Ambassador Abdul Shafi at the (53rd) Session of the Industrial Development Council: Israel is the most terrorist state on earth

SadaNews - Ambassador Salah Abdul Shafi, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, responded to the speech made by the representative of the occupying state during the meetings of the (53rd) session of the Industrial Development Council of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization "UNIDO", asserting that "Israel, the state based on the apartheid system, is committing genocide that has claimed the lives of nearly 60,000 people, two-thirds of whom are women and children", adding that "its Prime Minister is wanted by an international arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity."

Ambassador Abdul Shafi said in his intervention:
"We have always condemned any attacks targeting civilians, regardless of which party is responsible, as they contradict international law. But here we are faced with a state that claims democracy, while its terrorist behavior makes its presence in this council astonishing and calls for the suspension of its membership in the United Nations, if there is justice in this world. I am truly astonished that the representative of this state, which is based on an apartheid system, still has the audacity to speak about terrorism; the occupying state, Israel, is the most terrorist state on earth."

This strong response came just one day before the provocative statement made by the Israeli Minister of Industry on his official page, where he called for "dismantling the Palestinian Authority", considering that the Oslo model does not deserve to remain, which was seen as a renewed confirmation of Israel's ongoing rejection of any political or developmental track that enhances the resilience of the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian intervention came as part of an official and effective participation headed by Palestinian Minister of Industry Arafat Asfour, who stressed in his speech before the council that the Israeli occupation is the biggest obstacle to sustainable development in Palestine, emphasizing that Palestine is moving forward in building a resilient economy and modern, inclusive industrial development despite the unjust constraints.

This noteworthy Palestinian participation represented a practical translation of Palestine's engagement in the international development path as a member of "UNIDO" since 2018. The Palestinian delegation, led by Ambassador Abdul Shafi, distinguished itself through active diplomatic efforts, culminating in the signing of a developmental partnership declaration with "UNIDO", and the launch of a vital project in Hebron Governorate funded by the Italian government, in addition to a series of bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing international cooperation with the State of Palestine.

Alongside Ambassador Abdul Shafi were Adviser Dr. Rola Afifi and Second Secretary Lama Hajawi, coordinating the diplomatic effort that reflected a significant Palestinian presence affirming that Palestinian diplomacy is now playing a central role that goes beyond political defense to enhancing development and sovereignty.

This event reflects how Palestine is steadily advancing toward establishing its presence in international forums, despite the repeated incitement campaigns by Israeli officials seeking to thwart any developmental or political progress for Palestine on the international stage.