Ending Israeli occupation only ‘acceptable solution’
No progress made since Oslo: Kuwait
NEW YORK, Aug 28, (KUNA): Kuwait affirmed its refusal to any solution to the Israeli-Arab conflict that does not involve ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian and Arab lands since 1967.
The remarks were made by Kuwait’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Mansour AlOtaibi, during the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) session on the situation in the Middle East late Tuesday.
Al-Otaibi noted that almost 25 years had passed since the Oslo Accord was signed, but no progress was seen in implementing the agreement, as Israel continues attacking Palestinians and expanding settlements.
Israel is still violating the international law by building illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, forced displacement of Palestinian citizens, arresting Palestinians and destroying buildings, he said.
The situation got worse in Palestine after the US announced recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving embassies to the city, Al-Otaibi said. He added that such actions and violations led the Palestinian government to stop exerting efforts to achieve peace with Israel.
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti diplomat affirmed that it is the UNSC’s responsibility to meet the needs and ambitions of the Palestinian people and protect civilians against Israeli violence.
Moreover, he called on the international community to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to allow the organization to continue providing education, health and social services to Palestinian refugees.
Despite the escalating tension, the Arab states still look forward to reach a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This includes recognizing Palestine as an independent state, protect the Palestinian right of return, grant Palestinians the right to decide their own fate and compensating Palestinian refugees, in accordance with article number 194 of the UN General Assembly.