During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Hyunwoo Cho Permanent Representative of South Korea to the United Nations, called on Israel to end its blockade of entry points into Gaza.
00:01Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the ASG Yen Cha for his briefing, and I also appreciate Mr. David for sharing his voice with the Council, also extending my heartfelt sympathy with you and your family.
00:17I also welcome the participation of His Excellency Sar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Representative of the Observer State of Palestine to this meeting.
00:30Mr. President, the world is horrified to see the tragedy unfolding in Gaza at this very moment.
00:37We are appalled by the fact that Hamas, who committed one of the worst terrorist attacks in recent history, still holds 50 hostages for almost two years in utterly inhumane conditions.
00:52We also witness every day appalling videos and images in the media of the scores of the bone-emaciated Palestinian civilians who have not been sparred from the escalating famine stalking life in Gaza.
01:08Reiterating our deepest concern of the deteriorating conditions for the hostages as well as civilians in Gaza and the Western Bank, let me stress the following three points.
01:21First, the swift and unhindered delivery of all humanitarian aid should be ensured at scale in full collaboration with the United Nations.
01:34Starvation must not be weaponized.
01:36We take note of the reports claiming Israel has begun tactical pauses for 10 hours a day in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Bala, and Gaza City.
01:49This announcement is better than nothing, but has not improved the hunger situation on the ground.
01:54The Republic of Korea calls on Israel to open all available crossings, ensure safe and speed delivery of and access to humanitarian aid.
02:05We call on Israel to uphold its commitment and to expand the humanitarian process throughout the Gaza Strip.
02:13We also call on Israel to ensure the activities of the UN humanitarian agencies and their partners.
02:20Coordination must be limited to essential measures to guarantee their safe work, and there must not be any administrative hindrances.
02:30Second, the war in Gaza must end now.
02:35Thus, we reiterate our strong support for the efforts by the mediators, including the U.S.
02:41We understand that a deal to secure ceasefire and the release of the hostages is the only viable option for Israel to end the war.
02:52While reiterating our condemnation of a heinous act of Hamas, the brutality of Hamas does not legitimize the extended and disproportionate suffering of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
03:07Israel must also faithfully engage in the negotiations, carefully listening to the voices of the desperate families of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza,
03:20who are appealing for immediate end to the war.
03:24We hope that the mediators will continue their efforts to reach a deal that will lead to a permanent end to the war and release of all hostages.
03:34Third, all parties must prioritize peaceful coexistence and mutual recognition in line with the Resolution 2334.
03:46This resolution was a cornerstone agreement by the Council, based on the urgent need to shift negative trends on the ground.
03:55All elements in the resolution must be fully respected.
03:59The Republic of Korea fully supports the two-state solution as the only viable path forward.
04:08As such, we urge Israel to join the international call to enhance peace, prosperity, and dignity for all in Israel and Palestine.
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