Flood dentention dams will have a dual purpose of recharging the groundwater as well as would reduce the flood velocity, and there will be fewer losses to the fertile soil erosion, habitat destructions, and public amenities like link roads, electricity poles, and local human settlements says experts 

By Rehan Khan Khushik 

KARACHI/HYDERABAD. World Bank Technical mission for Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilition Project Irrigation Component comprised on Mr Ahsan Tehsin Senior Disaster Risk Managent specialist and Task Team leader,

Ms Amparo Samper Hiraldo senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist , Mr Alessandro Palmieri consultant, Mr Jaun Soler Cabado consultant Mr Hendrik  Arnold Vernoon Consultant, Mr Bilal Khalid Disaster Risk Management specialist , Aijaz Shaikh Consultant visited three flood dention dams constructed by Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilition Project Funded by World Bank at lat basin  located near Gadap town Malir in Kohistan region of Sindh..

While briefing the mission, Zahid Shaikh senior water resource management specialist SFERP said that SFERP’s Irrigation component has constructed the  total of eleven flood detention small dams. 

He said that Seven dams are located at Mole Basin and four dams at Lat Basin. 

He said that all streams are non-perennial and water is available mostly during the monsoon season.

He said that these dams will have a dual purpose of recharging the groundwater as well as would reduce the flood velocity, and there will be fewer losses to the fertile soil erosion, habitat destructions, and public amenities like link roads, electricity poles, and local human settlements. “Due to the project, intervention water will be available for a longer period, which will augment to uplift socio-economic activities” they added. 

While SFERP was represented by Aqil Memon additional director, Zahid Shaikh senior water resource management specialist, Naeem Arif from Project and Mohammad Nawaz Soomro from project implemention consultance, Nasir Panhwar social safe guard consultant and Marvi Baloch gender specialist during the visit. 

Mr Naeem Arif the project consultant brief the  WB technical mission about the Lat-1 Dam  that the design discharge cusecs of lat-1 flood dentetion dam is 16570 cusecs , storage capacity area  is 56 acres, ebmankment length is 4830 feet, reservior storage capacity is 364 acres, width spilway is 525 foot,  floor level  is 524 foot , highest flood level is 546 foot , embankment top level is 550 foot , spilway highest is 18 foot, embankment highest above river bed is 26 foot. 

During the visit at lat -2 Dam site, Mohammad Nawaz Soomro briefed WB technical team said that the commencement date is of the lat-2 dam is 20 march 2023 and comoletion date 18 march 2024.

He said that the catchment area of the dam is 5  squire miles. He said that the spilway type is ogee stepped spilway. 

He said that the design discharge  of the dam is  9120 cusecs  , width of spilway feet 299 feet,  Floor level 506 feet, spilway crest level 522 feet, heighest flood level 526 feet, embankment Top level 530 feet, 

He said that spilway height 16 feet, head above crest 4 feet, free board 4 feet, embankment height above the river bed  24 feet, embankment type is earthfill. He said that  embankment length  2.701 feet,  storage area 26 acres and  Reservior storage acres 113.

During visit at  Lat  -3 dam, Aqeel Memon additional director SFERP said that Latitude  Commencement date of this flood dentition dam is 30 march 2023 and planned completion date 28 march 2024..

He said that the  catchment area is 29 squire miles, spilway is Ogee sleeped spilway, design discharge  21.172 cusecs. 

He said that width of spilway  480 feet, floor level 416 feet,  hiegest flood level 431 feet , embankment top level 436 feet, spilway height 10 feet, head above crest  5 feet, free board 4 feet, embankment height above river bed 19 feet, embankment type earth, embankment length 4,434 feet, storage area acres 29 and reservior storage acres  101 feet.  

Nasir Ali Panhwar, Social Safeguard Specialist said the local population in project areas are using subsurface and groundwater for consumption. The groundwater depth varies from 150 to 300 ft. in different parts of the Kohistan region. The distance traveled by women to fetch water varies from area to area for instance, in Kohistan, they travel about two to three kilometers distance per trip. “The dams will help in recharging the groundwater and provide water in the areas where it is crucial for drinking, domestic use, and livestock, he added.  

