{"id":166083,"date":"2018-10-24T14:02:45","date_gmt":"2018-10-24T14:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=166083"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:48:49","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:48:49","slug":"second-committee-considers-ecosoc-report-economic-and-social-repercussions-of-the-israeli-occupation-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/second-committee-considers-ecosoc-report-economic-and-social-repercussions-of-the-israeli-occupation-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Second Committee Considers ECOSOC Report “Economic and Social Repercussions of the Israeli Occupation” – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>22ND MEETING (AM)<\/strong>
\n GA\/EF\/3506<\/strong>
\n 24 OCTOBER 2018<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Israel\u2019s occupation of Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan continue to deprive populations living there of their rights and to hinder their development in all spheres, speakers told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today as it took up the issue of those lands.<\/p>\n

The observer of the State of Palestine said Israel has issued hundreds of military orders and discriminatory laws allowing it to control Palestinian resources and economic assets during its 51-year occupation, making it impossible for his people to achieve sustainable development.<\/p>\n

Mounir Tabet, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, introduced the note by the Secretary-General on the \u201cEconomic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (A\/73\/87-E\/2018\/69<\/a>).\u00a0 He observed serious concerns remain over the Israeli army\u2019s continued use of excessive force, with recent unlawful killings of 80\u00a0Palestinians including 17\u00a0children.\u00a0 The representative of South Africa said the incidents \u201cdemand thorough, unbiased investigation, and the holding to account of perpetrators\u201d.<\/p>\n

Egypt\u2019s delegate, speaking on behalf of the \u201cGroup of\u00a077\u201d developing countries and China, pointed to persistent Israeli policies in violation of international human rights law including the adoption of two separate legal systems in the same territory, effectively establishing one State and two societies.\u00a0 The representative of Maldives said systematic deterioration of natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory requires the urgent attention of the international community, with 2.5\u00a0million Palestinians requiring humanitarian assistance, 1.8\u00a0million subject to water shortages and 1.6\u00a0million facing food shortages.\u00a0 Malaysia\u2019s delegate warned that Gaza will be unliveable by\u00a02020.<\/p>\n

The delegate of Qatar, speaking on behalf of Organisation of the Islamic Conference, observed that Israel has continued to intensify its colonial settlement enterprise in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 More than 6,000\u00a0housing units in the occupied West Bank were planned and approved by the occupation authorities, which will eventually enable more than 27,000\u00a0Israeli settlers to move to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Syria\u2019s representative said that Israel has also flouted Â鶹APP resolutions on occupation of the Syrian Golan, continuing to settle illegally, annex land and pass discriminatory laws. \u00a0The occupiers also continue to control resources and oil exploration and have imposed Israeli citizenship on people in the Golan.<\/p>\n

The delegate of Saudi Arabia said the magnitude of Israel\u2019s violations and aggressive policies against Palestine have had serious implications for its economic development.\u00a0 Cuba\u2019s representative noted Israel deprives the Palestinian people of their sovereign right over natural resources, maintaining almost total control over water.\u00a0 Speaking in his national capacity, Qatar\u2019s delegate expressed concern over the plight of children in the Palestinian territory and noted his Government contributed $50\u00a0million to an education programme run by the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).\u00a0 The representative of Iraq stressed that the right of the Palestinian people and those in the occupied Syrian Golan to self-determination is self-evident, with numerous speakers calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n

In response, Israel\u2019s representative, a youth delegate, noted that she grew up in Haifa, a multicultural city featuring different cultures working together to contribute to its society.\u00a0 She also recalled terrorist attacks and wondering if classmates would make it to school, and living in fear of Hamas.\u00a0 Citing a nearby joint industrial park shared by Israelis and Palestinians, she stated a young mother was recently killed by a former co-worker.\u00a0 \u201cLife doesn\u2019t have to be like this\u201d she said.\u00a0 Noting that her address as a youth delegate was not the response from Israel that many might have expected, she said many States use Â鶹APP institutions for political attacks rather than a venue for conversation.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were the representatives of Oman, Venezuela, Indonesia, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iran, Namibia, Nicaragua, Libya and Bahrain.<\/p>\n

