Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, the Deputy Foreign Minister rejected the paralysis of the UN Security Council to demand an end to the conflict, due to the use of the veto power by the United States to support its main ally in the Middle East.

Nothing justifies the collective punishment to which the Palestinian people are being subjected today in a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law, the Cuban permanent representative to the UN stressed.

The complicity of the United States with Israel is evident. Not only does it obstruct the Security Council’s decision-making, but it also arms and resupplies the war machine that massacres the Palestinian people, the diplomat denounced.

The abuse of the undemocratic veto privilege further commits Washington’s involvement in the crime, he added.

Peñalver underlined the need for a ceasefire in view of the catastrophic conditions for the civilian population; “otherwise, the international community will be an inert witness to the extermination of the Palestinian people”, he warned.

The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister condemned the assassination of civilians, especially children, women and UN humanitarian workers; the indiscriminate bombings; the destruction of homes, hospitals and civilian infrastructure; and the deprivation of water, food, electricity and fuel services to the Palestinian population.

This, together with forced displacements, considerably worsens the precarious humanitarian situation that results from the blockade against the Gaza Strip, he said.

At the same time, he recalled the urgent need for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, on the basis of the creation of two States.

The diplomat reaffirmed Cuba’s willingness to contribute to legitimate international efforts to end the current situation.

It is time to act now so that humanity prevails over violence and barbarism, he emphasized.

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