…Renews call for peace in Gaza

NEW YORK: TANZANIA has called again for peace in Gaza, urging the protection of civilians, unrestricted humanitarian aid and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a lasting settlement in the Middle East.

Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, said Tanzania remained deeply concerned about the prolonged conflict and humanitarian suffering in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

“We continue to call for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance and renewed diplomacy towards lasting peace,” he said.

The Vice-President said Tanzania supported a two-state solution under which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace and security, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

He said the country also supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination while believing that any lasting settlement must guarantee the dignity, security and legitimate aspirations of both peoples.

“We have been consistent on this for the past 50 years. For us, this is a matter of our foreign principle,” Mr Ndejembi said.

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He was delivering Tanzania’s statement on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the annual General Debate, where world leaders addressed issues including global peace and security, development, climate change and reform of the United Nations.

The Gaza war was a major issue during the debate, with several leaders calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a political settlement.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, delivering what was described as his final General Assembly address as Secretary-General, urged world leaders to defend civilians, uphold international law and revive efforts towards a two-state solution.

“What followed was an onslaught on Palestinians in Gaza, with a scale of killing and destruction unlike anything I have witnessed in all my years as Secretary-General.” He called on all parties to comply with international law and warned that violence, displacement and settlement expansion in the West Bank were bulldozing the path to peace.

During the debate, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also urged more countries to recognise the State of Palestine and called for greater international pressure to end the war, illustrating how Gaza dominated discussions among world leaders gathered in New York.

The debate later intensified when Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, delivered a defiant address defending Israel’s military campaign and declared that the country “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza. His remarks prompted representatives from dozens of countries to walk out of the General Assembly chamber in protest, leaving much of the hall empty as diplomats signalled growing international disapproval over the war.