Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour says give peace a chance
Jul 6, 2024
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Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour discusses the possibilities for peace in the Israel-Hamas war, emphasizing the urgent need to end the conflict for the well-being of both Palestinians and Israelis. He reflects on the significance of justice and the desire to bring an end to the occupation, highlighting the current transformative period in the Middle East for the Palestinian people.
Global support for a ceasefire in Gaza is increasing to end the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
Reconstruction efforts in Gaza face challenges due to widespread destruction, with a focus on rebuilding despite difficulties.
Diplomatic efforts stress the importance of international partnerships and dialogue for a sustainable resolution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Deep dives
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The podcast highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are facing severe challenges. The destruction caused by the war has left many homes damaged or destroyed, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. The crisis is exacerbated by the restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery, preventing organizations like Onorua from operating effectively. Despite the urgent need for assistance, obstacles imposed by Israel hinder the distribution of aid, leading to continued suffering and the risk of famine.
International Support for a Ceasefire and Peace
There is global support and increasing pressure for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to halt the ongoing conflict and prevent further loss of life. The international community, including the majority of United Nations member states, is aligned in advocating for peace and justice for the Palestinian people. Calls for a ceasefire resonate strongly in various circles, from universities to governments, reflecting a growing consensus for ending the violence and establishing lasting peace in the region.
Challenges to Rebuilding in Gaza
Reconstruction efforts in Gaza face significant challenges due to the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Satellite imagery shows the extent of damage, with an estimated 50% of housing affected. The idea of relocating Palestinians to secure camps during the rebuilding phase raises concerns about displacement and safety. However, the focus remains on rebuilding lives within Gaza, as residents aspire to regain dignity and rebuild their homeland despite the immense difficulties.
Push for a Two-State Solution and US Role
Efforts to achieve a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict involve complex negotiations and differing viewpoints. The US, as a powerful mediator, faces tactical differences with other nations regarding the recognition and admission of the Palestinian state. While the US emphasizes a two-state solution at the end of the process, the global shift leans towards early recognition to preserve peace and advance self-determination for Palestinians. The podcast underscores the need for decisive actions and fair mediation to move closer to a sustainable resolution.
Role of Diplomacy and International Partnerships
Diplomatic efforts to address the conflict highlight the importance of international partnerships and constructive engagement. Diplomats, such as Rietta Mansoor representing Palestine at the UN, work towards peace and justice for the Palestinian people through dialogue and advocacy. Despite challenges and differing perspectives on the conflict, diplomatic channels, global alliances, and public sentiments play crucial roles in shaping the path towards peace, highlighting the significance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration for a sustainable resolution.
On the season premiere of the GZERO World Podcast, Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour joins Ian Bremmer to talk about how the war in Gaza might end and what would come next for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Nine months into the Israel-Hamas war, is peace a possibility? Around 40,000 Palestinians and over a thousand Israelis have died, according to the Israeli army and the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry (as always, exact numbers are impossible to verify given limited access to the Gaza strip). According to the UN, sixty percent of Gazan homes—and over eighty percent of commercial buildings and schools—have been destroyed or damaged. The UN also warns that over a million Gazans could face the highest levels of starvation by mid-July if the fighting doesn’t end.
Joining the podcast with the Palestinian perspective is Mansour, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations. He’s a Palestinian-American himself (the son of an Ohio steelworker) and says that this moment in the Middle East is the most significant period of transformation in his decades of representing the Palestinian people on the global stage. "There is something in the air. People want justice for the Palestinians. People want this war and this conflict to end. People want the occupation to end because it's good for Israel and it's good for the Palestinians."
