The global community must come together to ensure that the rules of war are upheld as conflicts escalate in the Middle East, as Australia’s foreign minister is set to address the United Nations (UN).
Penny Wong will deliver these remarks in Australia’s official statement to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In addition to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, her speech will touch upon Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen.
“War has rules—every nation in this assembly must respect them,” she will emphasize.
“Even in the face of terrorist threats… even in defense of borders… no country should believe they are exempt from these rules.
“Israel must adhere to the mandatory directives of the International Court of Justice, including facilitating the provision of essential services and humanitarian aid on a large scale.”
Related Stories
The world’s failure to resolve global conflicts can be attributed in part to nations not adhering to the rules of war, according to Wong.
“We must not forget the purpose for which this organization was established,” she will state.
“The UN system is where the world convenes to establish and enforce standards and regulations; to safeguard all people of the world and the sovereignty of all nations.
“These rules are always crucial – especially during times of conflict—when they serve as a beacon guiding us out of darkness, towards light, towards a path of peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Addressing this trend will necessitate a collective effort by the global community, including through the UN.
“We must stand united in upholding these rules that safeguard us all; these rules that define the kind of world we aspire to create,” the minister will assert.
“The international community, including the Security Council, must collaborate to pave the way for enduring peace.
“We cannot continue to rely on the parties involved to achieve this on their own; we cannot allow any party to impede the possibility of peace.”
Senator Wong’s speech comes in the wake of Israel’s expanded military actions extending beyond Gaza into Lebanon, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to aggressively target the designated terrorist organization Hezbollah.
Over 600 individuals have lost their lives in the strikes on Lebanon, while Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in nearly 42,000 casualties, as reported by health authorities in Lebanon and Gaza.
These events unfolded after a deadly assault on southern Israel on October 7th, claiming the lives of over 1200 people and leading to the capture of more than 200 others.
