Connexion
tomorrow, 27ᵗʰ September 2025, the 2015 JCPOA “snap-back” sanctions will come into force. With disavowal from China and Russia, it will become a milestone day in the disintegration of the post-WW2 UN system.
with appreciation to Dr. Karl at karlof1’s Geopolitical Gymnasium.
One Major FM statement and two by main UN Representative Vassily Nebenzia
On 20 September, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a major statement about its views on the snap-back sanctions issue which was followed by two separate statements by Mr. Vassily Nebenzia that were made to the assembled UN Security Council. It should be noted that China, Algeria and Pakistan all hold similar positions as they expressed orally and via their vote. When this move was announced back in August, Russia published a paper expressing why this move is illegal and violates the JCPOA that I reported on in full. We’ll begin with the MFA Statement then go to the two statements by Mr. Nebenzia.
On September 19, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution submitted by the Republic of Korea as President of the UN Security Council as a follow-up to the August 28 appeal by the United Kingdom, Germany and France regarding Iran’s alleged material failure to comply with its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The Russian side has repeatedly pointed out the provocative and illegal nature of the actions of the European countries participating in the JCPOA and the South Korean chairmanship of the UN Security Council, which is under their influence. These actions have nothing to do with diplomacy and only lead to a further escalation of tensions around the Iranian nuclear program. Until the last moment, we explained in detail and in a well-reasoned manner the reasons why the above-mentioned European appeal cannot be considered a notification within the meaning of paragraph 11 of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which the British and the European Two are trying to shamelessly manipulate. Accordingly, the presidential draft put to a vote in the Security Council does not meet the requirements of Resolution 2231 and a priori cannot lead to the restoration of the previously lifted UN sanctions against Iran.
During a meeting of the UN Security Council on September 19, Russia, together with China, Algeria and Pakistan, strongly supported the preservation of the regime for the lifting of previous sanctions resolutions on the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). Predictably, the European instigators of the current growing crisis around the Iranian nuclear programme, as well as the United States, which together exerted unprecedented pressure on the non-permanent members of the Security Council, forcing them to show solidarity with their unsuitable position, spoke out against this. As a result, those who succumbed to blackmail and threats have not been able to clearly explain the essence of their objections to the fact that the restrictions that have long lost their relevance and were in effect before the conclusion of the JCPOA remain lifted.
The position of the Republic of Korea, which abstained on its own draft resolution, is noteworthy in this context. We perceive this as self-exposure and a sign that Seoul is well aware of the legal and procedural nullity of its initiative, as well as the inconsistency of European claims on snapback. Apparently, the chairmanship is aware of the likely disastrous consequences of the political campaign unleashed against Iran, which threatens to negate constructive cooperation between Tehran and the IAEA and push the Iranian leadership to take tough retaliatory decisions.
The results of the vote on the South Korean resolution only indicate that this document did not find support and was removed from the agenda. This fact does not impose any obligations on other states to revive past restrictions against Iran. The notorious “snapback” cannot be considered to have taken place. Claims by the Western camp to the contrary mean that these countries are desperately seeking to legitimize their earlier gross violations of Resolution 2231 and to subordinate the rest of the world to their confrontational and fundamentally flawed policies. Their diktat and their legal nihilism in international affairs must be resolutely rebuffed, and attempts to use the authority and powers of the UN Security Council to settle political scores with Tehran must be rejected.
For the United States and European countries, the moment of truth has come. They will finally have to answer the question with certainty whether they are seeking a political and diplomatic settlement or are they once again preparing for the “dirty work” of plunging the Middle East into a new tragedy, similar to the one that took place in June, when the nuclear facilities in Iran under IAEA control were the target of missile and bomb strikes by Israel and the United States.
The Russian-Chinese draft UN Security Council resolution on a technical postponement of the implementation of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 for six months, which is on the table, provides a real opportunity to rectify the situation, create conditions for the effective implementation of the agreements reached between Iran and the IAEA in Cairo on September 9, and provide space for a vigorous search for negotiated solutions that will make it possible to remove any suspicions and prejudices regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy with due reliance on international law and consideration of the legitimate interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. [My Emphasis]
Here’s the first Nebenzia statement:
Mr. President,
We have to take the floor on a point of order, because we do not see any legal, political or procedural grounds for any steps to develop the European claims to launch the snapback mechanism, including voting on the draft resolution submitted by the South Korean presidency.
