Vietnam calls for ceasefire in Gaza

On December 11, the United Nations General Assembly (UN) held a special emergency session to discuss the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA).

After the draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed by the Security Council (UNSC) on November 20, 2024; the President of the UN General Assembly and the majority of participating countries called on the parties concerned to cease fire, release hostages, protect civilians and essential civilian facilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid. At the same time, they affirmed their continued support for the role and efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Do Hung Viet expressed deep concern about the prolonged conflict in Gaza and the escalating tensions in other hotspots in the Middle East. He called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the region. He urged all parties to release all hostages, including ASEAN citizens, unconditionally. He welcomed the efforts of some countries in promoting a ceasefire; and called on UNSC member states to strive for compromise to reach a breakthrough solution to the multi-faceted crisis in Gaza and across the Middle East.

Vietnam condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure; calls on all parties to exercise restraint and strictly comply with the UN Charter, international law, relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as provisional measures of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Deputy Minister emphasized the extremely important role of UNRWA in providing essential assistance to the Palestinian people; affirmed support for all efforts to ensure the safe and effective operation of UNRWA, including ensuring sufficient resources for the agency to carry out its tasks.

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed that Vietnam steadfastly supports the Palestinian people in exercising their right to national self-determination and realizing their aspiration to become a full member of the United Nations. Vietnam strongly supports the two-state solution, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

At the end of the session, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and a resolution supporting UNRWA in carrying out its humanitarian relief mission for the Palestinian people with an overwhelming majority of votes in favor. Vietnam voted in favor of both resolutions.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-keu-goi-lenh-ngung-ban-tai-gaza-208473.html