Foreign ministers from the 120-strong Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) didn’t hold back in denouncing Israel’s military campaign on the Gaza Strip during their recent summit in Kampala. In a bold move, they adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Cuba’s Vice President, Salvador Valdes Mesa, minced no words as he addressed the delegates, stating, “Since October 7, we have witnessed one of the cruelest genocidal acts ever recorded by history.” He raised a poignant question, challenging Western countries that claim to be civilized: “How can they justify the murder of women and children in Gaza, the indiscriminate bombings of hospitals and schools, and the deprivation of access to safe water and food?”

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, echoed the sentiment, urgently calling for an end to what he deemed an “unjust war against the Palestinian people.” The NAM, with nearly all African countries among its members, spans the globe, including India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.

Established in 1965 as a counterbalance to the Cold War blocs, NAM stands as the largest global bloc after the UN. During the summit, Uganda assumed leadership from the outgoing chairperson, Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will helm the organization until 2027.

Prominent leaders from NAM member countries attended the summit, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, and Eswatini’s counterpart Russel Dlamini.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza, triggered by an attack from Hamas on October 7, claimed about 1,400 lives, according to Israeli officials. However, health authorities in Gaza report over 24,700 Palestinian casualties. Israel contends that it is acting in self-defense and vehemently rejects accusations of genocide.

President Ramaphosa, speaking at the summit, criticized the UN’s inadequacy, especially its Security Council, where the United States has consistently vetoed resolutions critical of Israel. He called for the establishment of a fair and equitable global governance system capable of responding to the needs of all individuals in situations of threat and harm.