{"id":132425,"date":"2018-04-26T20:14:20","date_gmt":"2018-04-26T20:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=132425"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:53:13","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:53:13","slug":"security-council-open-debate-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-east-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/security-council-open-debate-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-east-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Amid Rising Tensions, Potentially Explosive Miscalculations, Everyone in Middle East Must “Step Away from the Brink”, Regional Coordinator Tells Security Council – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

SECURITY COUNCIL<\/strong>
\n8244TH MEETING (AM)<\/strong>
\nSC\/13318<\/strong>
\n26 APRIL 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

video<\/a><\/p>\n

fran\u00e7ais<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speakers Voice Concern about Deadly Incidents at Gaza-Israel Border, Urge Both Parties to Stop Violence, Resume Peace Talks, in Day-long Debate<\/h4>\n

Amid escalating tensions, outside interference and growing risks of potentially explosive miscalculations, from Gaza to Syria to Yemen, everyone in the region must \u201cstep away from the brink\u201d, the Â鶹APP Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens in the Middle East today has immediate implications for the rest of the world,\u201d said Nickolay Mladenov, cautioning that a general lack of progress should worry everyone.\u00a0 \u201cThe fires of the Middle East continue to expand and shift, and the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict remains a perpetual source of oxygen for militants and radicals across the Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n

With such rapidly shifting dynamics, he said, the Â鶹APP was tirelessly working to prevent further deterioration while supporting national processes across the region and particularly in Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cI firmly believe there is a way out,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThese challenges are political, man\u2011made and, thus, resolvable if all sides firmly commit to supporting practical solutions in Gaza that can be implemented quickly, effectively and sustainably.\u00a0 But, Gaza is only part of the story.\u00a0 We must also step up our efforts to support parties in advancing a sustainable Israeli\u2011Palestinian peace on the basis of the two\u2011State solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the briefing, both sides delivered statements reflecting their delegations\u2019 perspectives on the stalled peace process at a time when tensions were flaring over demonstrations for Palestinians\u2019 right to self\u2011determination and deadly violence along the security fence separating Israel from Gaza.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing peaceful about terrorists firing over the fence at our positions,\u201d said Israel\u2019s representative, stressing that the protests were not nonviolent nor the product of grass\u2011roots efforts.\u00a0 Instead, Hamas\u2019 goal was to infiltrate Israel\u2019s territory and harm as many innocent people as possible, he said, underlining his country\u2019s right to protect its citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth, however, is that Israel does not want peace,\u201d said the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, recounting recent deaths of innocent protesters at the border fence in an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing against non\u2011Jews.\u00a0 The protesters had only been demanding their rights, including to return to their land, he said, stressing that Palestinians were living through the longest military occupation and the most protracted refugee crisis in modern history.<\/p>\n

During the day\u2011long debate, delegates overwhelmingly urged both parties to stop the violence, return to peace talks, hammer out an agreement and move the two\u2011State solution from paper to reality.\u00a0 Peru\u2019s delegate echoed a common call for an independent investigation of deadly incidents at the Gaza\u2011Israel border fence to hold perpetrators accountable.<\/p>\n

Many representatives urged Israel to end construction on occupied lands, with Bolivia\u2019s delegate asking that the Council be provided with up\u2011to\u2011date maps of settlement activities.\u00a0 Others asked Israel to employ calibrated responses and the Palestinian Authority to assert control over Gaza.<\/p>\n

Deploring the growing humanitarian crisis, delegates pledged support for continued assistance to the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA), including Japan\u2019s representative, who announced a $10\u00a0million contribution.\u00a0 Many voiced approval of the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s Personal Representative and his going efforts to calm tensions.<\/p>\n

But, new developments threatened to add fuel to the fire, some said.\u00a0 Several representatives, including those from Kuwait, Russian Federation and South Africa, pointed at the decision of Guatemala and the United States to move their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Agreeing, Mar\u00eda Rubiales de Chamorro, Vice\u2011Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, said such unilateral decisions contravened relevant Â鶹APP resolutions, irreversibly setting back prospects for peace and derailing the viability of the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Current peace process issues included the joint establishment of Jerusalem\u2011Al\u2011Quds\u00a0(East Jerusalem) as the respective capitals of Israel and the State of Palestine.\u00a0 Against that backdrop, she welcomed and supported President Mahmoud Abbas\u2019 peace initiative, as presented to the Council on 20\u00a0February, noting the international consensus regarding a peaceful and just solution to the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n

Delegates also voiced other concerns about pressing issues in the region.\u00a0 Syria\u2019s delegate said the Special Coordinator had failed to mention Israel\u2019s violations in the Golan.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the United States\u2019 representative expressed alarm at the widespread use of human shields in conflicts across the region, including by Hamas, Hizbullah, Houthi militants and Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant\u00a0(ISIL\/Da\u2019esh).<\/p>\n

Spotlighting concerns about air strikes in war\u2011torn Yemen that had recently targeted and killed 50\u00a0guests at a wedding party, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s representative said that despite the international community\u2019s concerted efforts, the humanitarian situation across the country would continue to deteriorate in the absence of an inter\u2011Yemeni political dialogue.\u00a0 He also, like other delegates, expressed strong support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme.<\/p>\n

On the situation in Syria, the representative of the European Union condemned the repeated use of chemical weapons, with a recent attack in Douma breaching international law.\u00a0 He also highlighted the pledging conference in Brussels on earlier in the week that had mobilized $4.4\u00a0billion to address humanitarian needs in Syria.\u00a0 Qatar\u2019s representative noted her Government had committed $100\u00a0million to that effort.<\/p>\n

Also delivering statements were representatives of the United Kingdom, China, France, Poland, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Sweden, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia\u00a0(for the Arab Group), Brazil, South Africa, Iran, Norway, Liechtenstein, Venezuela (for the Non\u2011Aligned Movement), Turkey, Namibia, Pakistan, Morocco, Botswana, Indonesia, Cuba, Maldives, Malta, Nigeria, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Egypt, Iceland, Iraq\u00a0(for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), Jordan, Bahrain and Bangladesh, as well as the Holy See and the League of Arab States.<\/p>\n

The meeting began at 10:14\u00a0a.m. and ended at 4:48\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Briefing<\/u><\/p>\n

NICKOLAY MLADENOV, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary\u2011General, briefed the Council on recent developments in the Middle East, warning of escalating tensions, outside interference and growing risks of miscalculations, from Gaza to Syria to Yemen.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happens in the Middle East today has immediate implications for the rest of the world,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone in the Middle East needs to step back from the brink.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amid rapidly shifting dynamics, he said, the Â鶹APP was tirelessly working to prevent further deterioration while supporting national processes region\u2011wide.\u00a0 Underlining the need for consistent support for multilateralism in promoting security, stability and development, he said prevention must be at the centre of efforts, a much\u2011needed approach when dealing with the Palestinian\u2011Israeli conflict, which remained a central part of the regional quagmire.\u00a0 Until occupation ended and a two\u2011State solution was achieved, the conflict would remain among the key drivers of the extremism threatening regional stability.<\/p>\n

Raising grave concerns, he said Gaza was \u201ccoming apart as we speak\u201d.\u00a0 Another conflict between Hamas and Israel would have devastating consequences for Palestinians in Gaza.\u00a0 Amid a month of demonstrations leading up to 15\u00a0May in the context of the \u201cGreat March of Return\u201d, Israeli defence forces had killed 35\u00a0Palestinians and injured many more along the Gaza border, where incidents of planting improvised explosive devices had also been reported.\u00a0 Israel must calibrate its response and Hamas must keep protesters away from the border fence and prevent violence and provocations, he said, echoing the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s repeated calls for restraint and a full investigation of all incidents.\u00a0 The rights of all civilians, including children, must be respected.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza was also worsening, he continued.\u00a0 Salary freezes and cuts for civil servants persisted and faltering public services would soon move further towards a total collapse.\u00a0 He called on the Palestinian Government to resume public sector payments and on Israel to relax movement and access restrictions to enable economic recovery.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP was working with partners to prioritize energy and water initiatives, he said, urging all stakeholders to support the $540\u00a0million humanitarian appeal for 2018\u00a0to meet pressing needs.\u00a0 He also urged all Palestinian factors to engage with Egypt and redouble efforts to enable the legitimate Palestinian Authority to be fully empowered in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Gaza was a \u201cpowder keg\u201d, he said.\u00a0 \u201cWe must do everything possible to prevent another war in Gaza.\u201d\u00a0 To address those concerns, he called on the international community and the Council to support Â鶹APP efforts and key stakeholders.\u00a0 Raising concerns about the situation of the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA), he said pledges of $100\u00a0million would only ensure the continuation of operations until the summer months.\u00a0 In Gaza alone, UNRWA served as a lifeline for more than 1\u00a0million people.<\/p>\n

