New York, April 28 (Petra) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian addressed the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and emphasizing that peace must be built based on equality and mutual recognition.

Aghabekian asserted that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestine and stated that any transitional arrangements must lead to the reunification of the West Bank and Gaza under the authority of the Palestinian government. She stressed that this process should culminate in the Palestinian people exercising their right to self-determination and establishing an independent state.

The Foreign Minister firmly rejected policies of forced displacement and annexation, describing annexation as a "crime against peace" rejected by the international community. She argued that true peace requires a focus on justice rather than revenge and a vision for a future where all lives are treated as sacred, and everyone enjoys equal rights.

During the same session, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz highlighted a "comprehensive plan for reconstruction and development in Gaza." Waltz noted that funding is available and partners are ready to begin the rebuilding process, adding that security restrictions have been eased to pave the way for prosperity. He reaffirmed that the United States would continue to support a "stabilization force" in Gaza to foster governance and long-term stability.

In contrast, Russian Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya remarked that the Palestinian cause remains the core of the Middle East peace process. He stated that lasting peace and security are impossible without a just solution. Nebenzya criticized the current Israeli leadership, accusing them of not only rejecting such a solution but also actively undermining the principles of the two-state solution established by numerous UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

//Petra// AF