RIYADH — Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations, reiterated the Kingdom's call for a ceasefire in Gaza while addressing the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 10th emergency special session on Palestine. The session focused on two key resolutions: one supporting the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the other demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Ambassador Al-Wasil criticized the abuse of veto power and selective application of international law, attributing these practices to the escalation of violence in Gaza, the continuation of what he described as a war of genocide, and the intensification of Israeli crimes. He also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, condemning Israeli violations of the agreement, and emphasized the importance of UNRWA's role while denouncing Israeli actions against the agency, including targeted legislation and efforts to undermine its mandate. The ambassador highlighted Saudi Arabia's steadfast support for the Palestinian people, advocating for peace based on the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and international legitimacy resolutions. He called for active participation in the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue, which Saudi Arabia and France will co-chair in June in New York. Al-Wasil also condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territories, stressing that these violations undermine Syria's stability and sovereignty. He reaffirmed the Arab and Syrian identity of the occupied Golan Heights and condemned Israel's continued disregard for international law. During the session, the Saudi delegation voted in favor of both resolutions. The resolution supporting UNRWA's mandate was adopted with 159 votes in favor, 9 against, and 11 abstentions. The resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza received 158 votes in favor, 9 against, and 13 abstentions. The ambassador reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace, condemning aggression, and supporting the Palestinian cause.