We have repeatedly explained at various venues that the European parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) simply have no right to launch the mechanism provided for by OP11 of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The United Kingdom, France and Germany themselves have chronically violated UNSC Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, including by imposing illegal unilateral sanctions against Iran to replace the restrictions that expired in accordance with the Plan. These countries also grossly violated the procedure for considering disputes provided for by the JCPOA, in particular, they did not launch the Dispute Settlement Mechanism in accordance with the prescribed procedure at the Vienna platform.
We would like to remind you that Resolution 2231 is an integral document and does not allow for a gap between it and the JCPOA, which has been and remains an integral part of it. Attempts by European countries to present the situation as if they have the right to use the “punitive” provisions of the resolution without fulfilling their part of the obligations are hypocritical and untenable from both a legal and political point of view. That is why we do not recognise the complaint submitted by Berlin, London and Paris to the Council within the meaning of UNSC Resolution 2231.
In this regard, we do not see any need for the Chairman-in-Office to take any steps, including the introduction of a draft resolution. The hasty putting of it to a vote by the South Korean chairmanship, although there is still more than a week before the expiration of 30 days, is also perplexing. We regret that the Republic of Korea has chosen the path of playing along with Western destructive approaches, to the detriment of its duties as an impartial chairman.
On the whole, what is happening today evokes the feeling of a clumsy spectacle aimed at creating a false “parallel reality” that has nothing to do with the political and legal foundations of the work of the Security Council. After all, it is no secret that the United Kingdom, France and Germany do not care at all about the fate of the JCPOA or the authority of the UN Security Council. Their only goal now is to use the Council as a tool in their unscrupulous game, as a lever of pressure on an undesirable state that defends its sovereign interests.
Here is a clear illustration of the fact that our European colleagues reject diplomacy at the root, preferring the language of blackmail and threats. Last week in Vienna, we officially proposed holding a meeting of all the original participants in the JCPOA in order to discuss, so to speak, “in the family circle” ways out of the current crisis. Great Britain, France, Germany and the United States responded to our proposal with a refusal.
Therefore, in other circumstances, we would not even take part in such a shameful spectacle in the Security Council, which is now unfolding at their behest. We are doing this today only because the content of the submitted document implies the preservation of the regime for lifting sanctions against Iran, which is in line with our long-standing principled position. However, this does not lend an ounce of legitimacy to either the European statements about the launch of the snapback, or the actions of the presidency to develop them. I ask you to record this in the minutes of the meeting.
Thank you. [My Emphasis]
And here’s the second:
Mr. President,
Today we have already stated our principled position of rejection of either the attempts of European states to launch a snapback or the actions of the presidency to develop them, including the introduction of this resolution. Our position on this matter remains unchanged. The fact that the Russian Federation voted in favour of the draft should not be interpreted as a change to it.
We supported the draft for only one reason: its only operative paragraph was on maintaining the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran. This is the only correct, politically and legally justified decision, which we have been talking about for all these years. The logic laid down in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) assumed the gradual lifting of all restrictions on Iran, and we are firmly convinced that there is no reason why they should not expire on October 18 of this year. and we have all witnessed how Iran fell victim to the aggressive actions of Israel and the United States in June of this year, and then trying to “crush” it with UN sanctions is immoral, unfair and illegal.
However, this is exactly what our Western colleagues are now trying to do. We would like to remind you that everything, including Iran’s interaction with the IAEA, was going according to plan exactly until the United States took a destructive path in 2018 and officially withdrew from the deal. This was the “trigger” of the crisis around the JCPOA, the consequences of which the Council has to deal with now, but Western delegations are diligently hushing up this fact. Despite Washington’s illegal and brutal actions, Tehran showed restraint at that time and continued to comply with its obligations in good faith for more than a year – I emphasise that for more than a year. Only after another round of pressure on it, Tehran took retaliatory steps, while regularly noting that these actions were reversible. Unfortunately, our European colleagues were not interested in returning to diplomacy even then and did not follow the path of a normal conversation, which was a chance in 2022, when the parameters for restoring the JCPOA were discussed.
