Drawing from Poland's history and experiences with war and invasion, Gerwel stressed the potentially long-lasting repercussions of further escalation.
"Poland understands the profound impacts of war and terror," Gerwel stated. "It's crucial that all sides resist the temptation of violence. The Middle East peace process is notably delicate. Escalation only pushes a peaceful solution further out of reach."
At the Council, Gerwel condemned the attacks by Hamas, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself. However, he also emphasized that self-defense must be exercised within the bounds of international law, considering the civilian population in Gaza.
Responding to the killing of 35 UN aid agency UNRWA employees due to Israeli bombings, he underscored the need to ensure the safety of UN personnel and emphasized Poland's commitment to aiding the Middle East, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon.
He affirmed, "Our primary focus remains on upholding the principles of international law."
The UN Security Council, which on Tuesday saw participation from over 80 delegates, touched upon varied stances. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres criticized Israel for potentially breaching international law and mentioned the broader context, pointing to Israeli occupation and settlements.
Israel's representative, Eli Cohen, emphasized the need for a strong response to Hamas attacks, whereas Palestinian representative Riyad al-Maliki branded Israel's actions as "collective punishment."
Notably, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna both expressed support for a "humanitarian pause" in the bombings to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza. A complete ceasefire was a recurring theme during the discussions, with various Arab diplomats, along with China, pushing for it.
(jh)
Source: PAP
