Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, condemning the ongoing violence in the Middle East and advocating for a peaceful resolution through increased action from the United Nations. Former Secretary Alicia Bárcena emphasized concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict and the disproportionate nature of Israel’s military response following Hamas’s attacks. Both leaders reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to international justice mechanisms.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has reiterated her government’s longstanding commitment to the recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel amidst the ongoing violence in the Middle East. During a recent press conference, she articulated, “We condemn the aggressions that are being experienced and also consider that the State of Palestine must be recognized in its entirety just like the State of Israel. This has been Mexico’s position for many years, and that is the position we have and the search for peace above all. War will never lead to a good outcome.” The President’s statements come in response to the escalating conflict following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military actions taken by Israel. In her remarks, she stressed the urgency for a peaceful resolution and called for increased proactive measures from international institutions, particularly the United Nations. “The United Nations should be much more proactive as an institution in the search for and construction of world peace,” she said. Supporting President Sheinbaum’s sentiments, Alicia Bárcena, the Secretary of the Environment and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, raised concerns about the potential spillover of the conflict into neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon and Syria. She remarked, “There is concern about the risk of the expansion of this conflict to Lebanon and Syria. That could really complicate the Middle East a lot.” Bárcena also criticized the disproportionate reactions by Israel following Hamas’s initial attacks, noting, “It is true that Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, but it is also true that Israel’s response has been disproportionate and has affected thousands of civilians.” Bárcena also highlighted the challenges within the United Nations Security Council, advocating for the elimination of the veto power that has often hindered decisive action. “The key is for the Security Council to eliminate the veto, because it is not operating… so the veto should be eliminated so that the council can really act decisively, according to Article 4 of the UN Charter and recognize the State of Palestine.” President Sheinbaum reminded attendees of the government’s previous denunciations of both Hamas and Israeli aggression, recalling that Mexico, under the leadership of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, condemned the attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Additionally, Bárcena pointed out Mexico’s participation in an initiative initiated by Chile to request intervention from the International Criminal Court regarding the conflict.
The recognition of a Palestinian state has been a significant aspect of Mexico’s foreign policy for many years. The recent escalation of conflict following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 resulted in severe military responses from Israel, prompting renewed calls for peaceful resolutions and international intervention. President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary Alicia Bárcena’s assertions reflect Mexico’s commitment to addressing the complexities of the Middle East conflict through diplomatic channels and international law, emphasizing the essential role of the United Nations in peace-building efforts.
In summary, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s advocacy for the recognition of Palestine alongside Israel underscores Mexico’s historical stance on this delicate issue, particularly in light of the recent violent escalations in the region. Both she and Secretary Alicia Bárcena call for an urgent and peaceful resolution, highlighting the need for a proactive role from international bodies. This strong commitment illustrates Mexico’s principled approach to foreign policy, emphasizing justice and accountability in a conflict that continues to affect millions.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