On other matters, he raised concerns about continued settlement construction in the occupied West Bank and vandalism against property.\u00a0 Turning to Lebanon, he underlined the importance of the upcoming elections, noting that the Â鶹APP was working to ensure inclusivity and credibility and that the Office of the Â鶹APP Special Coordinator for Lebanon remained engaged with regional stakeholders.\u00a0 In southern Lebanon, the Blue Line zone remained calm, but tense, after Israeli construction continued amid Lebanese demonstrations, with the Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) liaising closely with parties to prevent misunderstanding or miscalculations.<\/p>\n

Warning of the broader, regional consequences of escalating crises in Gaza, he said what was happening today in Gaza was an injustice that no man, woman or child should have to endure \u2014 the deplorable living conditions, the consequences of the continued, suffocating closures and control by Hamas and the mounting risk that Gaza could trigger a new conflict.\u00a0 \u201cPeople should not be destined to spend their lives surrounded by borders they are forbidden to cross or waters they are forbidden to navigate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI firmly believe there is a way out,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThese challenges are political, man\u2011made and, thus, resolvable if all sides firmly commit to supporting practical solutions in Gaza that can be implemented quickly, effectively and sustainably.\u00a0 But, Gaza is only part of the story.\u00a0 We must also step up our efforts to support parties in advancing a sustainable Israeli\u2011Palestinian peace on the basis of the two\u2011State solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

With tensions mounting across the region, he said the lack of progress should worry everyone.\u00a0 \u201cThe fires of the Middle East continue to expand and shift, and the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict remains a perpetual source of oxygen for militants and radicals across the Middle East,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cEstablishing a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict would eliminate a chronic source of instability and violence from the region.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP will continue to expend every effort in pursuit of that objective.\u201d<\/p>\n

Statements<\/u><\/p>\n

RIYAD H. MANSOUR, Permanent Observer of the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said Mr.\u00a0Mladenov\u2019s statement must be viewed in the context of the constant harassment and intimidation to which the Â鶹APP and its representatives were exposed each time they risked taking a public, principled stand on the question of Palestine.\u00a0 Israel, the occupying Power, continued to bully States into artificial, \u201cbalanced\u201d positions, despite the absolute lack of symmetry in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Noting that the situation was exemplified by the dire situation in the Gaza Strip \u2014 where 2\u00a0million Palestinians, mostly refugees, had long been subjected to an illegal Israeli blockade that only compounded their misery \u2014 he said Gaza\u2019s residents and Palestinians elsewhere had been \u201cbeyond patient\u201d.\u00a0 They had long endured upheavals, crises, assaults and deep deprivation.\u00a0 Contrary to Israeli propaganda, their recent protests on the occasion of Land Day, on 30\u00a0March, had been carried out peacefully and by unarmed civilians.<\/p>\n

Emphasizing that the protesters had been demanding their rights \u2014 including return to their land and to self\u2011determination \u2014 he said they were also calling for an end to the Israeli blockade that had long served as a collective punishment.\u00a0 \u201cExercising their right to peaceful assembly, these men, women and youth are protesting an oppression that cannot be endured any longer, pleading for their voices to be heard,\u201d he said, emphasizing that the Palestinians were living through the longest military occupation and the most protracted refugee crisis in modern history.\u00a0 Against such a backdrop, \u201crestraint should be seen as extraordinary\u201d and protests must be viewed as a natural response to the illegal, cruel Israeli occupation.\u00a0 Israeli officials should not have been surprised to see civilians stand up for their dignity and freedom, he said, noting that the protesters \u2014 including children \u2014 had been targeted with live ammunition in a blatant \u201cshoot to kill and maim\u201d pattern.\u00a0 At least 41\u00a0Palestinians had been killed since the protests began and more than 5,000\u00a0injured.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe international community must demand answers from Israel,\u201d he said, adding that the Council\u2019s failure to address the situation was itself unjustifiable.\u00a0 Urging its members to condemn Israel\u2019s crimes with one voice, demand their cessation, protect civilians and demand an investigation into recent incidents, he welcomed calls by the Secretary\u2011General to launch in independent, transparent investigation through an international mechanism.\u00a0 \u201cThe truth, however, is that Israel does not want peace,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Israel must not continue to receive support from \u2014 and even be rewarded by \u2014 the Council, a body it had never respected and even mocked and undermined.\u00a0 Recounting the tragic deaths of several Palestinian protesters \u2014 including a 15\u2011year\u2011old boy \u2014 he said thousands of other Palestinians before them had also been murdered in Israel\u2019s ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing against non\u2011Jews.\u00a0 All those crimes were being committed in a deliberate breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Â鶹APP Charter.<\/p>\n

Recalling that President Mahmoud Abbas had come before the Council on 20\u00a0February to present a new peace plan, centred on established international terms of reference and parameters for a peaceful resolution, he said that proposal was a serious attempt to bring the situation back from the brink.\u00a0 However, no compromise efforts would be successful if, at every juncture, Israel continued to respond with aggression and contempt.\u00a0 Indeed, no plan that disregarded the fundamental principles of respect for international law and the right to self\u2011determination would ever succeed.\u00a0 That was why the United States decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel\u2019s capital, in violation of Council resolutions, had so negatively impacted the chances for resuming peace talks.\u00a0 Voicing regret that several States had further emboldened Israel \u2014 including Guatemala, through its recent decision mirroring that of the United States \u2014 he called on the international community to remain resolute in rejecting Israel\u2019s illegal policies and practices, support UNRWA during its unprecedented funding crisis and work to de\u2011escalate the dangerous situation on the ground.<\/p>\n

DANNY DANON (Israel<\/u>) said that, for the past few weeks, Hamas had orchestrated a series of provocations and confrontations along the security fence between Israel and Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cThere is nothing peaceful about terrorists firing over the fence at our positions,\u201d he added.\u00a0 Hamas continued to use innocent Palestinian women and children as human shields, while they cowered behind in safety.\u00a0 Israel had an obligation to protect its citizens and do so while minimizing civilian casualties.\u00a0 Like any law\u2011abiding country, Israel had always ensured that, when necessary, incidents would be investigated by proper authorities.\u00a0 In the same vein, however, he said:\u00a0 \u201cIsrael will never apologize for defending our country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Israel cared deeply about innocent lives but Palestinian leaders continued to exploit every innocent death for their shameless public relations campaign, he said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it is Hamas that is fully responsible for every Palestinian injury and death,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Just two weeks ago, Israel\u2019s security forces uncovered the longest and deepest Hamas terror tunnel discovered to date, he continued, adding that some members of the Security Council had criticized Israel\u2019s response.<\/p>\n

Urging Member States to ask themselves a simple question, Mr.\u00a0Danon wondered: How would you react if armed terrorists were marching on the border of Kuwait?\u00a0 What would you do to protect the people of Sweden, or Bolivia, if a violent mob threatened to infiltrate?\u00a0 The answer, he said, was simple:\u00a0 \u201cYou would defend yourselves.\u00a0 We will do the same.\u201d\u00a0 He reiterated that the protests were not peaceful nor the product of grass\u2011roots efforts.\u00a0 Hamas\u2019 goal was to infiltrate Israel\u2019s territory and harm as many innocent people as possible.\u00a0 Palestinian leadership must be held accountable for that, he emphasized, urging Member States to pressure Palestinian leaders to \u201cend their charade\u201d.<\/p>\n

