During his address at the UN Security Council’s virtual meeting held on August 25 to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, including Palestine-related issues, the Vietnamese diplomat displayed great concern for the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This is in addition to other occupied Palestinian territory, especially amid the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Ambassador Quy outlined that a just and sustainable solution to the Middle East peace process can only be achieved through peaceful negotiations and dialogues held between various stakeholders on the basis of international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Furthermore, Ambassador Quy also highlighted solidarity between people of both Vietnam and Palestine, affirming the nation’s unwavering support for both the Palestinian people's just struggle, and a two-state solution aimed at dealing with the current conflict.

According to Nickolay Mladenov, UN Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, several UN agencies and a number of regional countries have been active in their role as mediators, calling on relevant parties to promote dialogue whilst refraining from taking actions that increase tensions regionally.

At present, UN agencies are working closely with the respective administrations of both sides to boost humanitarian aid and respond to the COVID-19 epidemic, he said.

Representatives from other UNSC member nations therefore applauded the UN’s efforts, calling on countries and international organisations to enhance their support for humanitarian activities aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in occupied territorial areas of Palestine.

Furthermore, they also asked both sides to resume negotiations on the basis of criteria recognised by the international community and relevant resolutions of the UN that work towards a two-state solution.