{"id":169936,"date":"2018-12-06T14:26:47","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T14:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=169936"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:47:15","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:47:15","slug":"ga-reiterates-call-for-middle-east-peace-after-failing-to-pass-resolution-condemning-hamas-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/ga-reiterates-call-for-middle-east-peace-after-failing-to-pass-resolution-condemning-hamas-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"GA Reiterates Call for Middle East Peace, after Failing to Pass Resolution Condemning Hamas – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>47TH MEETING (PM)<\/strong>
\nGA\/12101<\/strong>
\n6 DECEMBER 2018<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The General Assembly decided today to reiterate its call for the achievement of just and lasting peace in the Middle East while also failing to adopt a text condemning actions by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Through a recorded vote of 156\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Australia, Israel, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States), with 12\u00a0abstentions, the Assembly adopted a draft resolution titled \u201cComprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East\u201d (document\u00a0A\/73\/L.49<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Through the draft, the Assembly reiterates its call for the achievement, without delay, of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 It also reiterates its call for an end to the Israeli occupation that began in\u00a01967, including of East Jerusalem, and reaffirms its unwavering support for the two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a peace, unfortunately, is not currently in sight,\u201d said Ireland\u2019s representative while introducing the text. \u00a0Stressing the importance of reversing the current negative developments on the ground, she added that a settlement of the conflict must meet Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, as well as resolve all final status issues.<\/p>\n

Prior to adopting that draft, the Assembly failed to adopt another text titled \u201cActivities of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza\u201d (document\u00a0A\/73\/L.42<\/a>).\u00a0 While the text gained plurality support in a recorded vote of 87\u00a0in favour to 57\u00a0against, with 33\u00a0abstentions, it failed to meet the two-thirds adoption requirement.<\/p>\n

The text would have had the Assembly demand that Hamas and other militant actors, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, cease all provocative actions and violent activity.\u00a0 It would have also encouraged tangible steps towards intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation, including in support of the Egypt\u2019s mediation effort.<\/p>\n

The Assembly had voted to apply the two-thirds majority requirement for the adoption of draft by a vote of 75\u00a0in favour to 72\u00a0against, with 26\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States \u2014 who introduced draft \u201cL.42\u201d, said it gave the Assembly an opportunity to speak out against one of the \u201cugliest cases of terrorism in the world\u201d.\u00a0 She said last week the Assembly adopted six resolutions condemning Israel, noting that the Organization\u2019s hostility against that country is unquestionable. \u00a0(For details on those draft resolutions see Press Release\u00a0GA\/12096<\/a>.)\u00a0 Condemning Hamas\u2019 call to \u201cdestroy Israel\u201d, she said Hamas has turned Gaza into a police State while using Â鶹APP resources to build rockets.\u00a0 \u201cThe people that have suffered most under Hamas are Palestinians,\u201d she stressed, noting that the draft would right a historic wrong.<\/p>\n

However, the representative of Kuwait, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, called on all States to reject the \u201cL.42\u201d text as it \u201cdistracts from the deep\u2011seeded causes of the conflict\u201d.\u00a0 He called for respecting relevant Â鶹APP resolutions in efforts to address the Palestinian\u2011Israeli conflict and stressed the importance of a two\u2011State solution based on pre\u20111967 borders.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative, following the Assembly\u2019s failure to adopt the draft, said: \u00a0\u201cYour silence in the face of evil reveals your true colours.\u201d \u00a0To the people of Gaza, he said \u201cwe think of you\u201d, and to Hamas \u201cyour time\u2019s up\u201d.\u00a0 Hamas exploits the people of Gaza, he stressed, adding that the organization is in flagrant violation of international law.\u00a0 There is no difference between Hamas, and Al\u2011Qaida and Boko Haram, he said, adding that as the Jewish people are celebrating Hanukkah, the plurality of Member States of the Â鶹APP has chosen to condemn Hamas.<\/p>\n

Speaking after action had been taken on both drafts, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said the strong support for draft that was adopted was an unequivocal affirmation, especially significant in view of actions aimed at eroding the global consensus for a just solution for the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Thanking Ireland for presenting the text, he said peace negotiations cannot be credible if detached from the Â鶹APP.\u00a0 The resolutions are not one\u2011sided or anti\u2011Israel; they are pro-peace pieces of legislation, he stressed.<\/p>\n

