Friday March 21, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL)  — Somalia has endorsed diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and has called for an independent investigation into Israeli airstrikes on United Nations facilities in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Abukar Osman, condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, describing it as a “blatant aggression” that has resulted in mass civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

“We call for an independent investigation into the repeated attacks by Israeli forces on UN facilities in Gaza, which have led to civilian casualties and the destruction of critical infrastructure.”

Osman, also known as Abukar Baale, criticized restrictions on humanitarian access and called on the international community to ensure aid reaches civilians without interference.

“There should be no negotiations when it comes to humanitarian relief,” Osman said. “It must be guaranteed that assistance is allowed to reach those suffering in Gaza without obstruction.”

Osman renewed Somalia’s call for a ceasefire and reaffirmed the federal government’s full support for the trilateral mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, aimed at brokering a sustainable truce through negotiations.

His statement comes as the war in Gaza enters its sixth month. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise cross-border attack into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel responded with a sweeping military offensive that has widely been condemned as an act of genocide. As of March 20, 2025, health authorities in Gaza reported that at least 49,617 Palestinians have been confirmed dead and 112,950 wounded.

The humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) says over 1.7 million people—roughly 75% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced. Food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and the collapse of the health system have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, according to the UN. More than 150 UN facilities have been hit since the start of the conflict, and UN officials have repeatedly called for international accountability and oversight.

Somalia joins a growing number of countries demanding an end to the hostilities and the protection of civilian lives. The federal government has consistently aligned itself with Arab and Muslim-majority nations in supporting the Palestinian cause and advocating for Palestinian statehood.

“The Federal Government of Somalia fully supports the mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” Osman told the Council.

Despite repeated rounds of talks, negotiations have faltered over disagreements regarding a complete Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the long-term political future of Gaza. Mediators continue to push for a breakthrough that would allow for a sustained halt to the violence and expanded humanitarian access.