GENEVA: Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, on Sunday underscored the urgent need for concerted international action to address grave humanitarian crises and human rights violations in Gaza and Sudan. Speaking to KUNA ahead of the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which opens Monday, Al-Hayen stressed the importance of the meeting amid escalating global challenges. He said Kuwait, in coordination with GCC countries and other regional and political blocs, is pressing for a stronger international response, particularly regarding the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
Al-Hayen described the situation in Gaza as among the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, marked by starvation, destruction and mass displacement. He called for intensified efforts to halt violations, end the occupation’s crimes, prevent the annexation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and ensure the immediate entry of humanitarian aid. He warned that the UN’s recent declaration of famine in Gaza underscores the urgency of the crisis, urging swift action to save civilians and avert further loss of life. The UNHRC session runs until October 8 and will review human rights issues worldwide, including access to water, elderly rights, climate change and racism. From September 26-29, the Council will also adopt Universal Periodic Review reports.
Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen
Meanwhile, tensions rose Sunday after Zionist Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed growing international momentum to recognize a Palestinian state as a “tremendous mistake,” warning it could prompt unilateral measures by Zionist entity. His remarks followed reports of plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, including the controversial E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem, which the international community has repeatedly warned that it threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state.
France and Britain are among several countries that have pledged to recognize Palestinian statehood on the sidelines of the upcoming 80th UN General Assembly, a move strongly opposed by Zionist officials. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly declared that annexing large areas of the West Bank would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state once and for all.” Since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, violence has also escalated in the West Bank. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 973 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed by Zionist forces or settlers, while Zionist officials report 36 deaths, including soldiers, in Palestinian attacks and military operations during the same period. — Agencies