Iran was the common thread behind Hamas, Hizbullah, and the Assad regime in Syria, he said, noting the 80,000\u00a0Shia militants in Syria under Iranian control.\u00a0 The Iran threat could be stopped but only if the international community acted together.\u00a0 In two and a half weeks, the United States would announce its decision regarding the fate of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.\u00a0 \u201cThe\u00a0[Iranian] regime proudly parades its missiles in city centres.\u00a0 Written on the sides of these missiles are calls to destroy Israel,\u201d he said.\u00a0 United States President Donald Trump was focused on important changes to the current situation, \u201cbecause he knows it will make the world safer\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mr. Danon stressed the need to increase monitoring and oversight of Iran\u2019s finances, which had grown significantly since the lifting of sanctions.\u00a0 Iran continued to send money directly to Hizbullah.\u00a0 It had also used the money to build weapons factories and terror bases in Syria and Lebanon.\u00a0 \u201cAll the signatories to the agreement must now make a choice,\u201d he stressed, adding:\u00a0 \u201cYou have one opportunity to right the wrongs of this deal.\u201d\u00a0 Israel would not allow regimes that sought its destruction to acquire nuclear weapons. \u201cPeriod.\u201d<\/p>\n

NIKKI R. HALEY (United States<\/u>) said the Council\u2019s monthly debate on the Middle East should shed light on the many different conflicts in the region.\u00a0 On the use of women, children and men as human shields, she recalled that the European Union had recently condemned Hamas for that practice.\u00a0 The use of human shields was present in conflicts across the region, including by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant\u00a0(ISIL\/Da\u2019esh), Hizbullah and Houthi militants.\u00a0 Iran was the patron of many groups using human shields, which was part of its overarching efforts to destabilize the region.\u00a0 Humanity itself was lost when the barbaric practice of using human shields continued, she said, calling on the Council to rise up to address that grave concern.<\/p>\n

KAREN PIERCE (United Kingdom<\/u>), emphasizing that all actors must abide by their obligations to international law, said an immediate concern was to prevent further violence.\u00a0 Those having influence over Hamas were making that perfectly clear and Israel must exercise restraint.\u00a0 Meanwhile, border crossing restrictions must be lifted.\u00a0 The international community had an important role to play, including lending support to UNRWA.\u00a0 The situation in Gaza would be vastly improved with the restoration of the Palestinian Authority, she said, pledging her delegation\u2019s commitment to support the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s Personal Representative in his ongoing efforts.<\/p>\n

ZHAOXU MA (China<\/u>) said the conflict must be fully resolved before the violence would end.\u00a0 Yet, settlement construction continued and the number of casualties grew, he said, urging the international community to boost efforts to support the peace process, with the two\u2011State solution being the only way forward.\u00a0 Relevant Council resolutions must also be swiftly implemented and all parties must meet each other halfway to create the necessary atmosphere for resuming dialogue.\u00a0 China supported the peace process with a view to establishing an independent Palestinian State.\u00a0 To do so, efforts must also be strengthened to promote peace through development.\u00a0 Turning to the complex issue of Jerusalem, he said all parties must implement international consensus for achieving a peaceful co\u2011existence.<\/p>\n

FRAN\u00c7OIS DELATTRE (France<\/u>), raising concerns about recent violence in Gaza, said investigations must identify perpetrators and all parties must respect international humanitarian law and human rights.\u00a0 Israel was a democracy and must uphold the rules of engagement and stop using lethal weapons against civilians.\u00a0 Hamas must stop using ongoing protests in Gaza as a means to threaten Israel\u2019s security.\u00a0 The Council must speak with a strong, united voice to preclude an escalation of tensions.\u00a0 Associating the recent violence with the deteriorating humanitarian situation, he said worsening conditions were fuelling protests by young people who felt they had \u201cnothing left to lose\u201d.\u00a0 The Palestinian Authority must regain control over Gaza and Israeli restrictions on border crossings must end to ease humanitarian suffering, he said, calling on the United States to return its support to UNRWA.\u00a0 Going forward, negotiations towards peace must align with agreed frameworks, with the Council respecting those parameters.<\/p>\n

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland<\/u>), associating herself with the European Union, called for a return to meaningful bilateral negotiations based on relevant Â鶹APP resolutions and international law, the creation of a political horizon, and continued efforts to achieve a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Noting that the work of the Middle East Quartet \u2014 and especially the participation of the United States \u2014 would be helpful to reactivate the Middle East Peace Process, she also called for more active involvement by some regional countries.\u00a0 Echoing Mr.\u00a0Mladenov\u2019s concerns about the possible spillover effects of the conflict, especially when the Middle East already faced so many other challenges, she urged Israel to respect the Palestinians\u2019 fundamental right to peaceful protest and to exercise proportionality in the use of force against unarmed protesters, even as it defended its legitimate security interests.\u00a0 She also called for a thorough and objective investigation of the incidents that had taken place at the Israeli\u2011Gaza border since 30\u00a0March and urged all sides to act with utmost restraint and responsibility.\u00a0 Poland endorsed the common European Union position to the effect that Jerusalem should assume mutual recognition of historical relations and national rights of both parties, and in support of resolution 478\u00a0(1980) on the location of diplomatic missions until the city\u2019s final status was resolved.<\/p>\n

TEKEDA ALEMU (Ethiopia<\/u>), expressing concern that fighting in Syria continued unabated despite ISIL\u2019s military defeats, said the issues underpinning that conflict, as well as the one unfolding in Yemen, were even bigger than they appeared.\u00a0 Political solutions remained out of reach and humanitarian needs on the ground were huge.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the use of chemical weapons \u2014 \u201ceven if we are still not definitive about attributing blame\u201d \u2014 was becoming a serious challenge that undermined international norms.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the recent escalation in Gaza, he called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint.\u00a0 Turning to Gaza\u2019s critical humanitarian situation, he called for efforts to enable the Palestinian Authority to exercise full control over the territory \u2014 as stipulated in the Cairo Agreement \u2014 which would improve the economic and humanitarian situation while also advancing Palestinian unity and providing an impetus for the peace process.\u00a0 Ethiopia had always supported Israel\u2019s right to exist in peace and security as well as the Palestinians\u2019 inalienable right to self\u2011determination and to a free and independent State.\u00a0 Cautioning against actions that could detract from efforts to achieve a two\u2011State solution, he said the recent tragedy in Gaza demonstrated that \u201cthe demand for justice will never disappear as long as there are objective reasons on the ground that call for it\u201d.<\/p>\n

ANATOLIO NDONG MBA (Equatorial Guinea<\/u>) expressed grave concern about Middle East conflicts ranging from Syria to Gaza to Yemen and beyond, which had led to tragic loss of life on a great scale.\u00a0 Far from seeing signs of resolution, those situations were worsening, as was the case between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 Peace in the region could hardly be sought without resolving the latter, he stressed, calling on parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could hinder dialogue.\u00a0 Frank, direct negotiations without preconditions were critical, and the final status of Jerusalem must be one of the outcomes of those talks.\u00a0 Calling on all parties to respect international law and act in line with relevant Council resolutions, he said there was no other possible solution to the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict other than a negotiated two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 The international community must redouble its diplomatic and mediation efforts, but it must respect the fact that Israelis and Palestinians bore the primary responsibility to reach a peaceful agreement.\u00a0 Equatorial Guinea had always supported Israel\u2019s right to exist as well as the Palestinians\u2019 right to self\u2011determination, he said, condemning the clashes that had led to the loss of innocent Palestinian life during the recent protests in Gaza and called for a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.<\/p>\n

TH\u00c9ODORE DAH (C<\/u>\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/u>), echoing expressions of alarm over the three weeks of clashes on the Gaza border, called on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from unilateral actions that could only exacerbate the situation.\u00a0 His delegation supported a two\u2011State solution leading to Israel and Palestine as free States living side by side in peace and security.\u00a0 Voicing concern over UNRWA\u2019s financial shortfall, and calling on States to support the Agency, he said the Middle East continued to face other critical challenges including a regrettable failure to implement the ceasefire in Syria as unanimously demanded in resolution\u00a02401\u00a0(2018).\u00a0 He urged the parties to adhere to that text, and to work to defuse the conflict through inclusive political dialogue in line with the Geneva peace process and resolution\u00a02254\u00a0(2015).\u00a0 Despite concerted efforts by the international community, Yemen\u2019s humanitarian situation would continue to deteriorate in the absence of an inter\u2011Yemeni political dialogue.\u00a0 He condemned air strikes that had targeted a wedding ceremony in that country earlier in April, killing some 50\u00a0people \u2014 as well as similar strikes against Saudi Arabia \u2014 and expressed C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s strong support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme.<\/p>\n

