is that still the
oay we've had. We've had alot of challenges getting clearance uh for flights.

(01:18:49):
We had some metavac flights, butwe're not operating as many flights as
we we should be able to operatein order to up the stale safety of
our peacekeepers who are moving on theground. And is there any estimate of
how how how many bore days it'sgonna take. We hope that they get

(01:19:10):
to go by the weekend. Theend of the weekend, uh and then
done. Thank you again, Steph. Just took me a minute to process
what you said. Obviously, theUN is not the one with the trigger
on its hand. But I'm notasking this to undermine the United Nations,
not at all. Yeah, Ijust want to really know what can the
UN do besides calling, you know, to stop the hostilities or condemning the

(01:19:33):
brutalities, because I think there's ahuge expectation from the UN, not just
people on the ground, from allaround you know. I think the question
is which UN you are talking about? Right? I can only speak for
a part of that, and that'sthe Secretary General. The Secretary General,
his authority in a sense is inhis his voice and the voice of his

(01:19:57):
officials. And we continue to callthis and continue to push it publicly and
continue to push it privately. Thereare other parts, legislative parts in the
UN that could be doing more toensure an ender this conflict. Don thanks
step In recent days, the USSecretary of State Anthony Blincoln has been talking

(01:20:19):
about this idea of the day afterin Gaza, and it's just very strange
to think of the day after asif you snap your fingers, it's the
day after. And I understand thatthe two state solution is politically popular.
I don't know if that's too farof a stretch to say. I know
the Secretary General supports it. Butwhat we're dealing with here is two groups

(01:20:44):
of people, Palestinians and Israelis who'vebeen traumatized. I'm not here to judge
who more than the other. There'sa lot of psychological a lot of psychological
tension there with a two state solution, how I mean, what is what
can be done to bring these people? How are you going to ask these
people to now live together in twostates? When we're talking about generations of

(01:21:11):
trauma this you know, when AnthonyBlaken talks about the day after, it's
like whoa, whoa, whoa.We're talking about generations of trauma, right.
I mean, they will be aneed for a day after. They
will be a need for reconciliation,they will be a need to address the
violence. There will be a needto address the trauma. And I think

(01:21:33):
the international community should work in unisonto ensure that goal. On that word,
I've scored my last goal and I'moh sorry that I thought I was
hoping that was a joke, butno, go ahead, Caitlin, Yeah

(01:21:55):
yeah, Can we get the Secretaryof General to do a briefing if he's
going to be here. No,I yes, it's on my it's on
my to do list. You walk, mm hmm. The show has been

(01:22:43):
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