Saudi Arabia Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Reaffirms Support for UNRWA at UNGA Session

Saudi Flag / File/Reuters

Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza as he delivered statements at the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA’s) 10th emergency special session on Palestine.
The session addressed two resolutions presented to the General Assembly regarding support for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.
Al-Wasil stated that the abuse of veto power and the selectivity in applying international law have contributed to the continuation of the war of genocide, the aggravation of Israeli crimes in Gaza, and the expansion of aggression.
He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza and also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, condemning Israeli breaches of the agreement.
Al-Wasil emphasized the vital role of UNRWA and denounced Israeli legislation against the agency and deliberate targeting of its mandate.
Furthermore, the ambassador called for active participation in the upcoming high-level international conference on the settlement of the Palestinian cause. The conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, is scheduled for June in New York.
Al-Wasil reaffirmed steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their rights, highlighting peace as the strategic choice, based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative and in line with international legitimacy resolutions.
In light of the recent developments in Syria, Al-Wasil expressed condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syrian territories. He stressed that such actions emphasize Israel's continued violation of international law and determination to sabotage Syria's opportunities for reclaiming its security, stability, and territorial integrity. He also reiterated the Arab and Syrian identity of the occupied Golan Heights.
The Saudi delegation voted in favor of both resolutions at the UNGA session and both resolutions were adopted. The resolution supporting UNRWA’s mandate was adopted with 159 countries in favor and 9 against, with 11 abstentions. Meanwhile, the resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, received 158 votes in favor, 9 against, and 13 abstentions.