VLADIMIR K. SAFRONKOV (Russian Federation<\/u>) said the Middle East\u2019s continued chaos was a direct result of foreign geopolitical experiments.\u00a0 The Israeli\u2011Palestinian issue remained central to the region\u2019s stability \u2014 despite attempts by some States to sideline it \u2014 with destructive trends becoming all the more evident.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the recent protests on the Gaza border, he condemned terrorist acts as well as the indiscriminate use of force against civilians, and called on the parties to refrain from actions that would further deteriorate the situation.\u00a0 In that vein, he expressed grave concern about the United States decision to hold a ceremony on 14\u00a0May marking the transfer of its embassy to Jerusalem, which risked escalating tensions across the region to dangerous levels.\u00a0 The Russian Federation supported efforts to achieve a two\u2011State solution through a political process based on well\u2011established international legal bases.\u00a0 Reiterating the Russian Federation\u2019s offer to host peace talks between the parties, he described cuts to UNRWA\u2019s funding as unacceptable and warned that they risked radicalizing the Palestinian ranks.\u00a0 All initiatives proposed by the Russian Federation in the past \u2014 including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov\u2019s proposal to initiate a comprehensive review of the conflicts plaguing the Middle East \u2014 remained on the table, he said, underscoring the need to rebuild trust between Iran and the Arab world and safeguard the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.<\/p>\n

KAIRAT UMAROV (Kazakhstan<\/u>) touched on several issues, beginning with Syria, urging all parties there to exercise restraint, ensure the safety of civilians and allow their safe evacuation.\u00a0 On Lebanon, he welcomed the formation of a new Government and said it was essential to help it consolidate its constitution and democratic process, which remained contingent on developments in neighbouring Syria.\u00a0 Turning to Iraq, he supported the position of preserving the country\u2019s unity, which should be based on equal rights and justice for all citizens.\u00a0 Iraq\u2019s authorities must abide by international law, he said, expressing concern for the Turkish woman sentenced to death on charges of supporting ISIL.\u00a0 He also expressed support for prioritizing the development agenda in Libya and urged all parties in Yemen to commit to establishing a cessation of hostilities.\u00a0 Regarding the Middle East peace process, he expressed support for a two\u2011State solution and called for the early resumption of negotiations.<\/p>\n

KAREL J.G. VAN OOSTEROM (Netherlands<\/u>) said that after four weeks of protests, more than 30\u00a0people had been killed, which included 4\u00a0minors, and thousands had been injured.\u00a0 He called on Israel to ensure that its responses to the protests were proportionate and necessary at all times and in line with its obligations under international law.\u00a0 However, the high number of victims, including paramedics, as well as the death of journalist Yasser Murtaja, raised serious questions about Israel\u2019s response.\u00a0 He also called on the de facto authorities in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Authority to ensure that protests remained peaceful, reiterating the need for an independent and transparent investigation into the matter.\u00a0 Turning to developments in Lebanon, he noted that the country would hold parliamentary elections on 6\u00a0May.\u00a0 If properly executed, the elections would reinvigorate public trust in Lebanon\u2019s democratic institutions and represented an opportunity to reinforce the positive momentum of the Rome, Paris and Brussels conferences.<\/p>\n

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait<\/u>) said Israel was violating Council resolutions, including attacks that had been launched against peaceful demonstrators in Gaza.\u00a0 However, the Council had, to date, failed to respond to those attacks by calling for a full investigation and had been impotent in getting Israel to abide by provisions of Council resolutions.\u00a0 As the occupying Power was routinely flouting international legitimacy, it clearly lacked all credibility in running for Security Council membership.\u00a0 Noting that the relocation of certain diplomatic missions to Jerusalem also violated international agreements, he said East Jerusalem was the capital of Palestine and called on all Member States to recognize it as such.<\/p>\n

SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOL\u00cdZ (Bolivia<\/u>) said recent reports on ongoing violence had shown that Israel was violating international law and an investigation must identify perpetrators who had fired live bullets on Palestinian protesters.\u00a0 He warned that current tensions would again flare as the date neared for the transfer of the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem.\u00a0 Condemning the continuation of Israeli construction on occupied lands, he called for the release of up\u2011to\u2011date maps on settlements.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA, he said more support for the Agency was needed.\u00a0 Expressing support for the work of the Quartet, he said a two-State solution remained the only solution.<\/p>\n

OLOF SKOOG (Sweden<\/u>) condemned the killings of 34\u00a0Palestinians, noting that Israeli security forces had used live ammunition, including when shooting at children.\u00a0 The incidents raised serious concerns and must be swiftly and fully investigated.\u00a0 Moreover, all actors, including demonstration organizers, must place the protection of children first, neither putting them at risk for nor encouraging them to participate in violence.\u00a0 Noting the upcoming \u201chistorically charged\u201d period in mid\u2011May, he said that \u201cthe birth of one State, while being a joy to many, brought suffering for others\u201d.\u00a0 The commemoration of those events would coincide with the planned move of the United States embassy to Jerusalem.\u00a0 Sweden\u2019s position on the status of Jerusalem as a final status issue and a future capital of both States, including the location of diplomatic representations, was clear and would remain unchanged.\u00a0 Multilateral efforts to advance peace must be drastically increased, and in that regard, it was worth exploring President Abbas\u2019 plans for an international conference with a view to establishing a multilateral mechanism for peace.<\/p>\n

GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA (Peru<\/u>), Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity, saying there was a need for a transparent, independent investigation of recent violence in Gaza.\u00a0 Welcoming generous contributions with a view to supporting the work of UNRWA, he said it was equally urgent that Palestinian and Israeli parties resumed negotiations towards peace.\u00a0 Expressing concern about ongoing violence and breaches of Council resolutions, he said such actions undermined the chances of reaching a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 He encouraged political, social and religious leaders on both sides to work towards re\u2011establishing a constructive dialogue to end the cycle of violence and humanitarian crises.<\/p>\n

AMAL MUDALLALI (Lebanon<\/u>) said support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights were a central tenet of the Arab consensus, as reaffirmed at the Dharan Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia earlier in April.\u00a0 Jerusalem had taken centre stage at that meeting, with Arab leaders unanimously condemning and rejecting the United States decision, he said, also condemning the killing of dozens of innocent civilian protesters in Gaza.\u00a0 Citing consensus over the disassociation policy towards the conflict in Syria, he said there were over 1.2\u00a0million displaced persons in Lebanon and joined others in calling for a political solution to that conflict.\u00a0 Despite support from partners to help Lebanon host those displaced Syrians, his country still faced serious challenges and threats to its security and stability, especially from daily Israeli violations of its sovereignty by air, land and sea.\u00a0 Israel also continued to insist on building a wall on occupied Lebanese territory and in disputed areas.\u00a0 Urging Israel to respect Council resolutions that called for its full withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territory, he said nowhere were the Â鶹APP recent discussions about sustaining peace and addressing the root causes of conflict more relevant than in the Middle East.\u00a0 Ending the Israeli occupation and withdrawing Israeli troops from Arab and Lebanese territories would go a long way towards bringing peace and stability to the region, he said.<\/p>\n

KORO BESSHO (Japan<\/u>) said his delegation respected both Palestinians\u2019 right to peaceful demonstrations and Israelis\u2019 right to security.\u00a0 Violence could never be justified and would solve nothing, he said, calling on both parties to exercise maximum restraint.\u00a0 Citing a tangible risk of escalation that could lead to further casualties in mid\u2011May, he echoed the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s calls for a swift, independent and transparent investigation in order to prevent further escalation and casualties.\u00a0 \u201cBehind the current situation, there is a lack of hope for the Palestinian people,\u201d he said, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, continued settlement activities in the West Bank in violation of international law and cuts to UNRWA\u2019s funding that had increased Palestinians\u2019 anxiety.\u00a0 \u201cThese hopeless conditions are feeding radicalism and do not benefit either party,\u201d he stressed, announcing Japan\u2019s decision to provide an additional $10\u00a0million to UNRWA.\u00a0 Describing a range of other development projects through which Japan aimed to support the Palestinian people, he said they alone could not achieve peace, and called on the parties to take concrete steps to resume negotiations.<\/p>\n

