In a joint statement issued on Saturday, leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) strongly denounced Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip as “illegal.” The heads of state expressed their deep concern over indiscriminate attacks on Palestinian civilians, civilian infrastructure, and the forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
The NAM leaders called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate much-needed humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. Emphasizing a two-state solution, the statement suggested basing negotiations on the borders before 1967, when Israel seized control of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem in a brief conflict with neighboring Arab states.
Additionally, the group reiterated its support for the admission of a Palestinian state as a United Nations member, asserting its rightful place among the international community of nations. The Non-Aligned Movement, formed during the collapse of colonial systems and the height of the Cold War, has historically played a significant role in decolonization processes, according to its official website.
Comprising 120 member countries, the NAM convened a week-long conference in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, attended by 90 representatives, including 30 heads of state. The summit, held on Friday and Saturday, addressed critical issues, culminating in a unified stance against the ongoing conflict.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported more than 24,400 Palestinian casualties in the current war, with the United Nations highlighting that a quarter of the 2.3 million people in Gaza are facing starvation. Israel, too, suffered losses, with approximately 1,200 casualties during the October 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the conflict and led to the hostage-taking of around 250 individuals.
Expressing grave concern about the deteriorating situation on the ground and the humanitarian crisis, the NAM statement condemned Israel’s ongoing settlement construction and expansion activities throughout Palestinian territories and in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The group called for the attention of the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the summit, deeming the refusal to accept a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, along with the denial of statehood for the Palestinian people, as unacceptable. Guterres supported the NAM’s call for Security Council reform, emphasizing the need to rectify systemic shortcomings and ensure true effectiveness and representation.
Expressing sorrow over the unprecedented events during his mandate, Guterres mentioned the disheartening killing of 152 UN staff in Gaza. He cited the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent destruction of Gaza by the Israeli army in 110 days as entirely unprecedented in his role as UN Secretary-General.