Violations by the United Kingdom, France and Germany of their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA have long become chronic. We are talking about their inability to comply with their obligations to ensure economic returns for Iran from the lifting of EU sanctions that were in effect until 2015, and their illegal decision to resume unilateral sanctions pressure after the JCPOA Transition Day on October 18, 2023.
Our country has repeatedly brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council its position that the United Kingdom, France and Germany do not have the right to use the procedure for restoring the UN Security Council sanctions regime against Iran, as provided for in paragraph 11 of the operative part of UNSC Resolution 2231. A party that fails to comply with its obligations under any contract or agreement deprives itself of the right to use the tools provided for therein. This is clearly evidenced by the so-called “clean hands doctrine”, the principle of pacta sunt servanda, and the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice.
Against this background, the so-called “notification” of the “European Three” about the launch of the “snapback”, distributed in the Council on August 28, has no legal and procedural force. It cannot serve as a basis for any decisions or actions of the Security Council. This position is set out in detail in the joint letter of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, China and Iran dated August 28, which was circulated in the Council.
Let us emphasize once again: from our point of view, there is no launch of the snapback procedure. The introduction of the draft considered today is a direct violation of Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, which is an integral part of it. For this reason, the Russian Federation does not recognize either the alleged steps taken or any further steps in this context.
We would like to remind you that there is a real alternative to the lawlessness taking place today in the Security Council hall. This is the Russian-Chinese draft resolution, which is in the blue, which provides for the technical extension of Resolution 2231 for six months while demanding that all original participants in the JCPOA immediately resume negotiations in order to find a diplomatic solution. We call on all sensible members of the Security Council to support it when we put it to a vote.
Thank you. [My Emphasis]
Seems pretty basic: The E3 violated basic contract law and thus voided their ability to do anything, almost as if they had dropped out like their Outlaw US Empire Master. I haven’t read anything by China, Pakistan or Algeria, but do know that they echoed Russia’s position meaning Russia wasn’t the only nation pointing to the illegality of the E3’s actions and the unseemly behavior by the South Korean UNSC Chair. Maybe Trump should have attacked some more Korean factories so they’s know where they stand in his racist eyes.
The Cairo Agreement between Iran and IAEA has already been annulled by Iran as a result of the illegal UNSC happenings. Here’s the key quote from RT’s report:
“The ill-considered actions of three European countries regarding the Iranian nuclear issue… will effectively suspend the path of cooperation with the Agency,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement cited by state news agency IRNA. [Emphasis Original]
The UNSC action is very powerful proof that Law and Justice are absent within the world and need to be made reality via another institution; otherwise, what we’ll have in the law of the garden, which in reality is the jungle. As I have suggested, a UN Charter 2.0 is now needed more than ever with modifications made to the Security Council eliminating the veto and other past mistakes in its organization. Obtaining consensus can remain provided all UNSC members are not in current or past violation of the UN Charter—some form of strict disciplinary measures must be added to the Charter for those members who violate it.
It’s become very clear that Iran’s nuclear program isn’t the issue. It’s Iran’s government and the fact it remains independent despite 46 years of attempts to destroy it led by the Outlaw US Empire and its Zionist proxy. The only weapons not used against Iran are nuclear—chemical and biological weapons were used at the behest of the Empire by Iraq during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War who covered up their use by Iraq. The longstanding crime spree that was begun by the Outlaw US Empire and UK proxy in 1953-4 so Iran’s hydrocarbon riches could be controlled by the Empire continues. When the Shah was in power, the Empire, nor any of its proxies had any trouble with Iran having a nuclear program because the Empire controlled the Shah. That all changed when Iranians revolted and regained their independence, and all signs today are they relish it greatly and will not cede it under any circumstances. And to defend their independence, Iran has developed very sophisticated high-tech missile and drone capabilities that have shocked the Empire and its Zionist proxy, although they lie about everything about Iran. Today’s Iran isn’t that of 2015—it has very powerful allies and is much better economically. Plus, as the 12-Day War showed, Iran’s populace came together in mass solidarity with the government and military against what are called the Two Satans—Big and Small.