BASHAR JA\u2019AFARI (Syria<\/u>) said the United States provided protection as Israel continued to violate hundreds of Council resolutions, encouraging it to commit heinous crimes and killings.\u00a0 Syria continued to support Palestinians in their right to return home, he said, condemning the \u201cdeliberate ignorance\u201d of the Special Coordinator for not touching on Israel\u2019s serious violations in the Golan.\u00a0 \u201cDerailing from his mandates makes him incapable of doing what he was tasked with,\u201d he added, stressing that the Golan was an occupied Syrian territory.\u00a0 He asked why Member States had not rejected Israel\u2019s stealing of natural resources such as water and energy.\u00a0 Israel continued to support terrorist groups.\u00a0 Syria had a sovereign, non\u2011negotiable right to the Golan, he reiterated, urging Israeli settlers to leave the territory and end the overall occupation of Arab land.<\/p>\n

ABDALLAH Y. AL-MOUALLIMI (Saudi Arabia<\/u>) underscored Palestinians\u2019 right to life, return to land and self\u2011determination.\u00a0 He called for the establishment of an international investigation committee to shed light on the events of 13\u00a0March and on all incidents in which unarmed civilians had been killed by Israel.\u00a0 He reiterated the Arab identity of Jerusalem and the right of Palestinians to control their land.\u00a0 Israel must withdraw from all occupied territories including the Golan, he said, calling for the creation of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.\u00a0 Turning to Iran, he said that country funded Hizbullah and fuelled war in Syria and Yemen.\u00a0 One third of the missiles fired into Saudi Arabia from Yemen had been manufactured by Iran, he emphasized, citing Â鶹APP findings.\u00a0 Iran acted in clear violation of Council resolutions, he said, urging the Council to not tolerate Iran\u2019s aggressions.\u00a0 On Syria, he condemned the chemical attack by the Syrian regime, which called for a serious response by the international community.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED KHALED KHIARI (Tunisia<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said that Israeli violations had affected many generations of Palestinians in flagrant violation of international norms and Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 In light of the aggression by the Israeli authorities, a unified international position rejecting the status quo and supporting Charter principles was needed.\u00a0 He also emphasized the need for lasting peace in the Middle East as embedded in the Arab peace process, stressing the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the Arab identity of occupied East Jerusalem, which would remain the capital of Arab Palestine.\u00a0 The recognition by States of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would result in repercussions for the region at large.\u00a0 Moreover, negotiations had to be time\u2011bound to bring the conflict to an end on the basis of the two-State solution.\u00a0 He rejected Israel\u2019s unilateral steps to undermine that solution, noting that resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) condemned the settlement and confiscation of Palestinian lands.<\/p>\n

He went on to condemn recent aggressions against Palestinian protestors, calling for an open, transparent and independent investigation into the incidents related to the \u201cGreat March of Return\u201d.\u00a0 Calling for pressure on Israel to exercise self\u2011restraint, he said that country should refrain from using live ammunition against Palestinian protestors who were commemorating the seventieth anniversary of Al\u2011Nakba.\u00a0 Such violations had the effect of rendering the humanitarian situation on the ground, particularly in Gaza and the camps, more dire.\u00a0 Also, basic services were threatened because of UNRWA\u2019s budget issues.\u00a0 He called on the international community to bridge that financial gap.\u00a0 Finally, he expressed support for all serious efforts to revive the peace process on the basis of the two\u2011State solution.<\/p>\n

JO\u00c3O PEDRO VALE DE ALMEIDA,\u00a0European Union<\/u>, said that its objective remained to restore a political horizon and an appropriate framework for political progress, together with regional and international partners, starting with the Middle East Quartet.\u00a0 It was important to avoid any steps eroding the viability of the two\u2011State solution, in particular continued Israeli settlement activity.\u00a0 A negotiated two\u2011State solution was the only realistic way to bring about lasting peace and security, and all final status issues should be resolved on the basis of international law.\u00a0 Regarding recent protests and violence at the Gaza border fence, he said it raised serious questions about the proportionate use of force.\u00a0 Taking note of the fact\u2011finding assessment mechanism established by the Israel Defence Forces, he said facts must also be established regarding reports about violent attacks against Israel under the guise of protests.<\/p>\n

He went on to say that the European Union had made important efforts in recent months to improve the situation in Gaza and support the return of the legitimate Palestinian Authority to the enclave.\u00a0 It had convened an extraordinary ministerial\u2011level session of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on 31\u00a0January, and a regular meeting of that body on 20\u00a0March.\u00a0 In Brussels, it had co\u2011chaired a donor conference for the Gaza desalination plant, receiving pledges of \u20ac456\u00a0million, \u20ac77\u00a0million of which had come from the Union.\u00a0 Turning to the conflict in Syria, he strongly condemned the repeated use of chemical weapons, noting that the latest attack on Douma was a grave breach of international law.\u00a0 The European Union regretted the multiple vetoes by the Russian Federation of the Joint Investigative Mechanism mandate renewal in November, urging the Council to rapidly re\u2011establish an independent attribution mechanism ensuring accountability for such attacks.\u00a0 At the second Brussels conference on April\u00a025 on the future of Syria, $4.4\u00a0billion had been mobilized for\u00a02018 to support operations to address the humanitarian situation inside Syria and the needs of refugees and their hosts across the region.\u00a0 Multi\u2011year pledges of $3.4\u00a0billion had also been made for 2019\u20112020.<\/p>\n

FREDERICO SALOM\u00c3O DUQUE ESTRADA MEYER (Brazil<\/u>) said the final status of Jerusalem must be decided between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 He expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, reiterating that civilians must be able to demonstrate peacefully.\u00a0 \u201cThe recent escalation has resulted in many deaths, including of young people,\u201d he said.\u00a0 In Syria, he called for an exhaustive independent investigation into the recent chemical weapons attack, stressing that all parties must fully respect international law.\u00a0 The Syria conflict could only be resolved through a political solution and he expressed full support for the Special Envoy.\u00a0 In Yemen, where humanitarian catastrophe continued to unfold, the only way to end that conflict and respond to people\u2019s needs was through a negotiated solution.\u00a0 He urged respect for resolution 2216\u00a0(2015), regarding Yemen\u2019s arms embargo, and support for stabilizing a volatile environment in Lebanon.<\/p>\n

AZIZ PAHAD (South Africa<\/u>) said that recent events in the Gaza Strip could be seen as symptomatic of the lack of will and commitment to a political process for resolving the conflict there.\u00a0 \u201cNew generations of Israelis and Palestinians grow up knowing nothing but the conflict between themselves,\u201d he noted, expressing concern about Israel\u2019s use of force on a frustrated population in the enclave.\u00a0 While the voices of that population continued to be ignored, \u201cthe parameters of what we have come to accept as a two\u2011State solution begin to dwindle,\u201d he said.\u00a0 South Africa supported all initiatives towards a negotiated solution, including the recent proposal by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convene an international summit.\u00a0 Unilateral action, particularly on final status issues, undermined the revival of the peace process.\u00a0 Such actions included building illegal settlements and the recognition by some Member States of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.\u00a0 On the dire financial situation faced by UNRWA, he said South Africa would continue to support the Agency through its financial contributions.<\/p>\n

GHOLAMALI KHOSHROO (Iran<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said the Israeli regime worked \u201cday and night to negate any right for Palestinians\u201d.\u00a0 Israel was a rogue State but not to those who believed in illegal occupation, illegal settlements, apartheid, the theft of resources, collective punishment and mass murder.\u00a0 Despite such actions, Israel proclaimed itself the only democracy in the Middle East.\u00a0 However, the latest mass murder by the Israel Defense Forces had begun at the start of Passover.\u00a0 As a result, dozens of unarmed Palestinians had died and thousands had been wounded.\u00a0 There was \u201cno doubt\u201d that those attacks had been planned.\u00a0 The unlawful announcement on Al\u2011Quds Al\u2011Sharif and the imminent transfer of the United States Embassy to that city only exacerbated the problem.\u00a0 He reaffirmed Iran\u2019s support for Palestinians\u2019 legitimate and inalienable rights.<\/p>\n

