During the opening debate at the General Assembly, Cuba’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón, called for reversing what he considered a historical injustice without delay.

The State of Palestine has been recognized by more than 140 countries, including Cuba. It is an active member of the international community and multilateral forums and is subject to rights and obligations in various international instruments, he said.

Without a doubt, they have earned the right to full membership in the United Nations, the diplomat asserted.

Soberón rejected Israel’s statements regarding his country by assuring that Tel Aviv lacks the authority to give lessons on human rights.

“It is only trying to divert attention from their crimes of genocide, against humanity and apartheid, which have been taking place for 75 years against the Palestinian people their territory itself and which, today, are taking on extreme proportions,” he stressed.

In that regard, he recalled the deadly toll of the offensive in Gaza that has accumulated more than 34,000, the vast majority women and children, nearly two million displaced people, and the high risk of death from famine and disease. The Cuban representative described as unacceptable the failure of the UN Security Council to comply with its own resolutions and end Israel’s excesses, in which the United States has historically been a complicit.

In this regard, Soberón singled out the US for repeatedly obstructing and using the veto to prevent the body’s action, undermining regional peace, security and stability.

“The world is witnessing the unspeakable suffering of the Palestinian people,” the ambassador warned.

At the same time, he reaffirmed the urgent need for a two-State solution and his country’s solidarity with the Palestinians, who require the firm support of the UN General Assembly.

“Every minute of impunity, passivity, double standards or silence will cost more innocent lives. The international community must act now,” he stressed.

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