The Second Committee will meet again at 10\u00a0a.m. on Friday, 26\u00a0October, for a dialogue with regional commissions.<\/p>\n

Introduction of Report<\/u><\/p>\n

MOUNIR TABET, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), introduced the note by the Secretary-General on the \u201ceconomic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan\u201d (document\u00a0A\/73\/87-E\/2018\/69<\/a>).\u00a0 He noted the Palestinian people continue to suffer under Israeli policies, including the application of two legal systems, and discriminatory planning and zoning policies that prevent Palestinian construction in Area\u00a0C and East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

He stated serious concerns remain over the Israeli army\u2019s continued use of excessive force, with unlawful killings of 80\u00a0Palestinians including 17\u00a0children.\u00a0 Attacks and harassment conducted by Israeli settlers saw a sharp increase in\u00a02017, with Israel failing to stop them or hold the parties accountable; on the contrary, the army often accompanies them.\u00a0 There were 5,980\u00a0Palestinians held in Israeli prisons as of Feb\u00a02017, including over 300\u00a0children.<\/p>\n

In housing, he said Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes have created a coercive environment in the West Bank with thousands displaced and building permits nearly impossible to obtain.\u00a0 Seizures of property and punitive measures may amount to collective punishment.\u00a0 Some 7,500\u00a0in Bedouin and herder communities also face displacement, and he noted that authorities in May\u00a02017 approved the establishment of a new settlement in Area\u00a0C for the first time since\u00a01993.\u00a0 Permits for valid traders decreased from\u00a03,500 in\u00a02015 to\u00a0500 in\u00a02017 and last year, 60\u00a0per cent of West Bank roads were reserved for exclusive Israeli use.<\/p>\n

Turning to living conditions, he stated that due to deterioration of basic water infrastructure in Area\u00a0C, 95,000\u00a0people receive less than 50\u00a0litres of water per capita per day, less than half the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation.\u00a0 He cited 2.5\u00a0million Palestinians living in poverty with half of them requiring humanitarian assistance, including 80\u00a0per cent of those in Gaza, where the poverty rate has reached 54\u00a0per cent.\u00a0 The Gaza blockade has also led to a decrease in the quality of health care.<\/p>\n

On the occupied Syrian Golan, he said that Israel has occupied the area since\u00a01967, annexed it in\u00a01991 and by\u00a02017 had established 34\u00a0illegal settlements.\u00a0 Authorities restrict Syrian land use to 45,000\u00a0acres while Israelis may use 350,000\u00a0acres.\u00a0 The 51-year occupation is multilayered and contrary to Security Council resolutions, with certain practices amounting to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.<\/p>\n

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

ABDULLAH ABU SHAWESH, observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, associating himself with the \u201cGroup of\u00a077\u201d developing countries and China, Group of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), noted that Israel has occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories for the past 51\u00a0years.\u00a0 They have issued hundreds of military orders and discriminatory laws that have allowed it to control Palestinian resources and economic assets, making it impossible for his people to achieve sustainable development.<\/p>\n

Continuing, he said Israel has demolished 5,413\u00a0buildings in Palestinian territory, 2,000\u00a0of which are residential, on the pretext that building permits were lacking.\u00a0 Adding that such permits are impossible to obtain, he said that by the end of\u00a02017, there were 13,000\u00a0orders of demolition of Palestinian structures pending implementation. \u00a0He called attention to the most recent Security Council resolution on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which called for the drawing up of a list of Israeli companies operating in those areas, which are a major source of the exploiting of Palestinian natural resources.<\/p>\n

MAHMOUD EL-ASHMAWY (Egypt<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Group of\u00a077, pointed to persistent Israeli policies in violation of international human rights law including the adoption of two separate legal systems in the same territory, bringing more restrictions for Palestinians and effectively establishing one State and two societies.\u00a0 He expressed deep concern that between April\u00a02017 and March\u00a02018, authorities demolished 310\u00a0Palestinian structures under the pretext of building permits that are nearly impossible to obtain.\u00a0 Turning to economic repercussions, he cited the Dead Sea as one of world\u2019s great resources of mineral salts, with the majority of its coastline in Palestinian territory while they are denied the right to benefit from their own natural resources.\u00a0 Similarly, the tourism sector in East Jerusalem, with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, could benefit the people if it were openly accessible.<\/p>\n