ISLAMABAD, JAN 26 /DNA/ – While Climate crisis is the reality of our times, peaceful coexistence is the only way forward for enhanced regional cooperation, said Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was addressing the concluding ceremony of Regional Dialogue 2024 titled Climate Crisis: Shaping South Asia’s Resilience organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).

He said that peaceful existence could be achieved if bold and courageous decisions were made by statesmen. The Foreign Minister also emphasized exploration of potential avenues of cooperation on climate change.  The three-day event was inaugurated by Dr Arif Alvi, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The conference had six main themes encompassing South Asia’s Climate Vulnerability, The Commitment on Regional NDCs, Climate- Conflict Nexus, Adapting to Climate Calamity, Climate Financing and South Asia’s Climate Future. The conference brings together academics, practitioners, and policy makers from within Pakistan and across the region to discuss the aforementioned subject areas.

Mr Ahmed Kamal, Chairman, Federal Flood Commission while addressing the participants of the Conference commented that South Asia continues to remain under the influence of a high degree of vulnerability and exposure to climate hazards, in particular, to floods, cyclones and droughts. The high degree of both vulnerability and exposure could be attributed to the region’s high population growth rate and narrow levels of adaptive capacity.

He added that Integrated Drought Management should include promotion of drought tolerant crops, extended research on weather patterns, impact of climate change, regular drought monitoring on regional level, emphasis on ground water recharge, and the implementation of Adaptation Plan.

Mr Abdul Basit, Head of South Asia Desk at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism (ICPVTR), Singapore was of the opinion that climate change was a development issue and that ‘securutizing’ it could prove to be disastrous. He said that there was a dire need for security policymakers and practitioners to acknowledge the fact that there was an unmistakable connection between the two necessitating the need to map the impact of climate change on terrorism and vice versa. Dr Mazhar Hayat, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Climate Change stressed the need to set sectoral-based baselines and promote mitigation and then adaptation.

Other sessions for the day included speakers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, the US and Singapore who discussed the various aspects of climate change in South Asia.

Serena Hotels sponsored Mashal’s Fund-Raising Event Serena Hotels, under the Cultural Diplomacy initiative collaborated with Bestway Cement Ltd, to host a fundraising event titled ‘Muddat hue ha yaar ko mehman kiye hue’

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ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels sponsored Mashal’s Fund-Raising Event Serena Hotels, under the Cultural Diplomacy initiative collaborated with Bestway Cement Ltd, to host a fundraising event titled ‘Muddat hue ha yaar ko mehman kiye hue’ for the Mashal Association at Serena Hotel in Islamabad on Thursday 25th January 2024.

 Mashal Association is a social welfare organization which has been working for educating and empowering girls and women from under privileged families since 1988. It was founded by (late) Begum Shahida Azim and has gone from strength to strength with time, with a higher secondary school for girls with 300 students, a medical Center and a vocational training center.

 Its Welfare Complex caters to the needs of about 9 surrounding villages/ communities that live in and around Margalla Town which is the outer edge of Islamabad. The audience experienced the true essence of the Urdu language as Adeel Hashmi who is a famous, talented and a prominent name of Pakistani Showbiz industry narrated selected pieces from Urdu literature, and he was accompanied by Ustad Raees Khan on his magical violin.

The event witnessed a significant presence of dignitaries, official representatives from the corporate sector, members of the business community, and media personnels.

Serena Hotels takes great pride in the privilege of organizing and hosting events that play a significant role in encouraging the cultural and traditional essence of Pakistan.

 These events serve as platforms where diverse facets of the country’s rich heritage are celebrated, embraced, and shared with a wider audience.

Sharing Session on Indonesian Model of Religious Moderation and Democracy

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ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, in collaboration with the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA), organized a significant experience-sharing session on 23 January 2024, titled “Memories from Indonesia: Reflections on the Indonesian Model of Religious Moderation and Democracy,” at the National Book Foundation (NBF) in Islamabad where the Indonesian Corner has been established last November 2023.