Following the introduction of draft\u00a0\u201cL.42\u201d, the representative of Bolivia took the floor to withdraw an amendment that his delegation had proposed \u2014 the language of which mirrored that of the draft introduced by Ireland.\u00a0 In doing so, he condemned all violence and urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Explaining their positions on the drafts, Member States condemned violence in Gaza and affirmed their support for a two-State solution to the conflict.\u00a0 The representative of Austria, speaking for the European Union, supported draft \u201cL.42\u201d and emphasized the bloc\u2019s commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 \u201cAny peace plan that fails to recognize internationally agreed upon parameters is doomed to fail,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of Chile called on Israel to lift the restrictions imposed on the people of Gaza. \u00a0\u201cThere is no reason to justify acts of terrorism,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Reiterating full support for a two\u2011State solution and declaring that both Palestine and Israel have the right to coexist peacefully, he said Chile is home to the largest Palestinian community outside of the Middle East.<\/p>\n

Also speaking were the representatives of Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Norway, Mexico, Viet Nam, Ecuador, Canada, Afghanistan and Singapore.<\/p>\n

The Assembly will reconvene at 10\u00a0a.m. on Friday, 7\u00a0December, to take action on reports of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization Committee).<\/p>\n

Situation in Middle East<\/u><\/p>\n

NIKKI HALEY (United States<\/u>), introducing a draft resolution titled \u201cActivities of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza\u201d\u00a0(document A\/73\/L.42<\/a>), said today presents the General Assembly an opportunity to speak out against one of the \u201cugliest cases of terrorism in the world\u201d.\u00a0 She said last week the Assembly adopted six resolutions condemning Israel, noting that the Organization\u2019s hostility against that country is unquestionable.\u00a0 \u201cThe issue before us now is if the Â鶹APP considers terrorism acceptable when it is targeted at Israel,\u201d she said.\u00a0 The draft does not comment on specific peace agreements and stands for the rejection of terrorism, she said, stressing:\u00a0 \u201cThere can be no peace without agreement that terrorism is unacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Israel and the organization has used suicide bombers to target Israeli targets, she said.\u00a0 It has launched thousands of rockets over the Israeli border, such actions are classic cases of terrorism.\u00a0 \u201cStill, not a single resolution has been adopted condemning Hamas,\u201d she stressed, adding that today the General Assembly could change that record.<\/p>\n