AHMED AL-KUWARI (Qatar<\/u>), speaking on behalf of OIC, said that Israel has continued during the first half of\u00a02018 to intensify its colonial settlement enterprise in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 More than 6,000\u00a0housing units in the occupied West Bank were planned and approved by the occupation authorities, which will eventually enable more than 27,000\u00a0Israeli settlers to move to the Israeli colonies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 The demolition and seizure of Palestinian homes and livelihood-related structures has also increased, thanks to Israeli legislation restricting the ability of Palestinians and human rights organizations to challenge the demolition or seizure of their properties.\u00a0 There are ongoing Israeli preparations to raze the entire community of Khan al-Ahmar, where several hundreds of people live.<\/p>\n

In the first half of\u00a02018, Israel demolished or seized 197\u00a0Palestinian-owned structures, he continued.\u00a0 It is estimated that about a third of the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem, or some 100,000\u00a0people, reside in buildings that are not approved by the Israeli occupation authorities, which would eventually make these buildings susceptible to demolition by Israeli authorities.\u00a0 At the same time, Israel continues to exploit natural resources and segregate, isolate and obstruct Palestinian movement by numerous measures, including annexation, the apartheid wall, a permit regime, hundreds of checkpoints and the systematic collective punishment of the entire Palestinian civilian population.\u00a0 The only way to end Palestinian suffering and make tangible progress towards peace is by compelling Israel to end its prolonged occupation and comply with international law, without exception.<\/p>\n

KHALID AL-SHUAIBI (Oman<\/u>), speaking on behalf of Group of Arab States and associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, noted the plundering of resources and denial of human rights, and pointed further to economic and social repercussions affecting the Palestinian people.\u00a0 He expressed grave concern over the excessive use of force by the Israeli army, exacerbating the situation especially given what appears to be unlawful killings.\u00a0 Stating that Israeli settlements have no legitimacy at all, he noted their population now numbers\u00a0600,000, a policy supported by the Israeli Government.\u00a0 This amounts to population transfer, which is banned according to international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n

Mr. MANZALAWI (Saudi Arabia<\/u>) said the magnitude of Israel\u2019s violations and aggressive policies against Palestine have had serious implications for its economic development.\u00a0 They are contrary to resolutions of the international community, present severe obstacles to sustainable development and have forced half of the Palestinian population to rely on humanitarian assistance.\u00a0 Israel has even violated the sanctity of the dead by detaining corpses and disrespecting Muslim sacred shrines.\u00a0 He also pointed to the unjustified illegal blockade restricting the movement of people and goods in Palestinian territories.\u00a0 His country supports all efforts to end Palestinian suffering and assist them in realizing their rights to independence, with Jerusalem as their capital.<\/p>\n

Ms. ODHAV (South Africa<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077 and the Africa Group, said that his country\u2019s support for the Palestinian people remains unwavering.\u00a0 South Africa\u2019s condemnation of the flagrant human rights violations by Israeli security forces against Palestinians is also well established and remains unwavering.\u00a0 He condemned the use of excessive force, including suspected unlawful killings, by Israeli security forces, against Palestinian protestors as found in the report.\u00a0 \u201cThese incidents constitute grave violations of human rights and international law, and demand thorough, unbiased investigation, and the holding to account of perpetrators,\u201d he said.\u00a0 The same is true of the horrendous violence that is documented in the report at the hands of Israeli settlers against Palestinians.\u00a0 Equally insidious and deserving of condemnation are the findings in the Secretary-General\u2019s report of a systematic undermining by Israel of the economic and social well-being of Palestinian people in the Occupied Territory.\u00a0 Destroying and confiscating property and depleting resources is a deplorable crime, which will resonate for generations to come.\u00a0 He also expressed full support to the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).<\/p>\n

