Vietnam concerned over escalating conflict in Gaza Strip

During an open discussion on October 18 of the UN Security Council presided over by its alternate chair Bolivia, Quy urged concerned parties to abide by international law, exercise self-restraint, avoid actions that cause tension and violence and create an environment for peaceful dialogue. 

Vietnam calls for immediately ending the construction of residential areas and fully lifting the siege and blockade of Gaza, while protecting civilians and improving the lives of Palestinians there, he said. 

He affirmed Vietnam’s support for the fight for justice of Palestinian people to gain the right to self-determination and establishment of an independent and sovereign state. 

Stating the two-state solution is the only one to address the conflict, the ambassador welcomed every effort of the UN, regional countries and concerned parties to promote peace to reaching a fair, comprehensive and sustainable solution, ensuring the legitimate interests of both Israel and Palestine as well as peace and security in the region. 

Vietnam commits to working to contribute to sustainable peace and security for the Middle East, he said. 

Speaking at the event, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov said the UN Security Council needs to ask concerned parties to abide by the 2014 ceasefire agreement to prevent another large violent conflict. 

Expressing concern over the lack of financial support for humanitarian assistance activities in Gaza, he urged countries and international organisations to increase aid via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

Most delegates called for resuming peace negotiations on the back of the two-state solution.

Representatives from many countries asked Israel to end the expansion of residential areas and blockade of Gaza borders, fully follow the UN Security Council’s Resolution No.2334 set in 2016, and criticised Hamas’s actions inciting violence.