As speakers of the Session were Pakistani Ulemas, Scholars, Academics, Activists, and Politicians, who have visited Indonesia last December 2023 to interact with their counterparts in Jakarta and Bandung, and to closely witness the practices of religious moderation and democracy in the Country. This Session was expected to make the results of the visit more impactful for broader Pakistani public as well as to bring Pakistan and Indonesia closer as the two brotherly Muslim countries.

“In the wake of current global challenges, both Indonesia and Pakistan need concerted efforts to share best practices to promote tolerance, moderation, gender equalities, and to ensure positive contribution of individuals in the political democratic system,” said the Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires, H.E. Mr. Yusran Hardromi in his welcoming remarks.

During the session, delegates shared their perspectives and comments on current Indonesia, emphasizing the strategic roles in nation building played by the two largest Indonesian Muslim organizations, namely Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, as well as the critical contribution by Indonesian female ulemas in advancing gender equality. In addition, the democracy in Indonesia was also their attention as the Indonesians are currently preparing the general elections next February 2024.

“The religion should be a source of goodness, and different opinions of scholars of Fiqh are not meant to create divisions but provides new ways to the people according to the needs and priorities of their societies,” explained Mr. Khurshid Nadeem, Chairman of Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority.

Pakistani prominent Politician, Barrister Zafarullah Khan also shared his views during his visit to Indonesia, “The inclusion of minorities even Ahmadis in political and social progress is allowed in Indonesia. There is no distinction on gender basis in the Country and their religious ulemas and scholars are well educated and interpret religion as mercy (rahmat) for all mankind with element of universality and gender justice.”

In line with two previous speakers, Ms. Beenish Irfan Khan, an Activist in gender inclusion and women’s rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province emphasized the Indonesian women’s independence and active roles in politics and society, underscoring the acceptance of other faiths as a notable element of Indonesia. While Mr. Malik Habib Orakzai, Chairman of Pakistan International Human Rights Organization (PIHRO) shared his experiences of democracy in Indonesia, highlighting the country’s notable tolerance that has allowed democracy to flourish by accommodating all parties.

Chief Guest, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, noted that Indonesia’s approach to tolerance has evolved into appreciation, respect, and acceptance of other faiths and cultures. Dr. Ayaz added that Indonesian religious harmony, moderation and role of their two big Muslim organizations could be good learning experience for all. “We can learn from Indonesia’s journey”, he concluded his keynote speech.

Previously, Mr. Muhammad Israr Madani, President of IRCRA, emphasized the significance of religious diplomacy and called for increased interaction between religious academics and ulemas of Indonesia and Pakistan. He highlighted the unique approach and philosophy of Indonesia’s mosque and madrasah system, emphasizing their focus on societal betterment rather than politics.

Dr. Raja Mazhar Hameed, Managing Director of NBF, appreciated efforts in organizing such inclusive informative event. He said that the Indonesian Corner in NBF was reflection of growing friendly ties and cooperation between the two nations and would create more awareness about Indonesia among Pakistani people.

KARACHI, JAN 24 /DNA/ – UN Women, in collaboration with the Government of Japan, hosted a showcase event in Karachi to highlight the success of Women’s Socio-Economic Resilience Project. The initiative aimed to provide essential relief and protection services to women and girls in flood-affected areas, fostering their resilience and adaptability to emergencies and disasters.

This USD 1.85 million project was made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan, that provided humanitarian assistance to regions affected by floods in 2022.The aid was directed towards women-focused humanitarian services in the nine districts of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan.

While addressing the audience, Asghar Memon,　Secretary Planning and Development Department, of the Government of Sindh, remarked, “The support from the Government of Japan came at a critical time for the women and girls in the flood-affected areas. This contribution significantly helped provide essential relief and protection services, enabling them to assume leadership roles within their communities. Japan’s generosity serves as a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hattori Masaru, Consul General Japan in Karachi expressed,“The Government of Japan remains committed to ensuring women’s human rights and fighting against all forms of gender-based violence. In partnership with UNWOMEN, we have promoted safety and protection, and nurtured the leadership and resilience of the flood-affected women and girls. Japan and UNWOMEN have a long-standing partnership globally, with various collaborations for upholding gender equality, women’s empowerment, and disability inclusion. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to UNWOMEN’s tireless effort and dedication to strengthening women’s leadership and inclusive development in this country.”