The Genocidal Don and Bibi will again attack Iran with the big question being will either use nukes to attain their goal. And the other big question is, did Iran obtain a considerable upgrade to its AD suite? For if Iran can kill the planes and/or missiles bringing the nukes, it will save itself and much more—but if it does so, how will we know nukes were used? Obviously, in a properly governed world, this crisis wouldn’t exist. If Humanity survives the next war on Iran, global governance will need to be altered whether some nations like it or not.
And as an ending by-note, Venezuela has held talks with Russia on what the MFA called, “Russian-Venezuelan consultations on international legal issues.” Here’s the important portion of the Press Release:
We discussed in detail the issues of coordination at the relevant platforms of international organisations and practical steps to combat the practice of illegal unilateral restrictive measures (sanctions). The issues of the functioning of international justice bodies, including criminal justice, are considered separately. Specific mechanisms and tools for the implementation of common positions have been outlined.
The consultations confirmed the parties’ firm conviction of the need to strengthen the rule of international law. Illegitimate sanctions were condemned, and rejection of the politicisation of international justice was expressed. The Russian side reaffirmed its full support for Caracas in its efforts to protect its sovereignty in light of current threats. [My Emphasis]
Trump has now blown up three boats and killed several dozen which merely adds to his bloody total—Genocide Don and Killer of Ukrainians. He had no business being at the Charlie Kirk funeral.
The President of the 80th session, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, opened the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 9 September 2025, at 3pm (local time in New York).
I listened to her speech of pablum but could not make it through. You may find it here:
The first period of UNGA consists of maintenance issues and procedural matters.
High Level Week will start on September 22nd. The first meeting will commemorate the UN’s 80th anniversary and consider “the path ahead for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system”. On Tuesday, September 23, the General Debate begins, with at least 188 heads of state, heads of government, or other high-ranking officials preliminarily set to speak through September 29.
It is so that all illusions about this body have been stripped away. Yet, both Russia and China consider that the UN, as a world body, is still needed, and with the necessary institutional updates, it could continue to function. That is about the only reason why I pay attention and also because the UN holds the body of international law.
Expected to dominate as topics are the waning US support and institutional reform.
Already sparking dismay ahead of this year’s event has been a decision by the United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, to withhold or revoke visas for Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization officials to attend the gathering. That comes as France and Saudi Arabia are set to host a conference on Israel and Palestine, promising to join several European countries in recognising a Palestinian state. (Note that France currently is laid low with protests, and Saudi Arabia needs to decide who their real allies are, post-Qatar strikes by Israel with what is almost certainly full knowledge of the US Administration.)
While recognition of Palestine as a full member of the UN would require UNSC approval, a move almost surely to be vetoed by the US, the increased recognition will prove symbolically significant.
It’s now very, very clear that both financially and politically, the UN faces massive crises. If there is a way through that, as Russia and China believe, remains to be seen.
The UNGA is the main deliberative and policy-making body of the UN. It is the only body in the organisation where all 193 member countries have representation. Palestine and the Holy See have non-member observer status.
Under the UN Charter, which entered into force in 1945, the body is charged with addressing matters of international peace and security, particularly if those matters are not being addressed by the UN Security Council (UNSC), a 15-member panel with five permanent, veto-wielding members: France, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The UNGA also debates matters of human rights, international law, and cooperation in “economic, social, cultural, educational, and health fields”.
Operationally, the UNGA approves the UN’s sprawling annual budget, with one of its six main committees managing the funding of 11 active peacekeeping missions around the world. The US is still the primary contributor of funds.
The first weeks of the UN General Assembly are known for history-making moments: Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez calling George HW Bush “the devil”; Muammar Gaddafi’s 100-minute screed in 2009 against the “terror and sanctions” of the UNSC; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s literal drawing of a red line under Iran’s nuclear programme.
That also includes Trump’s inaugural speech in 2017, when he first took the podium, pledging to, among other aims, “totally destroy” North Korea.
Note that we do not have publically what Mr Putin said in the recent extraordinary BRICS meeting. I have not seen Chinese commentary either. Will we see surprises during High Level Week? Will we see coherence of multipolarity and multilateralism? I expect some indications. It is also clear that while countries organize events around UN objectives, the question will be: ‘Should we do this in Geneva or Vienna or Nairobi? If the US isn’t going to give out visas, then what’s the point of trying to do the global meetings there?
Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in the Gaza Strip
Mr. President,
We thank Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher and UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell for their briefings – they have exposed the true scale of the ongoing tragedy affecting civilians in the Gaza Strip. With each passing day, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is hitting new grim records.
People of the enclave are living under the conditions of a major humanitarian catastrophe, they are facing unfathomable deprivation and starvation, which is killing both adults and children. At the same time, despite all the active efforts by humanitarian agencies, which enjoy virtually unanimous support from UNSC members, the humanitarian aid – which essentially is something that all residents of the enclave heavily depend on – is being provided in extremely limited quantities, which are clearly not commensurate with the scale of the disaster.
The situation is rapidly deteriorating amid a critical shortage of fuel needed to keep vital infrastructure operational. Without it, hospitals, water supply systems, and food distribution centers could be completely paralyzed, which would jeopardize the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians. We are particularly alarmed by the reports of a possible stoppage of water desalination plants. It is unacceptable that the people of Gaza, especially children, be left without access to drinking water. The collapse of the water supply system could also lead to outbreaks of contagious diseases, which would further exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
Mr. President,
The ongoing ground operations by the IDF and artillery shelling throughout the Gaza Strip are creating truly intolerable conditions for the civilian population. We strongly condemn the attacks that have killed and injured civilians. Of particular concern is the consistent and clear nature of the strikes, which are targeting locations where people congregate to get food, including distribution centers. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, since the end of May, at least 798 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave while attempting to access humanitarian assistance.
We note with particular concern the increasing number of casualties near centers related to the “The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF),” which – as many of us warned in this chamber – turned out to be a mechanism that, instead of addressing humanitarian needs, is increasingly becoming a symbol of both the humiliation of human dignity and threats to the lives of those in need of assistance. Hundreds of Palestinians killed while trying to get help are a grim reminder of this. The way this system works may pose danger to those seeking help and is morally unacceptable. We’re sure that the UN Secretariat made the right and responsible decision not to be part of this punitive action which is carried out under the guise of a humanitarian operation. We would like to remind you that just recently, more than 200 non-governmental organizations issued a joint appeal urging to stop this bloody militarized mechanism that offers Palestinians choose between two evils: to die either of starvation or waiting in line for food assistance.
Unfortunately, Israel and the US appear to continue to believe that this is an effective mechanism – they are bragging about the millions of food parcels that have been allegedly handed to civilians rather than to Hamas. These claims are controversial, to say the least, and are not borne out by what is going on the ground. One thing is clear: if Israel had facilitated rather than impeded UN humanitarian aid deliveries, there would have been at least a glimmer of hope that the humanitarian crisis could be alleviated. Today, however, we have no hopes whatsover, and the mass collective punishment of Palestinians in violation of basic IHL continues before our very eyes.
Mr. President,
We are shocked by the recent attack on civilians in Deir al-Balah – people were trying to receive food aid provided by UNICEF. Dozens of people were killed and wounded as the result of this attack. Among those killed are nine Palestinian children. On July 13, seven more children were killed in the Nuseirat camp while waiting in line for water at a humanitarian distribution center, according to the UN. These tragedies are becoming a new frightening normality. We strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians who were only seeking vital assistance. Such attacks undermine the very possibility of saving human lives and constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law.
Alongside the crackdown on humanitarian workers and journalists covering events in Gaza, a genuine witch hunt has been launched against UN agencies that are deemed to be undesirable. This primarily concerns UNRWA, which is an agency that for many decades has been providing support to Palestinians in the areas of humanitarian assistance, education, and healthcare. Its uninterrupted and consistent work is essential for the survival of millions of Palestinians living not only in the Gaza Strip but also, as is well known, in neighboring countries that have taken in refugees. We would like to emphasize that there has never been and cannot be any alternative to UNRWA. Along with UNRWA and the UN Secretary-General, what has also faced criticism are the relevant special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. Such actions are inconsistent with the obligations of UN Member States, and they do violate the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities.
