Watch: Malta’s UN Ambassador Says Israel’s Initial Reaction To Resolution Was ‘Disappointing’ But Backs Its Effectiveness
Malta’s UN ambassador Vanessa Frazier said that the initial reaction of the Israeli envoy to the approved Malta-drafted Security Council resolution was “disappointing”.
During an address to the press, a journalist asked Frazier about the effectiveness of this vote considering that Israel rejected it. Frazier instantly reminded that the UN Security Council (UNSC) is the highest body in international diplomacy and that every decision is “immediately” binding on all states.
“So, it’s disappointing that this would be the initial response of Israel especially because they said they are already abiding by the provisions of this resolution. If that was the case, then it would have been a continuation of what they are doing,” she continued.
She went on to say that she hopes that the Israeli government will take the time to read the resolution because there are a lot of “important passages” that address the needs of Israeli children too. Here, she made reference to Israeli children who have died as well as some who remain hostages.
Earlier this week, the UN approved a resolution calling for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and urging humanitarian pauses between the two actors.
The resolution also appeals for the evacuation of the injured and urges all parties to refrain from depriving people in Gaza of basic services.
Following the vote, Frazier addressed the press and in her introductory statement, Frazier was very clear in the fact that this resolution is addressing the disproportionate way that children in Gaza are being affected by the conflict which she described as very “unique”.
“The situation that we are confronted with at the moment is unlike any other in the world, Gaza is densely populated and densely constructed – there are two million people living together in a very small area.”
Another characterising factor of this situation is that 50% of the population in Gaza is made up of children, therefore meaning that the conflict has a “disproportionate impact on children more than any other conflict situation”. And this, Frazier explained, is why they decided to draft a resolution that is focused on the needs of children.
“Children equal innocence, we all know it and we all believe it. All of our religions say it and international law states it – this is what we tried to bring forth today.”
Moreover, when asked by the same journalist whether she expects the resolution to be implemented Frazier explained the next steps which aim to tackle the issue of implementation.
The resolution calls for a report by the Secretary-General at the next mandated meeting about the conflict – which occurs monthly in the Middle East – at the end of this month. Within the report, the Secretary-General must provide the UN with options for the implementation of the provisions of the resolution.
“This will be the next step that the Security Council will have to take.”
Meanwhile, when inquired about whether she thinks that it’s “too little too late” when considering the gravity of these hostilities that have gone on for over forty days and killed over 12,000 people, Frazier promptly said “absolutely”.
She explained that there have been many attempts that didn’t pass, some of which Malta supported and continues to support – like the Brazilian resolution.
It is important to note that Malta abstained from a Russian resolution at the UN Security Council which called for an immediate ceasefire because it did not condemn Hamas.
Moreover, Frazier went on to state that there needs to be more resolutions and in general, a lot more needs to be done.
“This is the first step. It is just a drop in the ocean of what needs to be done.”
Do you think that this resolution will be effective?
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