International debate escalates over potential relocation of United Nations General Assembly from New York to Geneva
In the political landscape of September 2023, tensions are running high as the United Nations General Assembly prepares to convene. The crisis in Gaza, a region home to a population of 2.2 million, is at the forefront of international concern, with critics warning that Israel's new plan could exacerbate the humanitarian plight and even precipitate a critical risk of famine.
The United Nations General Assembly session, scheduled from September 23 to 27, with conclusion on September 29, is expected to be a significant event. The session will feature key decisions on the recognition of Palestine, a matter that has been a long-standing issue in the international community.
Israel's military assault in Gaza has resulted in devastating casualties. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The Israeli authorities report a lower death toll, with 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage during the war. Remarkably, Israeli authorities claim 20 of the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza are still alive.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with nearly the entire population internally displaced and much of the territory in ruins due to the military assault. This tragic state of affairs has led some to question Israel's approach and its impact on the civilian population.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic arena is abuzz with proposals to shift the UN session from New York to Geneva. Danish Member of the European Parliament Per Clausen has put forth this suggestion. Under a 1947 UN "headquarters agreement", the US is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York. However, the Trump administration's visa policies have been a source of contention.
Around 80 Palestinian officials have been refused visas by the Trump administration, a move aimed at preventing participation in one of the most significant events in Palestinian history since the Oslo Accords. This is the first time in UN history that such a blanket ban has been attempted, and it has sparked widespread criticism.
The Trump administration has denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, a decision met with dismay by many. France, Canada, Malta, Portugal, Australia, Belgium, and Luxembourg have announced their support for recognizing Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2023. Currently, 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize a Palestinian state.
The Palestinians, represented at the UN as observers, much like the Holy See (Vatican), have been seeking full membership for decades. The aim of the visa denial appears to be a means to hinder this pursuit.
Despite these challenges, the Palestinians remain steadfast in their goals. Hamas, one of the key players in the Gaza conflict, has refused to lay down its arms during the conflict and would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
As the world watches, the events unfolding in Gaza and the diplomatic manoeuvres surrounding the UN General Assembly session promise to shape the course of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for years to come.