This situation requires the strongest international response. Protecting and providing for civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories is Israel’s duty as the occupying power, and it’s not for Israel’s leaders to decide if it’s okay or not. We insist that civilians’ safety be guaranteed whatever it takes. Unfortunately, all attempts by the international community to achieve even a minimal compliance with basic principles of humanity and human dignity are met with the all-out support of its ally, Washington, which has given West Jerusalem carte blanche to take any action against the Palestinians.
Mr. President,
If anyone thinks that the situation in Gaza simply cannot get any worse, they are most likely mistaken. According to the information we have, including from official Israeli sources, West Jerusalem is drafting a new plan to transfer 600,000 Palestinians to a so-called “humanitarian city” in Rafah, south of the Morag military corridor. The goal is to eventually concentrate the entire two million population of the enclave there, after checking whether they have ties to Hamas. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has already described the plan as “the de facto creation of a mass concentration camp, whose Palestinian inhabitants will be deprived of any prospects for the future.” We would like to note that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert shares this assessment, calling the initiative part of the Netanyahu government’s overall campaign of ethnic cleansing and deportation of Palestinians. It would be important to learn how OCHA or UNICEF assess this initiative.
Mr. President,
Unfortunately, the problems of the Palestinian people are not limited to Gaza. We are extremely alarmed by the situation in the West Bank, where intensified Israeli operations are reported, especially in the northern areas. The actions of West Jerusalem may result in widespread destruction, exacerbated humanitarian crisis and displaced families losing any hope to return to their homes. We regularly receive reports of killings and violence against Palestinians, seizures of their land and demolitions of their homes. This is unacceptable. We call on Israel to immediately cease violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, guarantee the protection of civilians, and not impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians, who need it more than ever. It is also necessary to stop the expansion and construction of settlements and put an end to provocations by settlers, who pointedly humiliate the honor and dignity of Palestinians.
Mr. President,
We have all reiterated on numerous occasions in this Chamber that as long as the military operation by the IDF is ongoing, it would be impossible to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need in the enclave. Furthermore, it is clear to all of us that rescuing the hostages held in Gaza through the use of force has proven ineffective. In this regard, we would like to once again call on the parties to swiftly reach a ceasefire agreement, with the assistance of mediators, which would lead to the release and exchange of all forcibly detained persons. At the same time, in order for the Israeli authorities to finally lift the blockade of the sector, Washington must renounce its unconditional support for Jerusalem, stop covering up its violations of international humanitarian law, and use its leverage to stabilize the situation. We are convinced that there is no alternative to this scenario and that cannot be any. This is the only way to break the vicious circle of violence and restart the Middle East peace process on the basis of the two-state solution, the ultimate goal of which is the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel. The long years of Arab-Israeli confrontation prove that there is no other peaceful scenario for the Middle East, nor can there ever be.
In this context, we welcome the intention of Saudi Arabia and France to hold a high-level international conference in support of the two-state formula to be held at the end of this month (July 28-30) in New York. We plan to actively engage in this conference.
Thank you for your attention.
Let’s post this again to illustrate the Zionazi perspective on international law. You may say it’s gross, and indeed, it is; however, it’s accurate and valid for most. A recent positive action by Israeli youth was a protest where they burned their draft cards and refused to go to war. This is not the Haredim, often referred to as ultra-orthodox, who refuse to take part in war for strict religious reasons. We may differ with the UNSC on a two-state solution. In reality, this may be the only action that will work, to put the Israelis currently in the occupied territories under Palestinian authority. See how they run ..
We’ve also had reporting on where the IDF soldiers run to, as they are clearly guilty of war crimes and are now more frequently arrested when found in other countries. They have an open sesame from Argentina, where Milei welcomes them. Those who know the history will recall that Argentina is the country where German Nazi’s fled to in order to escape legal consequences for their actions. The terminology ‘zionazi’ is thus the best we have today.
Furthermore, the consequences worldwide are becoming increasingly severe. The Hague Group conference in Bogota, Colombia, has just concluded. Two dozen countries agreed to six measures to “restrain Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories”. In stark contrast, the EU also had a meeting, where they refused to suspend their Association Agreement with Israel. Updates will be provided in a separate post, as much information on the ICC and the sanctions against its officials with fully made-up sexual harassment allegations is now also being released.
