The Arab Group on Gaza - Security Council Media Stakeout (14 February 2025) | United Nations

Comments to the media by Tareq Al Banai, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait, in his capacity as the current Chairman of the Arab Group, on the situation in Gaza. ------------ “The displacement of Palestinians in Gaza must be unequivocally rejected,” said Tareq Al Banai, Kuwait's Ambassador to the United Nations, as he led the Arab group in condemning the forced transfer of Palestinians from the occupied territory. “The Arab group categorically rejects such displacement, which constitutes a clear violation of article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949," he stated at a press briefing at UN headquarters today (Feb 14). The Arab group called on the UN Security Council to take concrete steps to prevent any demographic changes in Gaza, urging unified international action to uphold international law. Al Banai praised the global community's “firm stance in rejecting these proposals,” adding, “a united and unequivocal rejection by member states is imperative. This is not acceptable, whether it is against the people of Palestine or any other state.” He also pointed to what he described as “alarming Israeli expanded aggression in the West Bank,” calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing violations. Palestine's Riyad Mansour echoed the call for action, outlining a series of “practical commitments” expected from the international community, among them “taking practical steps against the illegal settlements and settlers.” Mansour urged countries that have yet to recognize Palestinian statehood to do so. He also called for the Security Council to recommend Palestine for full UN membership. Mansour stressed the urgency of implementing Security Council Resolution 2735, which includes provisions for Gaza's reconstruction and the return of displaced residents. Addressing members of the Security Council, he said, “For the next few weeks, you have two things that you declared that you are united around: the implementation of Resolution 2735 and the agreement on the ceasefire.” While advocating for diplomacy, Mansour warned of alternative measures if progress stalls. “If we do not see serious commitment to these things, then we will go to plan B, which I will not share with you,” he said, maintaining that Palestinian leadership remains open to cooperation but unwilling to compromise on its core demands. The Palestinian envoy also expressed confidence in the ability of Arab nations to assist in Gaza's recovery. “Between the technical know-how, between money and the financial resources, by our brothers, the Arabs, we will be able not to abandon the Palestinian people,” Mansour said.