Sharmeela Rassool, UN Women Representative in Pakistan, expressed deep gratitude: “We thank the Government of Japan for their generous financial support to the flood-affected women and girls located in the most vulnerable districts of Pakistan in 2022. This partnership exemplifies the commitment to ensuring the well-being and empowerment of women and girls in the face of adversity. This support is pivotal in our on-ground efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment within the humanitarian-peace-development nexus.”

The funds provided by the Japanese Government supports delivery of essential humanitarian services. These services include psychosocial support, raising awareness of gender-based violence, assistance for survivors of violence, help with application for civic documentation, and entrepreneurship development. The relief goods provided to women include mother kits, baby kits, and inclusion kits.=DNA

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DNA

KARACHI, JAN 24: U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Pakistan as a trade and economic partner during his visit to Karachi January 21-23.  “We are committed to broadening and deepening our trade and economic partnership with Pakistan, and to empowering the next generation of Pakistani business leaders,” the Ambassador said.

In his meeting with the American Business Council (ABC), Ambassador Blome emphasized the benefits of private sector-led, equitable, sustainable economic growth, and the potential for increasing two-way trade and investment between our countries.  He also expressed appreciation for U.S. companies’ corporate social responsibility and heard from private industry leaders on the business climate in Pakistan.

The Ambassador also met with a group of members of the Young Presidents’ Organization, a U.S.-based worldwide leadership community of Chief Executives.  The Ambassador welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on Pakistan’s investment and business climate and discuss prospects for economic reform.  

Underscoring the U.S. commitment to promote entrepreneurship, the Ambassador visited the Center for Entrepreneurial Development at the Institute of Business Administration – a driving force behind entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in Pakistan – to hear from university leaders, start-up leaders, and entrepreneurs about how the Center empowers them to pursue their aspirations by fostering an entrepreneurial culture and supporting student-led initiatives.

There, the Ambassador said, “As President Biden likes to say, every time someone starts a business, it’s an act of hope.  We want to see you grow, flourish, and build your dreams.”  He reaffirmed support for start-ups and entrepreneurs through U.S.-funded programs like Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Built By Her, Qadam Barhao, and more.

In a visit to the National Incubation Center – Karachi, the Ambassador conveyed the United States’ strong support for innovators, entrepreneurs, and students working to promote innovation, job creation, and economic growth.  The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the NIC-K’s ongoing cooperation with the United States, including Global Entrepreneurship Week and the U.S. Speaker Series Program.  He discussed the importance of collaboration between the United States and Pakistan – and the special role innovators and entrepreneurs play – in improving access to renewable energy resources and addressing the climate crisis. 

During his trip, the Ambassador Blome met also with the caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (Retired) Maqbool Baqar, and the caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, Ali Mardan Khan Domki.  Discussions focused on collaboration and expanding the U.S.-Pakistan trade and economic partnership, shared priorities for our two countries.

In Pakistan and around the world, the United States remains committed to promoting entrepreneurship to stimulate economic growth, create better quality jobs, open new markets for U.S. companies, and increase global economic security and prosperity.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 /DNA/ – Islamabad Serena Hotel is honored to announce its celebration of the International Day of Education with the students at Master Ayub School, aimed at supporting education and providing essential resources to underprivileged children.

In line with this year’s theme of “Learning for lasting peace”, six senior executives from the hotel dedicated their expertise to conduct 15-minute sessions covering diverse subjects such as Pakistan studies, fitness, personal hygiene, and more. Also, through this donation drive, Islamabad Serena Hotel seeks to underscore the significance of education in transforming lives and building a better future for the young learners.