TORE HATTREM (Norway<\/u>), expressing deep concern over violent clashes on the Gaza\u2011Israel border, urged all parties to use restraint.\u00a0 Lethal force against unarmed protesters was unacceptable.\u00a0 While Israel had a right to protect its borders, its use of force must be proportionate.\u00a0 He outlined priorities to improve the situation in Gaza, notably increasing water access and energy distribution.\u00a0 Norway was in talks with Egypt on how best to help the 2\u00a0million Gazans, he said, urging an end to all policies that obstructed civilian needs.\u00a0 He called for the Palestinian Authority to reinstate its full authority in Gaza and for the Cairo Agreement to be fully implemented.\u00a0 On the heels of the chemical attacks in Syria, he underscored the need for Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons\u00a0(OPCW) inspectors to continue their investigations.\u00a0 While the Brussels conference for Syria had yielded $4\u00a0billion in pledges, those funds were still less than half the estimated need.\u00a0 He expressed full support for the Iran nuclear deal, calling it a milestone for international peace and security.<\/p>\n

CHRISTIAN WENAWESER (Liechtenstein<\/u>) expressed concern over the Council\u2019s paralysis on the situation in Syria, recalling that no fewer than 12\u00a0vetoes had been cast on proposals to address that conflict.\u00a0 Moreover, its rare decisions \u2014 including the ceasefire mandated under resolution\u00a02401\u00a0(2018) \u2014 had been ineffective, and blatantly disregarded by the parties.\u00a0 Warning that the conflict had turned from a civil war into a threat to the stability of the region and beyond, he expressed Liechtenstein\u2019s continued support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on international crimes committed in Syria, emphasizing that accountability must be an integral part of the country\u2019s peace process.\u00a0 The long\u2011stalled Middle East peace process was now further threatened by recent developments in Gaza, he said, expressing concern over reports of excessive use of force and extrajudicial killings and support for the establishment of an independent, transparent investigation.\u00a0 Reminding the Council that the situation was under preliminary investigation by the International Criminal Court, he also urged its members to live up to their responsibility to protect civilians in Yemen from such serious international crimes as their deliberate targeting and the blocking of humanitarian aid deliveries.<\/p>\n

SAMUEL MONCADA (Venezuela<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, recalled the commemoration of several anniversaries in\u00a02017, noting that\u00a02018 would mark the seventieth anniversary of Al\u2011Nakba, by which the Palestinian people had lost their homeland in\u00a01948.\u00a0 He called for the exertion and intensification of all necessary efforts to bring that injustice to an end and advance a peaceful and just solution.\u00a0 Moreover, he emphasized that all measures and actions taken or to be taken by Israel, the occupying Power, were null and void and had no legal effect.\u00a0 In that regard, he demanded that Israel abide by resolution\u00a0497\u00a0(1981) and withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan to the 4\u00a0June\u00a01967 lines.\u00a0 The Movement welcomed President Mahmoud Abbas\u2019 peace proposal presented to the Council on 20\u00a0February, extending its support to his call for an international peace conference.\u00a0 Resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) provided the most viable path to peace, setting forth essential requirements and parameters for a just solution, in accordance with relevant Â鶹APP resolutions, the Madrid Guiding Principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map.<\/p>\n

He went on to recall the recent tragic events which had left more than 30\u00a0Palestinians dead and more than 3,600\u00a0injured in less than a month\u2019s time.\u00a0 In that regard, the Movement condemned Israel\u2019s excessive and disproportionate use of force against Palestinian civilians engaging in the \u201cGreat March of Return\u201d, a peaceful civilian protest against Israel\u2019s illegal occupation.\u00a0 International action, particularly by the Council, must ensure accountability for and a cessation of violations committed by the occupying Power.\u00a0 The international community must also ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and across the Occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, in order to prevent further loss of life.\u00a0 In that context, the bloc\u2019s members expressed grave concern about the lack of accountability for Israel\u2019s violations, which fostered impunity and further destabilized the situation on the ground.\u00a0 It would be alarming for a country with such a background to become a non\u2011permanent member of the Council, he pointed out.<\/p>\n

FERIDUN HADI SINIRLIO\u011eLU (Turkey<\/u>) strongly condemned the disproportionate use of force by Israeli forces on Palestinians participating in peaceful demonstrations.\u00a0 In order to achieve peace, Israel must show political will and refrain from provocative actions, he emphasized, adding that Palestinians must also act in unity and work for national reconciliation.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA\u2019s financial crisis, he recalled that his country had announced an additional $10\u00a0million for the Agency\u2019s programme budget and had increased its in\u2011kind donation as well.\u00a0 Turkey had also pledged \u20ac11\u00a0million to the Gaza desalination plant project.\u00a0 Regarding the conflict in Syria, he said his Government had been actively contributing to counter\u2011terrorism and stabilization efforts, clearing more than 4,000\u00a0square kilometres from terrorists.\u00a0 Local residents had begun to return to towns in Afrin, and 160,000\u00a0Syrians had voluntarily returned so far to the Euphrates Shield area.\u00a0 His Government was also working on new Â鶹APP cross\u2011border humanitarian assistance shipments to Afrin, with the first shipment delivered in early April.\u00a0 The Astana forum was an important international initiative to reduce violence there and adopt confidence-building measures.\u00a0 The Astana guarantor States, in a joint statement in November, had underlined that a political solution to the conflict should be achieved through a Syrian\u2011owned, Syrian\u2011led process, leading to a constitution and free and fair elections under Â鶹APP supervision.\u00a0 On 28\u00a0April, the foreign ministers of those States would continue their efforts and elaborate on the next steps.<\/p>\n

SIMON KASSAS, Observer of the\u00a0Holy See<\/u>, appealed for political and military leaders in Syria to choose the path of negotiations, and for the international community to give more attention to the conflict in Yemen.\u00a0 Reiterating the Holy See\u2019s strong support for the two\u2011State solution, he said all nations had an obligation to respect the historical status quo of Jerusalem.\u00a0 He went on to emphasize that the Security Council remained a key actor in ensuring that peace efforts would be guided by international law.<\/p>\n

NEVILLE MELVIN GERTZE (Namibia<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement and the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, expressed support for the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s statement urging Israel to exercise caution with the use of force.\u00a0 He also pressed the Council to find a lasting solution to bring peace to Syria.\u00a0 Any unilateral action in that regard was incompatible with the Charter, he pointed out, urging Council members to remain united in pursuit of justice and peace based on the principles of multilateralism.\u00a0 Urging Israel to stop building settlements and destroying Palestinian homes and infrastructure, he also called for Israel\u2019s unconditional withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

ALYA AHMED SAIF AL-THANI (Qatar<\/u>) said there was consensus among the Council and wider international community that achieving peace in the Middle East would contribute to tackling the many other challenges facing the region.\u00a0 In that regard, it was essential to abandon violations of international law, she stressed, condemning Israel\u2019s acts against unarmed civilians and urging the Council to uphold civilians\u2019 right to protest.\u00a0 Israelis and Palestinians could live side by side with a two\u2011State solution in accordance with relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 Israel must end its illegal occupation of all Palestinian land, including the Golan, and restore the rights of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Turning to Syria, she condemned the chemical weapons attack and expressed support to the military action taken by the United States, United Kingdom and France.\u00a0 The Syrian people wanted peace and stability, she emphasized, noting her Government\u2019s $100\u00a0million contribution to Syrian relief made yesterday in Brussels.\u00a0 She warned that the continued almost two\u2011year blockade against Qatar was having negative implications in the region.<\/p>\n

MALEEHA LODHI (Pakistan<\/u>) recalled that, in the Gaza Strip, 35\u00a0Palestinians, including children as young as\u00a014, had died while \u201cthis Council could not even agree on a call for an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents\u201d.\u00a0 Peace in the Middle East could only be built on the foundations of a two\u2011State solution, she said, warning that a one\u2011State \u201cillusion\u201d would provide neither peace nor security.\u00a0 Regarding the situation in Syria, the use of chemical weapons by anyone was abhorrent, she said, welcoming the deployment of the OPCW fact\u2011finding mission.\u00a0 The situation in Yemen remained precarious, with 22\u00a0million people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.\u00a0 Pakistan would extend its full support to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding an inclusive political solution there, including efforts under the aegis of the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s Special Envoy.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMED ATLASSI (Morocco<\/u>) said the \u201cJudaization\u201d policy being implemented by the occupying Israeli forces was aggravating tensions in the region and preventing a resumption of the peace process.\u00a0 Moreover, using force against unarmed civilians was deplorable and perpetrated the cycle of violence, he pointed out.\u00a0 Settlements were continuing to be built in contravention of Â鶹APP resolutions, including Security Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 Jerusalem held a privileged status for the believers of the three monotheistic religions, and therefore occupied a special legal status and must not be threatened in any way.\u00a0 He recalled that the King of Morocco had recently visited Palestine and had been received by President Abbas.\u00a0 The goal of the visit was to reaffirm his country\u2019s unchanging goals and support the Palestinian leaders and people.\u00a0 The visit was also a chance for consultations in terms of rejecting attempts to take Jerusalem from Arabs and Muslims.<\/p>\n