ROSALIA LUCIA CUE DELGADO (Cuba<\/u>), associating herself with the Group of\u00a077, said that Israel deprives the Palestinian people of their right to development by stripping them of the sovereign right over their natural resources.\u00a0 Israel maintains almost total control over water.\u00a0 The scarcity of this resource continues to affect life and hinder the development efforts of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 The restrictions imposed by Israel, land confiscations and violence prevent the Palestinians and Syrians of the Golan from having access to and using agricultural land.\u00a0 The destruction of forests as well as of hydraulic and electric structures has contributed to the deterioration of the environment.\u00a0 The occupation has caused a serious deterioration in the social and economic conditions of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 In Gaza, about 2\u00a0million Palestinians continue to live under the Israeli blockade.\u00a0 Poverty is rampant and basic resources, such as food and water, are disturbingly scarce.\u00a0 She condemned Israel\u2019s continued military occupation of the Palestinian territory.<\/p>\n

Mr. AL-LAITHI (Iraq<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, OIC and the Group of Arab States, said the Zionist occupation and settlement policies continue to violate international law, with the Israeli army using excessive force for racial discrimination.\u00a0 Stating that the right of the Palestinian people and those in occupied Syrian Golan to self-determination is self-evident, he further noted their right to reparations in view of depletion and denial of resources.\u00a0 The Palestinian people need the political and economic support of the international community.\u00a0 Expressing grave concern over a lack of resources for UNRWA, he called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n

ROUA SHURBAJI (Syria<\/u>) said Israel has flouted Â鶹APP resolutions on occupation of the Syrian Golan, continuing to settle illegally, annex land and pass discriminatory laws against Syrians in the Golan, subjecting them to construction restrictions and high water prices.\u00a0 The Israel occupiers also continue to control resources and oil exploration and have imposed Israeli citizenship on people in the Golan.\u00a0 In a recent action, the Israeli Ministry of Interior announced that it will hold local council elections in the Syrian Golan in November.\u00a0 This is a flagrant violation of the Security Council resolution stressing that the Israeli decision to impose its laws on the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void, with no legal effect.<\/p>\n

Mr. AL-KUWARI (Qatar<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077 and the Group of Arab States, noted the continued denial of rights and resources of Palestinian people and those in the occupied Syrian Golan.\u00a0 He expressed concern over the plight of children in the Palestinian territory, with attacks against students and teachers and lack of access to education.\u00a0 His Government contributed $50\u00a0million to an education programme run by UNRWA.\u00a0 Noting that the 2030\u00a0Agenda stresses the need for peaceful societies for sustainable development, hence, more effective measures are required to assist the Palestinian people in the full enjoyment of their rights and sovereignty over their territory and East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

HENRY ALFREDO SU\u00c1REZ MORENO (Venezuela<\/u>) said Israel\u2019s extended occupation of Palestine and the Syrian Golan is multidimensional with adverse effects accumulated over several years.\u00a0 Over 50\u00a0per cent of Palestinians in the Gaza receive food assistance.\u00a0 It is extremely grave that the United States has stopped providing funds to Â鶹APP relief agencies for Palestine, limiting their efforts towards self-determination and leading to increased poverty and inequality.\u00a0 He called on the international community to take clear measures forcing the Israeli leadership to stop its expansionist policy, which stands in the way of economic development.<\/p>\n

INA HAGNININGTYAS KRISNAMURTHI (Indonesia<\/u>), associating herself with the Group of\u00a077 and OIC, expressed deep concern over the plight of the Palestinian people given their persistent land confiscation and settlement.\u00a0 Israeli policies hinder rights and development, with the Gaza unemployment rate now at 40\u00a0per cent.\u00a0 She also deplored underfunding of UNRWA and that action\u2019s negative implications for health and social services.\u00a0 Affirming that sustainable development in Palestine hinges on ending occupation and the establishment of a two-State solution, she also pointed to the importance of funding and support for agriculture, entrepreneurship and women\u2019s rights, noting that Indonesia has contributed to 169\u00a0capacity-building projects with Palestinians.<\/p>\n

MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, said he is \u201cdeeply frustrated\u201d over the deteriorating social and economic conditions in the Palestinian territories due to ongoing Israeli occupation.\u00a0 He noted the high number of Palestinians living under the poverty line and said schoolchildren are subjected to \u201chumiliation, harassment and violence\u201d and that access to health and sanitation services is lacking.\u00a0 It is unacceptable that Palestinians are prevented from accessing and utilizing agricultural land, he said, calling on the international community to demand Israel put an end to systematic violations of international law.\u00a0 He urged States to resolve the funding crisis faced by UNRWA and said his Government remains steadfast in its support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

LAILA SHAREEF (Maldives<\/u>) said that the international community has failed to reverse the situation in the occupied Palestine and Syrian Golan.\u00a0 It is the responsibility of each Member State to ensure that no country enjoys impunity and defies the principles of international law.\u00a0 The systematic deterioration of natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory requires the urgent attention of the international community.\u00a0 It is extremely worrying that 2.5\u00a0million Palestinians need humanitarian assistance, that 1.8\u00a0million are subject to water shortages, and that 1.6\u00a0million face food shortages.\u00a0 \u201cThese statistics point to a catastrophe that requires urgent action,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Expressing concern over instances of violence against Palestinian civilians, she added that vulnerable populations like children are increasingly facing grave threats from Israeli forces.\u00a0 Ending the illegal occupation is the single most important factor that would enable the Palestinians to achieve any socioeconomic development.<\/p>\n

AL ALI (United Arab Emirates<\/u>) said her country has provided $130\u00a0million to the Palestinian territory and made an additional contribution to UNRWA, given its vital role in supporting the Palestinians.\u00a0 Her country made another contribution of $50\u00a0million to support the relief agency\u2019s education programme.\u00a0 This assistance ensured the continuation of education programmes, providing for their basic needs.\u00a0 The United Arab Emirates also continues to support the rebuilding of schools and hospitals, and is providing fuel and electricity.<\/p>\n

HUSAIN EBRAHIM (Kuwait<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, Group of Arab States and OIC, asked how the State of Palestine can achieve sustainable development given Israeli practices in contravention of international law.\u00a0 He said their plight will not end without implementation of relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 Noting that the report by ESCWA cites violations which affect all aspects of populations under Israeli occupation, his country shares the aspirations of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Kuwait condemns all brutal Israeli practices and policies in the occupied territories and calls for an end to the long-running tragedy of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

ALI HAJILARI (Iran<\/u>) said Israel\u2019s continued violations of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions go against international humanitarian and human rights law. It is impossible for Palestinians to take any steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in such a situation.\u00a0 Irresponsible acts by the Israelis against the Palestinians have seriously hampered economic development.\u00a0 Israelis continue to carry out actions leading to population displacement and endangerment of natural resources, exploitation of natural resources and water shortages, which continue to impede daily life.\u00a0 Amid movement restrictions and land confiscations, some 1.6\u00a0million Palestinians are considered food insecure.<\/p>\n

POLINA KEMPINSKY (Israel<\/u>), a youth delegate, noted that she grew up in Haifa, a multicultural city featuring different cultures working together to contribute to its society, where general well-being is the most important shared quality.\u00a0 She also recalled terrorist attacks and wondering if classmates would make it to school, and living in fear of Hamas attacks.\u00a0 Citing a nearby joint industrial park shared by Israelis and Palestinians, she stated a young mother was recently killed by a former co-worker.\u00a0 \u201cLife doesn\u2019t have to be like this\u201d she said, lamenting Palestinian youth committing acts of violence in Israel.\u00a0 She also pointed to the positive use of social media for communication between peoples and cultures.\u00a0 Noting that her address as a youth delegate was not the response from Israel that many might have expected, she said many States use Â鶹APP institutions for political attacks rather than as a place to have a conversation.<\/p>\n