The General Manager of Islamabad Serena Hotel, Mr. Otto Kurzendorfer shared his views on the importance of education in shaping a brighter tomorrow, “This initiative not only aligns with our corporate social responsibility goals but also provides a platform for our executives to directly contribute to the development of the next generation. We are excited about the positive impact this program will have on the lives of these young individuals.”

During the visit, the management of the Islamabad Serena Hotel also distributed educational material and food boxes among the children of Master Ayub School. This initiative aimed at easing the students’ educational journey and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to pursue their studies effectively. Islamabad Serena Hotel is committed to create opportunities for children who face socio-economic challenges. DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 /DNA/ – Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) leading a delegation visited the National Defense University (NDU) and congratulated Lt. Gen. Asif Ghafoor on his appointment as the President of the University. Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik Group Leader, Zafar Bakhtawari former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG Pakistan and Ajmal Baloch, President All Pakistan Anjuman Tajaran were in the delegation.

Talking to the delegation, Lieutenant General Asif Ghafoor, President, National Defense University Islamabad lauded the important role of the business community in the economic development of the country. He said that the business community of Pakistan should invest in the backward areas of the country including Balochistan, which will improve the local infrastructure, create new jobs, reduce poverty, and bring prosperity to the people. He said that the business community should fully cooperate with the incoming government and give suggestions to create a favorable business environment so that through public-private sector efforts, Pakistan can be taken out of difficulties and put on the path of sustainable economic development. Expressing his opinion regarding the recent tension between Pakistan and Iran, he said that the two countries are bound in historical friendship and soon their relations will be normalized. He assured that prominent business leaders will be invited to important programs of NDU to share their success stories with the students.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the security and development of Pakistan depend on a strong economy and the business community would work with the government to improve the economy. He said ICCI may be given a permanent seat in the National Security Workshop and ICCI members may be invited to the important programs of NDU to share their success stories for the motivation of the students. He said that ICCI in collaboration with NDU will try to organize a seminar for the benefit of the students.

Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI, appreciated the efforts of NDU in the field of education and research to produce future leaders in the public and private sectors and assured of the support of the business community to promote NDU’s mission and objectives.

Khalid Iqbal Malik Group Leader ICCI, Zafar Bakhtawari former President and Secretary General UBG Pakistan, and Ajmal Baloch President All Pakistan Anjuman Tajaran also spoke on the occasion and assured that the business community would always support all endeavors of the government to make Pakistan a strong economy in the region. 

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 24 (APP/DNA) – A senior Pakistani diplomat has called for “concrete steps” by the United Nations to stop the Israeli slaughter of the people in Gaza, as he underscored that a lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-state solution.

“It is now time for the Security Council, for the entire membership of the United Nations, to consider measures by which to reverse this wanton rejection of peace,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the 15-member body on Tuesday, referring to the repudiation of the two-state formula by Israel.

“We hope the Council will be able, finally, to adopt a resolution demanding a complete cessation of hostilities, full access to humanitarian assistance for the besieged population of Gaza, and international protection for the Palestinian people,” he said in a high-level Council debate on the Middle East crisis.

Tuesday’s meeting featured more than 60 speakers, including many ministers, who discussed the need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the urgency with which to scale up aid, the importance of pursuing a two-State solution and the imperative to avoid further regional escalation.

Deploring Israel’s defiance of world opinion, Ambassador Akram said, “If the Israeli leadership persists in refusing peace, the Security Council, the General Assembly, and indeed all UN Member States, must take steps to hold it accountable.

“There are numerous precedents of measures that can be taken to persuade compliance with decisions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Pakistani envoy added, without specifying those steps.

“In order to ensure the inevitability of the two-State solution, it is also time to admit Palestine as a full member of the United Nations,” he stressed. Palestine currently has observer status at the U.N.

 “Unfortunately, despite world opinion, despite the advice of its closest allies, and of many of its own people, the extremist Israeli leadership remains adamant in continuing this brutal war and rejecting the prospect of a Palestinian State and the two-State solution,” Ambassador Akram said.

“This will consign the Middle East to perpetual conflict.”