Noxious evil stews in those pots.
Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at a UNSC Briefing on the Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Mr. President,
We note the statement by Mr. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. We thank Mr. Younes Al-Khatib, President of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, for his thorough briefing on the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone. We are also grateful to Mr. Al-Khatib for his additional briefings and meetings with delegations during his stay in New York. This allowed us to get the latest information about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
It was without hesitation that we supported the request by Algeria for today’s Council meeting, since the situation in the OPT, in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank remains unacceptably critical. Following the breakdown of agreements between Hamas and Israel, Palestinian civilians have been living in conditions of full ground air and maritime blockade for over a month now. Not only has West Jerusalem blocked the delivery of humanitarian supplies but also imposed restrictions on the work of UN humanitarian organizations, which entailed existential problems for two million people. Here is a simple example – all bakeries in the enclave have closed due to a shortage of flour and fuel. We are puzzled – How the lack of bread in Gaza can help Israel to free the hostages who are not receiving bread either?
Alongside the humanitarian catastrophe, we see civilian infrastructure being destroyed and humanitarian workers dying. Since October 2023, at least 408 humanitarians have been killed in Gaza, which makes this conflict the most lethal on record by that measure.
We can hardly hope that the situation will change for the better, since Israeli strikes against Gaza continue almost unabated. On April 2, at 10 a.m., the Israeli Air Force hit the UNRWA medical center in Jabaliya. Although the facility was no longer being used for medical purposes, it served as a shelter for more than 700 people. This new inhumane Israeli attack reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including a baby who was barely two weeks old. Despite the warnings from UNRWA about the risks of staying in the building after the attack, many displaced families remained there because they simply had nowhere else to go.
Today alone, indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes across the Strip have killed at least one hundred people. Bombs have been dropped on residential buildings, a school that was used as a shelter and tent camps. Eyewitnesses report that in Gaza City, where 58 people were killed, local residents – in the absence of any rescue equipment – had to dig through the rubble with their bare hands in the hope of finding any miraculous survivors. We express our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. We emphasize that the so-called security zones established by the Israelis themselves are also being hit. Such blatant disregard for the norms of international humanitarian law deserves our strongest condemnation. In total, since the beginning of the war, more than 300 United Nations facilities have been attacked, some of them repeatedly so.
Mr. President,
We were shocked by the news of the discovery on March 31 of a mass grave with bodies of 15 aid workers, including a UN staff member and eight medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society. OCHA officials have already placed the responsibility for the crime on Israel. According to the UN, after the first group of medics and aid workers went missing on March 23, the Israelis methodically eliminated anyone who tried to come to rescue their comrades. By the way, the ambulances were clearly marked, as were the doctors’ uniforms. There can be no justification for such actions. While discussing this specific subject, we call upon all parties to make every effort to find one member of the Palestine Red Crescent team that is still listed missing – Assad Al-Nassasra – his body has not been found among the dead.
The protection of humanitarian personnel, which the Council discussed in detail at this very Chamber as early as yesterday, is an absolute imperative and obligation under international humanitarian law.
Mr. President,
Upon the completion of phase 1 of the agreement with Hamas, Israel put forward new demands regarding the further implementation of the deal, then resumed its military operation and is gradually expanding its control over the Gaza Strip. On April 1, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the creation of a second “Philadelphi Corridor” – the Morag axis, which will cut off Rafah from Khan Younis. In the same vein, we should consider the statements by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz about the expansion of the area of operation in the enclave and the creation of additional “security zones”. Thus, the territory wherein the Gazans have to huddle is steadily shrinking. People are compelled to choose whether to leave their homes in Gaza or remain there without water, electricity and sufficient food hoping that the Israeli operation will cease one day and they will not fall victim to another airstrike. Of course, under such conditions, there can be no discussion of either “voluntary emigration” or evacuation. We reaffirm our position of principle that territorial or demographic changes are unacceptable in Gaza, which is (and has always been) an integral part of the Palestinian State.