MAGED ABDELFATTAH ABDELAZIZ, Permanent Observer of the\u00a0League of Arab States<\/u>, said that the Security Council remained unable to play its crucial role in maintaining international peace and security due to paralysis in its decision\u2011making mechanisms.\u00a0 Some Council Members continued to threaten the use the veto and to provide protection to one party at the expense of another.\u00a0 The Council had been unable to act without double standards when dealing with different Arab issues, undermining its own credibility.\u00a0 He urged the Council to affirm the principle of a two\u2011State solution without preference to one party over the other.\u00a0 The establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital was more urgent than ever before.<\/p>\n

He called on the Council to conduct an investigation of Israel\u2019s attacks on protestors without being distracted by claims that Palestinians use children as shields.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s continued occupation of Palestinian territories and settlement expansion were serious threats to international as well as regional peace and security.\u00a0 He also added that the League did not see Israel as illegible to become a non\u2011permanent member of the Council for 2019\u20112020.\u00a0 Israel continued to violate international law and explicitly disrespect the Â鶹APP and its Member States.<\/p>\n

LORATO MOTSUMI (Botswana<\/u>), associating herself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said that, even after 70\u00a0years, her country would not tire from expressing its position on the question of Palestine.\u00a0 Calling for intensified efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, she said Botswana was deeply concerned by growing tension between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.\u00a0 Botswana supported the President Abbas\u2019 proposals, made before the Council in February; encouraged all parties to respect all relevant Â鶹APP resolutions; and supported the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 She went on to reaffirm solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for the ongoing efforts of the Council, the Secretary\u2011General, the Special Coordinator and UNRWA.<\/p>\n

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, pressed the Council to \u201cwake up from its very dangerous inertia\u201d on the question of Palestine.\u00a0 Indeed, 2018\u00a0marked not only the seventieth anniversary of Al\u2011Nakba \u2014 the expulsion of 800,000\u00a0Palestinians from their lands \u2014 but nearly three quarters of a century that the world had waited for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict.\u00a0 Citing increased violence in the last month, he declared:\u00a0 \u201cThe killing of unarmed civilians violates every known provision of international law and human decency.\u00a0 It must end.\u201d\u00a0 The international community must reaffirm and preserve efforts towards a negotiated two\u2011State solution on the basis of pre\u20111967 borders, within a defined timetable in accordance with internationally recognized terms of reference, including the Arab Peace Initiative.\u00a0 Appealing to States to avoid provocative actions or pronouncements that contradicted Â鶹APP resolutions on the status of Jerusalem, he warned that \u201cwe have already seen their implications\u201d.\u00a0 Turning to Syria, he called on parties to respect international law and Â鶹APP resolutions, adding that a credible political solution to that conflict must fully respect Syria\u2019s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.<\/p>\n

ANAYANSI RODR\u00cdGUEZ CAMEJO (Cuba<\/u>), associating herself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, echoed concerns over the heightened tensions in the Middle East as well as Israel\u2019s criminal aggression in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 That brutal, disproportionate act was a grave violation of international law, risked further escalating the conflict and threatened the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Moreover, it was deplorable that the Council was blocked by some of its members from even condemning those actions.\u00a0 Calling on the body to rise to its responsibilities, including by demanding that Israel put an immediate end to its occupation, she voiced support for the right of Palestinians to a free, sovereign and independent State and for the right of return for refugees.\u00a0 She further condemned the United States recent decision on Jerusalem, a flagrant violation of international law, which was intended to undermine the legitimate interests of Palestinian people and Arab nations.\u00a0 Also condemning the 13\u00a0April air strikes by the United States and several allies \u2014 which had used as their pretext unverified allegations of the Syrian Government\u2019s use of chemical weapons \u2014 she said such unilateral acts, including measures aimed at changing the legal, physical and demographic status of the occupied Syrian Golan, were serious violations of the Â鶹APP Charter and international law.<\/p>\n

FARZANA ZAHIR (Maldives<\/u>) said, with regard to the Palestinian question, that the impunity with which violence was perpetrated, as well as the ongoing violation of international norms, set a dangerous precedent with far\u2011reaching consequences for international peace and security.\u00a0 She welcomed the Palestinian proposal for an international peace conference, urged Member States to address the $446\u00a0million UNRWA funding gap and reiterated the Maldives\u2019 call for a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 On Syria, she said the humanitarian situation must be urgently addressed, adding that State failure had the potential to derail any peace process.<\/p>\n

CARMELO INGUANEZ (Malta<\/u>), associating himself with the European Union, called for the de\u2011escalation of all conflicts in the Middle East and warned that prospects for a two\u2011State solution to the question of Palestine were currently in danger.\u00a0 \u201cThe international community is duty\u2011bound to ensure that this is safeguarded,\u201d he said, expressing opposition to further Israeli settlement activity and support for the view that Jerusalem should remain a final status issue.\u00a0 Condemning all acts of violence by both sides \u2013 especially against civilians and minors \u2013 he urged the parties to end incitement and provocations that only served to widen the gap between them.\u00a0 Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly should be fully respected by all, he stressed, underlining his delegation\u2019s support for Palestinian reconciliation and efforts to end the closure of Gaza while also addressing Israel\u2019s security concerns.<\/p>\n

SAMSON SUNDAY ITEGBOJE (Nigeria<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said that international efforts must remain focused on paving the way for Israel and the State of Palestine to return to meaningful negotiations.\u00a0 His delegation encouraged Israel to take concrete measures to freeze all settlement\u2011related activities.\u00a0 Also, Palestinian leaders must signal their readiness to return to the negotiating table by, inter alia, making enhanced efforts to forge unity, deal with militancy and other internal security challenges.\u00a0 Violence and unilateral actions would not resolve the long conflict, he emphasized, reaffirming Nigeria\u2019s unwavering support for the two\u2011State solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side by side.<\/p>\n

MAR\u00cdA RUBIALES DE CHAMORRO, Vice\u2011Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, condemned the attack on the Palestinian Prime Minister\u2019s convoy in the Gaza Strip on 13\u00a0March, which was detrimental to intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation.\u00a0 She also noted the commemoration of the seventieth anniversary of the 1948\u00a0war, inviting Member States to participate in the Committee\u2019s upcoming forum titled \u201c70\u00a0Years After 1948 \u2014 Lessons to Achieve a Sustainable Peace\u201d, held in New York from 17\u201118\u00a0May.\u00a0 She expressed regret that Israel had decided to advance settlement plans contravening its obligations as an occupying Power under international law and indicating a blatant disregard for the Security Council\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n

She went on to encourage Member States to follow the example set by Denmark\u2019s Parliament and the European Commission in their decisions to distinguish between the State of Israel\u2019s territory and the territories occupied since\u00a01967, as called for by resolution 2334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 Moreover, the unilateral decisions of some Member States to relocate their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in contravention of the relevant Â鶹APP resolutions were irreversibly setting back prospects for peace and derailing the viability of the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Against that backdrop, she welcomed and supported President Mahmoud Abbas\u2019 peace initiative, as presented to the Council on 20\u00a0February, noting the international consensus with regard to a peaceful and just solution to the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n

KENNEDY MAYONG ONON (Malaysia<\/u>), condemning Israel\u2019s excessive use of force against peaceful protestors, urged that country\u2019s leaders to fully comply with relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 He reiterated deep concern over the decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate its Embassy from Tel Aviv to that city, a decision which undermined efforts towards a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.\u00a0 It had also caused \u201cdismay and frustration\u201d to a majority of Member States.\u00a0 Malaysia would continue to provide relief to Palestinians, he emphasized. A two-State solution based on pre\u20111967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine was the only viable solution.\u00a0 On Syria, he expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and urged all parties to adhere to international law.\u00a0 Condemning the use of chemical weapons by any parties under any circumstances, he urged cooperation with OPCW inspectors as they investigated the Douma incident.<\/p>\n

