Latvia, Estonia say international law system has failed, urgent action needed in Gaza

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Estonian President Alar Karis on Wednesday warned at the UN General Assembly that the international law-based multilateral system has failed to protect Palestinians, as the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to escalate.

Rinkevics emphasized that urgent action is needed to end civilian suffering. While condemning all terrorist attacks, he highlighted Israel's right to self-defense under international law, stressing that it must be exercised in line with international humanitarian law.

"The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to spear on, urgent action is needed to end civilian suffering," he said, urging safe access to humanitarian aid and a sustainable political solution.

He underlined the need for a two-state solution to break the cycle of violence and ensure lasting peace.

Karis, who visited both Israel and Palestine this year, highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on ordinary people, especially children.

"The international law-based multilateral system has also failed to protect Palestinians and Israelis. ... I am devastated that so many innocent lives, including children's lives, have been lost due to the military action, starvation, and the spread of disease," Karis said.

Both leaders stressed that protecting civilians and upholding international law are crucial for achieving a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

UN investigators recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where over 65,000 people have been killed since October 2023.