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The developments of the Palestinian issue, which entered a critical phase on October 7, 2023, with the onset of the Zionist offensive against Gaza., which will mark its first year on Monday, have been a source of deep concern for Algeria, which has used its full weight to defend this “central cause,” benefitting from its election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

Since the Zionist entity launched what the world has unanimously described as a “war of genocide and crimes against humanity” against Gaza’s civilians, in retaliation for the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance in response to the occupation's crimes and violations, Algeria has hastened to reaffirm its firm positions in support of the Palestinian people's struggle and their legitimate right to defend their usurped land and obtain their inalienable rights, particularly their right to establish their independent and sovereign State, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

A few days after the start of the barbaric Zionist massacres in Gaza, Algeria's position was expressed by the President of the Republic, who described what is happening in this part of the Palestinian territories as “true war crimes and crimes against humanity,” emphasizing that “Palestinians are not terrorists because they are defending their country and their rights.”

From the United Nations, Algeria has conducted more than one diplomatic battle to achieve an urgent ceasefire resolution in Gaza. It drafted, last March, a concise proposal addressing the most complex elements, including an immediate ceasefire leading to a permanent ceasefire, the release of all detainees and guaranteeing the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.

The text initiated by Algeria and backed by other elected members was adopted, for the first time since the beginning of the genocidal war against Gaza, and after four previous attempts that failed due to the American veto.

The resolution 2728 received 14 votes, with the United States abstaining. The text demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the population and the release of detainees.

After this diplomatic victory, Algeria expressed its determination to continue the fight at the UN, through the voice of its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amar Bendjama. “We will not stop until this Council has assumed its full responsibility and called for a ceasefire, because of our iron will and our determination is inexhaustible,” he assured.

   Algeria's effective work in influencing the Security Council’s decisions

Regarding Algeria's effective and continuous work to bring about changes and exert influence on Security Council resolutions, the Algerian mission within the UN's played a leading role by including some of its concerns in the final text of a draft resolution proposed by the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza “to make it compatible with the Palestinian aspirations,” as part of the search for a solution to end the Zionist massacres against the besieged enclave that has already claimed more than 41,000 martyrs.

Algeria, which has made the Palestinian cause at the heart of all its actions since joining the Security Council, intends to continue the necessary steps to allow the State of Palestine to become a full member of the UN.

“Algeria will return again to the Security Council to continue its efforts so that the State of Palestine gains its rightful place as a full and sovereign member of the UN,” Bendjama emphasized in response to the American veto against the draft resolution submitted in this regard.

The Algerian diplomacy has thus committed to examining all issues related to the developments of the situation in Gaza, calling on each occasion, for the launch of a debate in the Security Council, benefiting of its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Council, for 2024-2025, to gain more momentum and victories for the Palestinian cause.

Algeria emphasized the humanitarian issue during discussions held at the Security Council since the beginning of the year. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, reiterated recently, in New York, Algeria's “strong and sincere” commitment to continue supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been targeted by a fierce campaign led by the Zionist entity and its supporters. An Algerian financial aid amounting to 15 million dollars has already been granted to this agency.

Algeria's unwavering role in “mobilizing more voices supporting the Palestinian cause” has been warmly welcomed by all Palestinians.[/ecr]