NEVILLE GERTZE (Namibia<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, expressed concern over the human rights violations depicted in the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s report, especially those effecting children who are exposed to fear, trauma, injury and inability to reach schools.\u00a0 Noting the number of Palestinians being held as detainees by Israel and the low approval rate for medical patients allowed to see treatment, he underscored that poverty in the region cannot be eradicated when infrastructure in Palestine is constantly being destroyed and the electricity supply disrupted.\u00a0 He reiterated the need to preserve the territorial contiguity unity and integrity of the Palestinian lands and demanded compliance with the Protocol on Economic Relations between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).\u00a0 It is only through legally established statehood that social normalcy, legal equality and economic opportunity can be realized, he said.<\/p>\n

KARLA ALEJANDRA BAJA\u00d1A TINOCO (Nicaragua<\/u>), associating herself with the Group of\u00a077, said it is inconceivable that the Palestinians can make the changes needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.\u00a0 Continuing Israeli occupation has resulted in the destruction of property and infrastructure as well as the confiscation of land and restrictions on movement and commerce, which have accumulated over time and could actually reverse Palestinian development.\u00a0 She expressed hope that, through dialogue and negotiation, Israelis and Palestinians will be able live in peace, as they both have a right to this as well as sustainable development.<\/p>\n

MOHD SUHAIMI TAJUDDIN (Malaysia<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, said that the Secretary-General\u2019s report reaffirms that Israeli practices and policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as in the occupied Syrian Golan, are in violation of international law and international human rights.\u00a0 Israel has blatantly ignored the international community\u2019s pressure and has been continuously expanding its illegal settlement activity on Palestinian territory.\u00a0 He warned that Gaza will be unliveable by\u00a02020, also condemning Israel\u2019s disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force against Palestinians.\u00a0 He condemned Israel\u2019s illegal occupation and stressed that the two-State Solution is the only viable option.\u00a0 The international community must be more active and assertive in preserving the status of Jerusalem, he added.<\/p>\n

OMAR AL-SHAMES (Libya<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077, OIC and the Group of Arab States, said the \u201coccupying Power\u201d continues to deprive Palestinians of basic rights, including preventing farmers from reaching their land.\u00a0 Gazans continue to suffer the effects of the blockade, turning their area into a huge prison.\u00a0 The Palestinian people cannot enjoy the fruits of sustainable development without access to water and land.\u00a0 Also citing the issue of the occupied Syrian Golan, he called for a Palestinian independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of refugees to their homeland.<\/p>\n

Mr. AL-HADDAD (Bahrain<\/u>), associating himself with the Group of\u00a077 and the Group of Arab States, noted that Israel has continued to carry out negative practices and policies in Palestinian territories, including those which violate human rights and impact livelihoods.\u00a0 Forced evictions are key factors contributing to the coercive environment in the West Bank, which has given many Palestinians no other choice but to leave.\u00a0 In justifying building demolitions, Israeli authorities cite the lack of building permits, which are almost impossible to obtain.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s establishment of settlements since\u00a01967 is illegal, a blatant violation of international law and major impediment to the two-State solution.\u00a0 It has impacted the Palestinian\u2019s ability to access agriculture and placed restrictions on movement and land.<\/p>\n

For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,\u00a022ND MEETING (AM) GA\/EF\/3506 24 OCTOBER 2018 fran\u00e7ais Israel\u2019s occupation of Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan continue to deprive populations living there of their rights and to hinder their development in all spheres, speakers told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today as it took up the issue of those lands. The observer […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[2241],"document-category":[2433,1329],"document-source":[1953,1365,1933,1897,1817],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1945,1937,2057,2237,2533,2349,1805,1797,2465],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-166083","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-syria","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-source-economic-and-social-council-ecosoc","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-general-assembly-second-committee-economic-and-financial","document-source-united-nations-department-of-public-information-dpi","document-source-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-for-palestine-refugees-in-the-near-east-unrwa","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-economic-issues","document-subject-food","document-subject-golan-heights","document-subject-health","document-subject-living-conditions","document-subject-occupation","document-subject-peace-process","document-subject-poverty","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/166083","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\/166083\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=166083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=166083"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=166083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}