NGUYEN PHUONG NGA (Viet Nam<\/u>), associating herself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said negative developments in the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict had imperiled the prospect for a two\u2011State solution and put regional security at stake while having an adverse impact on world peace.\u00a0 De\u2011escalating tension was a prerequisite for any future negotiation and dialogue, she said, calling also on Israel to halt settlement development, lift its blockade on Gaza and improve living conditions for Palestinians.\u00a0 Stressing the need for all parties to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, she reaffirmed Viet Nam\u2019s support for UNRWA and for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED FATHI AHMED EDREES (Egypt<\/u>) said the Middle East had continued to face challenges since the occupation of Arab lands beginning in\u00a01967, with every settlement built and every Palestinian suffering from its consequences.\u00a0 Palestinians had a right to self\u2011determination under international law.\u00a0 The issue at hand was occupation and a peaceful conclusion of the matter must heed Council resolutions.\u00a0 Arbitrary action would only lead to grim consequences, jeopardizing the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Underlining that equality and human rights were the basis for peace, he urged the two parties to realize that both peoples would continue to exist on the land and to reject rhetoric that incited hatred and violence.<\/p>\n

EINAR GUNNARSSON (Iceland<\/u>) said that Syria\u2019s chemical weapons use had been well documented and constituted a serious violation of international law.\u00a0 The latest reports from Douma had not yet been fully investigated, but Syria\u2019s Government had already demonstrated the will and ability to use such weapons against civilians.\u00a0 The General Assembly again must look for alternatives to action by the Security Council, which had not fulfilled its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security.\u00a0 He applauded commitments made in Brussels earlier in the week to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Syria and its neighbours.\u00a0 In that context, Iceland had increased its funding with a multi\u2011year contribution and would contribute nearly $9\u00a0million over the period 2017\u20112020.\u00a0 He also welcomed the appointment of Martin Griffiths as the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s Special Envoy on Yemen, adding that the search for a political settlement must be inclusive, including women.\u00a0 \u201cOutside actors must not sabotage talks in the mistaken hope of achieving military advantage,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMED SAHIB MEJID MARZOOQ (Iraq<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, condemned the brutal Israeli assault on Palestinian protestors and urged the Council to take responsible and prompt action to stop the deliberate killings.\u00a0 The ongoing abuses and atrocities in the Gaza Strip were taking place against the backdrop of continued hostile and repressive Israeli practices in the rest of occupied Palestine.\u00a0 Racist legislation imposed by Israel only inflamed the situation, causing more suffering to Palestinians.\u00a0 He warned that illegal Israeli actions threatened to further aggravate the cycle of violence and provoke a religious dimension to the conflict.<\/p>\n

Urging the Council to take action, he said that the Israel\u2019s decades\u2011long military occupation of Palestinian land remained a core challenge to the will of the international community.\u00a0 It was a litmus test for international collective resolve, he added, emphasizing that millions of Palestinians had waited for over seven decades for their right to justice, freedom and peace.\u00a0 The status quo along with ongoing Israeli settlement policies was neither acceptable nor viable, he stressed, calling on the Council to act for peace, hope and justice and maintain the viability of a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 The suffering of millions of Palestine refugees reflected the cruel reality of the absence of justice.<\/p>\n

SIMA SAMI I. BAHOUS (Jordan<\/u>), emphasizing that the region was witnessing among the most difficult and complicated phases, said efforts were sorely needed to overcome them.\u00a0 Unfortunately, a divided Council and its inability to calm tensions in the Middle East exacerbated progress.\u00a0 Peace and stability in the region were linked to a just settlement of the Palestinian question, and fragmented solutions were no longer acceptable.\u00a0 A lasting peace would only emerge when the Israeli occupation ended through a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Council resolutions must also be implemented, she said, condemning illegal attacks against Palestinians.\u00a0 Jerusalem was the key to peace, representing the centre of the world\u2019s major monotheistic religions.\u00a0 Condemning the unjustified violence against civilians in Gaza, she said such actions contravened Council resolutions and international law, supporting the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s call for an independent investigation.<\/p>\n

JAMAL FARES ALROWAIEI (Bahrain<\/u>), noting the ongoing suffering in Gaza, underlined the importance of upholding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian peoples to self\u2011determination and of implementing the two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 East Jerusalem was occupied land, and negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis must guide the way forward.\u00a0 Turning to Yemen, he expressed hope that a peaceful solution would resolve that conflict.\u00a0 Noting the Â鶹APP diplomatic efforts, he condemned the Iran\u2011supported militias\u2019 attacks against Saudi Arabia launched from Yemen.\u00a0 On Syria, he said the worsening situation required the international community to take swift action to find a political solution to end the war.<\/p>\n

TAREQ MD ARIFUL ISLAM (Bangladesh<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed support for the peace plan presented to the Council by the State of Palestine on 20\u00a0February\u00a02018 and urged all concerned parties to give it due consideration.\u00a0 Echoing expressions of concern over recent tensions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem, he urged the Council to send a firm and unequivocal message against the unlawful killing and injury of Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 Calling for investigations into those incidents, he said Israel, the occupying Power, must comply with its obligations under international law as well as relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 The recent provocative policies related to Occupied East Jerusalem and the Al\u2011Aqsa Mosque must be reversed in line with those resolutions as well as international public opinion, he stressed, also urging the Council to prevail upon Israel to lift its illegal blockade of Gaza and halt its illegal settlements.\u00a0 He also voiced concern over the humanitarian situation endured by millions of Palestinians and, in that vein, called on Member States to provide the funding needed for UNRWA to fulfil its mandate.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>, taking the floor a second time, cited several \u201cIranophobic\u201d statements made throughout today\u2019s debate.\u00a0 Those words were uttered by the representatives of countries that were badly in need of excuses to sell their \u201cbeautiful weapons\u201d, he said, adding that no political theatre \u2014 repeated by the delegate of the Israeli regime \u2014 could cover up those expansionist policies and the threats they represented to the region.\u00a0 Iran was in Syria to help fight, and ultimately eliminate, terrorist groups, including Da\u2019esh, and to restore the unity of the country.\u00a0 Rejecting the baseless allegations made by the Israeli delegate as \u201cpure fiction\u201d, he said it was ironic that a regime with a long history of occupation and of stockpiling illegal weapons should accuse others of doing the same.<\/p>\n

Responding to the statement delivered by the representative of Saudi Arabia, he said those baseless allegations were aimed at distracting the international community from that country\u2019s own widespread crimes and support for terrorism underpinned by its Wahabi ideology.\u00a0 The true aggressors and accomplices in the Middle East were trying to cover up their war crimes by accusing others, but the truth was that the United States was responsible for the world\u2019s worst humanitarian crisis, while the Saudi\u2011led coalition\u2019s indiscriminate attacks had resulted in mass casualties, displaced millions and exacerbated already fragile conditions on the ground.\u00a0 Inhumane blockades and the threat of starvation as a instrument of war were tantamount to crimes against humanity that must be thoroughly investigated, he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>, also taking the floor for a second time, said the Palestinian representative had declared the protests had been peaceful, but facts had clearly demonstrated that was not the case.\u00a0 Bolivia\u2019s representative had delivered a \u201csimply incorrect\u201d statement, she said, noting that not once in that country\u2019s membership on the Council had the delegation approached hers for any type of discussions.\u00a0 Turning to other concerns, she said Hizbullah was indeed a recognized terrorist group and its master, Iran, was a leading State sponsor of terror.\u00a0 Iran\u2019s activities violated multiple Council resolutions and its rhetoric continued to threaten to destroy Israel while undermining international peace and security.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SECURITY COUNCIL 8244TH MEETING (AM) SC\/13318 26 APRIL 2018 video fran\u00e7ais Speakers Voice Concern about Deadly Incidents at Gaza-Israel Border, Urge Both Parties to Stop Violence, Resume Peace Talks, in Day-long Debate Amid escalating tensions, outside interference and growing risks of potentially explosive miscalculations, from Gaza to Syria to Yemen, everyone in the region must […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[2433,4389],"document-source":[1362,1897,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[6156,1741,2385],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-132425","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-french-text","document-category-webcast","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-public-information-dpi","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-agenda-item","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-security-issues","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/132425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/132425\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=132425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=132425"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=132425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}