Biden spotlights Mideast, Ukraine conflicts, offers hope in final UNGA address --[Reported by Umva mag]

new york — President Joe Biden warned against a full-scale war in Lebanon and said it is time to end the conflict in Gaza, as he delivered his final address Tuesday to hundreds of leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. "A full-scale war is not in anyone's interest," Biden said, referring to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He said a diplomatic solution is still possible. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza nears the one-year mark, Biden urged the parties to "finalize the terms" of a ceasefire and hostage deal that has been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. And on Ukraine's efforts to fight off Russia's invasion, Biden said "We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away, and we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins with a just and durable peace." But it was this line — about his decision not to seek reelection — that garnered the most applause from the packed audience, which included leaders from the body's 193 member states. Several delegations did not react during Biden's 25-minute address — notably, the delegations from China and from Russia, who did not clap for any of his remarks. "My fellow leaders, let us never forget some things are more important than staying in power," he said. "It's your people." Biden's speech comes at a clutch moment, according to U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield. "We say this every year, but this UNGA could not come at a more critical and more challenging moment," she said in a briefing last week at the U.N. "The list of crises and conflicts that demand attention and action only seem to grow and grow." Gaza and the threat of spiraling conflict in that region top that list. The U.S. position is not in line with the rest of the general assembly, which last week overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian Territory within the next 12 months. The United States was among the 14 no votes. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. vote is in line with Washington's opposition to "unilateral measures that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution." And on Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for a "just peace" in Ukraine and warned of damaging trends around the world. "We see this age of impunity everywhere in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa and beyond," he said. "Meanwhile, Gaza is a nonstop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region. Look no further than Lebanon. We should all be alarmed by the escalation." Biden, too, spotlighted these conflicts — and in Tuesday's speech, looped Sudan and its escalating humanitarian crisis into the trifecta of urgent conflicts that need to end. Analysts say the Middle East conflict is especially sensitive right now. "With the Middle East, this looks like, you know, 'How do you keep the lid on this and hope the conflict doesn't spiral out of control into a regional war?'" said Jim Kessler, executive vice president for policy at Washington-based think tank Third Way. "And I think that's anybody's best guess, about what's going to happen." One thing is painfully clear: As the Israel-Hamas conflict heads for its first anniversary, nearly 100 hostages are thought to remain in Hamas' custody. The White House says bringing them home is its top priority, and the key pillar of a deal to halt the fighting between Israel and the U.S.-designated terrorist group. For months, Biden's emissaries have raced between Qatar and Cairo to try to bring the sides together. And for months, they have appeared to be on the precipice of a deal, only for it to fall apart. Kim Lewis contributed from Washington.

Sep 24, 2024 - 18:28

Biden spotlights Mideast, Ukraine conflicts, offers hope in final UNGA address --[Reported by Umva mag]

new york — President Joe Biden warned against a full-scale war in Lebanon and said it is time to end the conflict in Gaza, as he delivered his final address Tuesday to hundreds of leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. "A full-scale war is not in anyone's interest," Biden said, referring to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He said a diplomatic solution is still possible. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza nears the one-year mark, Biden urged the parties to "finalize the terms" of a ceasefire and hostage deal that has been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. And on Ukraine's efforts to fight off Russia's invasion, Biden said "We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away, and we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins with a just and durable peace." But it was this line — about his decision not to seek reelection — that garnered the most applause from the packed audience, which included leaders from the body's 193 member states. Several delegations did not react during Biden's 25-minute address — notably, the delegations from China and from Russia, who did not clap for any of his remarks. "My fellow leaders, let us never forget some things are more important than staying in power," he said. "It's your people." Biden's speech comes at a clutch moment, according to U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield. "We say this every year, but this UNGA could not come at a more critical and more challenging moment," she said in a briefing last week at the U.N. "The list of crises and conflicts that demand attention and action only seem to grow and grow." Gaza and the threat of spiraling conflict in that region top that list. The U.S. position is not in line with the rest of the general assembly, which last week overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian Territory within the next 12 months. The United States was among the 14 no votes. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. vote is in line with Washington's opposition to "unilateral measures that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution." And on Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for a "just peace" in Ukraine and warned of damaging trends around the world. "We see this age of impunity everywhere in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa and beyond," he said. "Meanwhile, Gaza is a nonstop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region. Look no further than Lebanon. We should all be alarmed by the escalation." Biden, too, spotlighted these conflicts — and in Tuesday's speech, looped Sudan and its escalating humanitarian crisis into the trifecta of urgent conflicts that need to end. Analysts say the Middle East conflict is especially sensitive right now. "With the Middle East, this looks like, you know, 'How do you keep the lid on this and hope the conflict doesn't spiral out of control into a regional war?'" said Jim Kessler, executive vice president for policy at Washington-based think tank Third Way. "And I think that's anybody's best guess, about what's going to happen." One thing is painfully clear: As the Israel-Hamas conflict heads for its first anniversary, nearly 100 hostages are thought to remain in Hamas' custody. The White House says bringing them home is its top priority, and the key pillar of a deal to halt the fighting between Israel and the U.S.-designated terrorist group. For months, Biden's emissaries have raced between Qatar and Cairo to try to bring the sides together. And for months, they have appeared to be on the precipice of a deal, only for it to fall apart. Kim Lewis contributed from Washington.

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.

Biden spotlights Mideast, Ukraine conflicts, offers hope in final UNGA address --[Reported by Umva mag]

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