The situation in Gaza continues to be a contentious and volatile issue, with calls for a cease-fire growing louder. In an address to the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., Rayid Mansour, urged member countries to apply pressure on Israel to implement a cease-fire after 100 days of war with militant Palestinian group Hamas.
The Non-Aligned Movement, established during the dismantling of colonial systems and at the height of the Cold War, has historically played a crucial role in decolonization processes, according to its official website. Mansour emphasized the importance of united action, highlighting the ongoing failure of the U.N. General Assembly and the Security Council to secure a lasting cease-fire.
Mansour strongly condemned Israel's actions, portraying them as an apartheid regime. He referenced the outbreak of conflict on October 7th, when Hamas launched an attack on the south of Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 250 others. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of nearly 24,000 people and the displacement of approximately 80% of the population.
'We are still living under this colonial occupation by Israel, and we witness the genocide being committed against our people, particularly in the Gaza Strip,' Mansour stated. He expressed gratitude towards South Africa for initiating a case against Israel at the International Court for Justice, emphasizing the common struggle against colonialism faced by many nations present at the Non-Aligned Movement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel will continue its military operations against Hamas until victory is achieved, regardless of outside influence, including that of the ICJ. Israel vehemently denies allegations of genocide and argues that it takes extensive measures to avoid civilian casualties. The country also rejects claims of apartheid, viewing them as an attack on its legitimacy.
The forthcoming heads of states' meeting at the end of the weeklong deliberations is expected to attract at least 30 member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will assume the role of president from Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev for the next three years.
As the conflict in Gaza persists, the international community continues to search for a solution that will bring an end to the violence and suffering endured by both Palestinians and Israelis. The outcome of the Non-Aligned Movement's meetings and the pressure it can exert on Israel remains to be seen.
