His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed the government and the people of Brunei Darussalam’s long-standing solidarity and steadfast support for the people of Palestine in their plight towards achieving their inalienable rights to self-determination.
In a message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People presented to the United Nations (UN), the monarch said that the annual occasion is held to ensure that we remember that the Question of Palestine remains unresolved.
“This year, unfortunately, no reminder is needed as we continue to witness unprecedented levels of violence and attacks by the Occupying Power that have led to even higher levels of indiscriminate deaths, casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. No place, person, or faith has been spared,” said His Majesty the Sultan.
The monarch further said that it has been 75 years since the Nakba and the illegal occupation of Palestine remains at the core of the conflict in the Middle East.
“There can be no sustainable peace until this is addressed. The recent escalation of violence in Palestine is the direct result of the prolonged oppression and injustice imposed by the Occupying Power, who has denied the Palestinian people their rights to dignity and self-determination for decades,” said the monarch.
The blatant and continuous disregard of international law and UN Security Council resolutions by the Occupying Power, added the sultan, through illegal occupation, forced displacement and expansion of illegal settlements cannot continue without impunity.
“We are deeply concerned over the continued loss of innocent lives and unceasing suffering of the Palestinian people. We condemn the targeted, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, places of worship and schools,” said His Majesty.
The monarch also said that while welcoming the agreement reached on 22nd November 2023 on a humanitarian pause, we reiterate our support on calls for the permanent cessation of violence as well as an end to the siege in Gaza.
“The need for sufficient, unhindered and continuous access of humanitarian aid into Palestine continues to be of the utmost priority,” continued the monarch.
The sultan noted the tireless work of the various international agencies such as the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remain important in efforts towards a peaceful solution and in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“We acknowledge also the sacrifices made by UN and other humanitarian personnel, particularly those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of these efforts,” said His Majesty.
Brunei Darussalam calls on the international community to take more urgent action to end the occupation and to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, in line with international law and all relevant UN resolutions.
“Brunei Darussalam further reiterates its unwavering position that the two-State solution, towards the creation of an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only viable solution for peace,” the monarch concluded.
This message was obtained from the United Nations website https://www.un.org/unispal/2023-international-day-of-solidarity-with-the-palestinian-people/
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
