In a powerful statement, the government of the Republic of The Gambia has joined the international community, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union (AU), in vehemently condemning the Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have persisted for nearly two weeks.
The operations have included the stoppage of critical resources such as electricity, water, food aid, medical supplies, fuel, and the indiscriminate bombing of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of over 500 innocent Palestinian lives, with a majority being women, children, the disabled, and sick patients.
This condemnation comes in the backdrop of the long-standing Palestinian struggle for self-determination, spanning over 75 years, with little success, and the occupation of their territories and freedoms by the State of Israel, which has driven the situation to a dire state, culminating in this unfortunate conflict in Gaza.
The government of The Gambia is calling for an unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages to prevent further bloodshed and the proposed invasion of Gaza, which could lead to more casualties and destruction, as well as the forced displacement of Palestinian citizens in Gaza and the West Bank, potentially facilitating more Israeli settlements in these regions.
Furthermore, The Gambia appeals to the international community to compel the occupying power, Israel, to abide by the principles of the peace process, international law, international humanitarian law, and UN Security Council resolutions. Failure to do so is expected to perpetuate the conflict, instigate further instability, and diminish the chances of a resolution.
In light of Israeli military aggression persisting since the occupation of Palestine in 1948, The Gambia is advocating for an International Peace Conference to seek a permanent and durable solution to this protracted Palestinian problem.
The Government of The Gambia firmly believes that the most viable path to a peaceful settlement is not a military one but a comprehensive peace accord based on the “Two-Party Solution,” which guarantees both states their legitimate and inalienable rights to full sovereignty and self-determination.
In this context, The Gambia reaffirms its support for the Palestinian people in regaining their legitimate national rights, as recognized by the international community through the establishment of a State of Palestine within the borders of June 4th, 1967, with Al-Quds Al-Shareef as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN, OIC, and AU resolutions.
The Government and People of The Gambia, speaking on behalf of H.E. The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, extend their deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life and property on both sides of the conflict.
They wish a speedy recovery to all those injured and fervently pray for the cessation of this ongoing tragedy, with the hope that it will never be repeated in the future.
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