Describing the harrowing situation left behind by relentless Israeli bombardments of Gaza, Ambassador Akram said, “This brutal and indiscriminate killing of innocents, and the suffering imposed on an entire population, amounts to genocide, as asserted in the case filed by South Africa in the ICJ (International Court of Justice, which is based in the Hague).

“Every tenet of international humanitarian law has been violated by the Israeli occupation,” he told delegates from around the world.

“It is sad that, despite the calls by the General Assembly in two resolutions, despite the near-unanimous votes in this Security Council, the international community has failed to stop this genocide taking place in front of our eyes, the Pakistani envoy said, noting that violence and war have spread to adjacent areas of Palestine – to the Israel-Lebanon border, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

“Unless the Israeli war machine is stopped, there is every likelihood of further escalation in which many nations may be engulfed,” he said.

“A heavy responsibility rests on the Security Council for failing to prevent the continuation of Israel’s war, and its atrocities against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the accompanying brutalities in the West Bank.”

In conclusion, Ambassador Akram said, “Beyond the eloquent words heard in the Council’s debate today, we look for concrete steps to halt the slaughter of innocents and bring peace to Palestine, to Israel and the Middle East.”

Most countries in the Global South denounced Israel’s deadly war on Gaza and its violence against civilians in the enclave,  and called for a humanitarian ceasefire. But diplomats noted that India followed the West’s line, squarely blaming Hamas for the current conflict, while stressing the release of Israeli hostages.

“We are aware that the immediate trigger for the conflict was the terror attacks in Israel on seven October last year. There can be no justification for terrorism and hostage-taking,” Ambassador R. Ravindra, deputy permanent representative of India to the UN, said in his speech.

“There can be no justification for terrorism and hostage taking,” the Indian envoy said. “Our thoughts are with those who have been taken as hostages and we reiterate the demand for their immediate and unconditional release,” he added, making no demand for the thousands of Palestinian civilians abducted and imprisoned by Israel.  

Also, India did not call for a humanitarian ceasefire. Instead, the Indian envoy urged all parties to “deescalate” the situation and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, India has abandoned its traditional stand on Palestine as New Delhi forged strategic ties with Israel, diplomats pointed out.

“It is critical to prevent further escalation of violence and hostilities,” Ravindra added.

Opening the debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the two-state solution, following the rejection of such a formula by Israel’s leaders amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“Any refusal to accept the two-state solution by any party must be firmly rejected,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his briefing to the 15-nation organ, stressing that Israeli leaders’ recent, clear and repeated rejection of a two-State solution is unacceptable.

The denial of the right to Statehood would indefinitely prolong the conflict, and a one-state solution — huge Palestinian populations inside that State without any real sense of freedom, rights and dignity — would be inconceivable.  The only way to address the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians is through the two-state formula, he underscored.

Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that Israeli leaders “do not see our people as an empirical and political reality to coexist with, but as a demographic threat to get rid of through death, displacement or subjugation”.

There are only two paths ahead, he stressed — one that starts with Palestinian freedom and leads to shared peace and security in the region, or one that continues denying this freedom and dooms the region to endless conflict.  

“Israel should no longer entertain the illusion that there is somehow a third path whereby it can choose continued occupation and colonialism and apartheid and somehow still achieve regional peace and security,” he emphasized.

Russsian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Council has not mounted an appropriate response to the situation due to the position of the United States.  

He went on to call for a world order based not on Anglo-Saxon rules, but on international law with the United Nations playing a central role. Western countries want to focus on the day after the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as if the escalation in Gaza had already ceased, he pointed out, adding that the cunning logic of Western delegations is obvious, as they have blocked all Council efforts to call for an acutely necessary ceasefire.

For her part, Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, called on Israeli leaders to take feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm in line with international law.  She also emphasized Hamas’ role in unleashing the conflict and condemned attacks in the wider region by Iran and its proxies.  

Emphasizing that the only guarantor of peace is a two-state solution — with Israel’s security guaranteed — she called for a strong Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza, even if this was “difficult to imagine”.