NEW YORK, Jan 3 (Bernama-WAFA) -- The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session Friday, to address the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian issue, according to the Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA).
The meeting, requested by Algeria, comes as the country assumes the presidency of the Council for January 2024.
The session will focus on Israeli attacks targeting healthcare facilities in Gaza, including the recent assault on Al-Shahid Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.
During a press conference held at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Amar Bendjama, emphasized that his country’s presidency will prioritize several key issues, with the Palestinian cause at the forefront.
Bendjama also announced plans for an open session on Palestine on January 20, which will be held at the ministerial level and chaired by Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. Additionally, the Council is set to hold a special session in the third week of January to discuss the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
“We hope to reach a consensus in this meeting to ensure continued support for UNRWA from the General Assembly and the Security Council,” said Bendjama.
“For Algeria, UNRWA is irreplaceable and must continue fulfilling its mandates.”
Citing Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Bendjama reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“Since joining the Security Council, Algeria has been fighting for Palestine. Algeria will not abandon Palestine until it establishes its independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.
“We stand with Palestine and all oppressed peoples around the world and will continue to highlight their struggles. The suffering of the Palestinian people and the dire situation in Gaza remain Algeria’s top priorities,” Bendjama added.
It is worth noting that five new non-permanent members joined the Security Council on January 1, 2024, for a two-year term ending in December 2026.
These members are Somalia, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, and Panama, replacing Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
-- BERNAMA-WAFA
