This was stated in the speech by Minister Joe, who chaired the special session on the Middle East as South Korea holds the rotating presidency of the council this month as a non-permanent member, according to ‘Yonhap’. The minister explained that Seoul ‘understands the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their own state’, considering that ‘the two-state solution is the only viable way to resolve the outstanding issues between Israel and Palestine and achieve sustainable peace’. He mentioned that it will continue to play ‘an active role’ in supporting peace and stability efforts in the region based on this solution.
The minister went on to express ‘deep concern’ about the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, warning that the spread of famine represents ‘a serious challenge to international peace and security’. He emphasized ‘the need to ensure safe, sustained, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid immediately’.
He also expressed grave concern over ‘Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the resumption of settlement building in the West Bank’, calling for efforts to ‘cease fire as soon as possible and release hostages’.
These statements come at a time when the issue of recognizing Palestine is topping the agenda of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly, after several countries like Canada, Australia, Britain, and Portugal recognized the State of Palestine earlier this month. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s receipt of the ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ depends on his success in ending the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. He added that the establishment of a Palestinian state, which France announced its recognition of on Monday, will only be practically achieved ‘the day Israel recognizes it as a state’.
Trump had launched a scathing attack on the United Nations during his speech at the General Assembly on Tuesday, describing it as ‘not contributing to building peace’, and mocked the building that serves as its headquarters in New York.