In the context of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, specifically under the total blockade introduced since March 2, we are seriously troubled by the signals coming from various sources about Israel’s plans to establish full control over the delivery and distribution of aid in the enclave. We hope that West Jerusalem will not go ahead with these measures, as they would run counter to the reports by Sigrid Kaag, UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, on the operation of the one-stop shop mechanism agreed with Israel, which we all supported. We also reaffirm our strong support for UNRWA, which plays an indispensable role in assisting the Palestinians. The Agency’s expertise, its extensive system of humanitarian assistance and the infrastructure built up over decades are vital in the current critical situation in the enclave. We call on the Israeli authorities to reconsider their discriminatory and prohibitive decisions regarding UNRWA and to return to compliance with the relevant international legal obligations.
Mr. President,
The situation in the West Bank is also alarming. Israel’s Operation “Iron Wall” is expanding. In Jenin alone, 34 people were killed, dozens were injured, 21,000 people became internally displaced, and over 600 homes were destroyed. Since October 7, 2023, some 16,000 people have been detained in the West Bank. Provocations by settlers are ongoing. For example, 50 extremist settlers carried out a pogrom in the Palestinian village of Douma. Unfortunately, the Israeli authorities not only fail to punish the offenders but also often egg them on.
Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank is proceeding at a relentless pace, with 47% of land having already been taken away from the Palestinians. Over the first three months of 2025, there has been approved the construction of 10,503 housing units, which is higher than the similar figure for the whole of 2024. By some estimates, if the settlement activity continues at such a pace, any prospects for the “two-state solution” will be entirely wiped out within just two years. Even today, the West Bank is essentially divided into two parts due to Israel’s infrastructure projects in Jerusalem; and hundreds of checkpoints throughout the West Bank are severely restricting daily activities of Palestinians.
Such actions are fully in line with the tactics that Israel has pursued over the past decades in the West Bank to preclude the territorial contiguity of the OPT.
The key steps here are as follows: constructing settlement blocs and related infrastructure, erecting a dividing wall, creating a system of roadblocks and checkpoints, demolishing Palestinian buildings, confiscating land, and conducting regular security raids, which are now spilling over into full-fledged operations in Jenin, Tulkarm and other towns. We are also extremely concerned by further regionalization of the conflict, by resumed arbitrary Israeli strikes on Beirut, ongoing air strikes on Syria, US strikes on Yemen, as well as by preparations of public opinion for a full-scale operation against Iran.
As a result, today the entire Middle East region has come closer to a large-scale armed conflict, which may result in catastrophic consequences. We urge everyone to step back from this dangerous brink.
Mr. President,
The logic of war rules out any possibility of Israeli hostages returning home. In this war paradigm, there is scope only for new senseless deaths and destruction, for mass graves of doctors and thousands of murdered children. This logic precludes any prospects for the reconstruction of Gaza, which were realistically outlined in the plan proposed by the Arab States. In the West Bank, people have to survive in artificially created utterly inhumane conditions, which provides a breeding ground for radicalization and cultivates hatred towards Israel and its people. What is the point for West Jerusalem of getting rid of Hamas if its place is likely to be immediately taken by other people under a different name? – for them, fighting Israel will appear to be the only way to restore justice. In fact, the decades-long inability to find a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is precisely what engendered the current tragic situation.
We are convinced of the need to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, to release all forcibly detained persons and provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access. At the same time, it is important that the agreements reached be sustainable. As practice shows, without guarantees and oversight on the part of the international community, any truce can collapse in no time. In this regard, it is the UN Security Council that must play a key role in the negotiation process and in ensuring the compliance with its outcomes by all parties. We call on international mediators to prioritize the return to a peaceful settlement. In this context, we would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It must coexist with Israel in peace and security, in accordance with the internationally recognized legal decisions.
Colleagues,
Under the current circumstances, it may be extremely dangerous to have continued vacancies for the key UN posts in the region, namely Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Senior Coordinator for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. We call on the UN Secretary-General to present the Security Council with the candidates to that effect as soon as possible.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that when it comes to possible practical steps by the Council and the adoption of its “products” related to worsening crisis in Gaza, we are guided by the position of the group of Arab States. We are also stand ready to work with all those who seek to achieve a just, lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East on the basis of the well-known decisions of the UN Security Council with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian settlement process.
Thank you.
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