She said certain Member States abandoned all sense of truth.\u00a0 Today that could be changed as States can come together for peace.\u00a0 \u201cHamas has been the de facto Government in Gaza for years,\u201d she noted, adding that the unemployment rate in the territory is among the highest in the world.\u00a0 Hamas has turned Gaza into a police State while using Â鶹APP resources to build rockets.\u00a0 \u201cThe people that have suffered most under Hamas are Palestinians,\u201d she stressed, noting that the draft would right a historic wrong.\u00a0 \u201cThe General Assembly must be on record condemning Hamas\u2019 terrorism,\u201d she asserted, asking Arab States if their hatred towards Israel was so strong that they would defend a terrorist organization.\u00a0 \u201cFor the sake of peace and of this institution, I respectfully urge my colleagues to support the United States\u2019 resolution,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Bolivia<\/u>, noting that an amendment had been presented in document\u00a0A\/73\/L.46<\/a> to the draft resolution contained in document\u00a0A\/73\/L.42<\/a>, expressed commitment to all international efforts to resolve the occupation, including those of the Quartet and the Arab\u2011Peace Initiative.\u00a0 The only way to resolve the issue is a two\u2011State solution with the creation of a free, sovereign and independent Palestine State with pre\u20111967 international borders and east Jerusalem as capital.\u00a0 Condemning all violence and pleading with all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure, he said that after numerous consultations his delegation has decided to withdraw the amendment.\u00a0 He called on all delegates from all Member States to join the initiative put forward by the United States and adopt that text by a two\u2011thirds majority of the General Assembly.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Kuwait<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said the situation in the Middle East is directly linked to international peace and security.\u00a0 He condemned Israeli policies that violate international humanitarian law and the Charter of the Â鶹APP and requested a vote to apply the two\u2011thirds majority rule for the adoption of draft \u201cL.42\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0said a simple majority is required for adoption of the resolution.\u00a0 She called for fairness in the Â鶹APP and said action on the draft was about \u201cdoing what is right\u201d.\u00a0 \u201cThe General Assembly has never uttered a word in any resolution about Hamas,\u201d she said.\u00a0 The decision to adopt the text by a two\u2011thirds majority is based on a desire to have the resolution fail.\u00a0 She urged all States to vote against the motion.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then decided to apply the two\u2011thirds majority requirement for the adoption of draft \u201cL.42\u201d by a vote of 75\u00a0in favour to 72\u00a0against, with 26\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Saudi Arabia<\/u>, speaking in explanation of position before the vote and on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain, aligned himself with the Arab Group.\u00a0 He stressed the importance of a lasting and comprehensive peace and called for a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital within pre\u20111967 borders.\u00a0 The end of the conflict can only be achieved through peaceful means, he stressed, requesting Israel to cease its aggression against the Palestinians.\u00a0 Condemning all forms of terrorism, he said rockets sent to Israeli towns and cities must stop.\u00a0 Israel acts in contravention of all Assembly and Council resolutions, he said, and therefore his group of delegations would vote against the resolution under question as it would turn attention away from the problems of occupation, settlement and blockade.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>, also speaking in explanation of position, said that the draft resolution on Hamas is based on deception as it ignores the main root cause of the conflict:\u00a0 the decades\u2011long illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel.\u00a0 That is the main reason for the suffering imposed on the Palestinians resulting in the displacement of around 6\u00a0million refugees.\u00a0 Noting that the unlawful inhumane blockade has made Gaza an inhabitable open\u2011air prison, he added that Israel\u2019s so\u2011called participation in the peace process has merely been a shroud to hide its policy of aggression and expansion.\u00a0 Rejecting the draft resolution, he added that by undermining the sustained and strong international support for Palestine, the draft not only targets Hamas, but also multilateralism.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Kuwait<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, called on all States to reject the draft as it \u201cdistracts from the deep\u2011seeded causes of the conflict\u201d.\u00a0 He called for respecting relevant Â鶹APP resolutions in efforts to address the Palestinian\u2011Israeli conflict and stressed the importance of a two\u2011State solution based on pre\u20111967 borders.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then failed to adopt the draft resolution titled \u201cActivities of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza\u201d\u00a0(document A\/73\/L.42<\/a>) as it did not meet the two\u2011thirds requirement following a recorded vote of 87\u00a0in favour to 57\u00a0against, with 33\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0said that today\u2019s resolution presented an opportunity for redemption, offering the Â鶹APP another chance to condemn Hamas.\u00a0 Thanking the United States \u201cfor standing up to what is right\u201d, he said that the plurality achieved today would have been a majority if the vote had not been hijacked by means of procedure.\u00a0 To delegations that had voted against the resolution, he said:\u00a0 \u201cYour silence in the face of evil reveals your true colours\u201d.\u00a0 To the people of Gaza, he said \u201cwe think of you\u201d and to Hamas \u201cyour time\u2019s up.\u201d\u00a0 Hamas exploits the people of Gaza, he stressed, adding that the organization is in flagrant violation of international law.\u00a0 There is no difference between Hamas, and Al\u2011Qaida and Boko Haram, he said, adding that as the Jewish people are celebrating Hanukkah, the plurality of Member States of the Â鶹APP has chosen to condemn Hamas.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>, associating herself with the European Union, said she voted in favour of the draft as Hamas must be condemned for its indiscriminate use of rocket fire against civilians.\u00a0 She called for a comprehensive peace in accordance with Â鶹APP resolutions and urged all actors to refrain from violence.\u00a0 \u201cPalestinians have the right to peaceful protest and Israel has the right to defend itself,\u201d she said, asserting that restraint must be shown when using live fire.\u00a0 \u201cWe expect Hamas and Israel to prevent further escalation,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Austria<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said he supported the draft and emphasized the bloc\u2019s commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 \u201cAny peace plan that fails to recognize internationally agreed upon parameters is doomed to fail,\u201d he said, calling for a two\u2011State solution in accordance with relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 The European Union is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza where millions of people lack access to basic services and it supports the work of Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) with Palestinian refugees.\u00a0 \u201cWe expect de facto authorities in Gaza to prevent escalation,\u201d he said, also calling on Israel to apply the principle of proportionality in its use of force.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Bahrain<\/u>, voicing support for the Palestinian people, said that a just peace would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.\u00a0 Condemning all forms of violence and extremism, regardless of the motivations, he added that international law must be respected.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Norway<\/u>\u00a0said that he voted in favour of the resolution although the text is not sufficiently strong with regard to the principle of a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Further, the references in the text to the relevant international laws and Â鶹APP resolutions are too weak.\u00a0 Norway will continue to work to stabilize the situation in Gaza.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>\u00a0said that he voted in favour of the resolution to emphatically condemn all forms of violence against civilian populations.\u00a0 He also voiced support for the renewal of dialogue.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Viet Nam<\/u>, expressing appreciation for all international efforts towards peace in the Middle East, said that the conflict could only be settled through peaceful negotiations and on the basis of the relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Chile<\/u>\u00a0reiterated its full support for a two\u2011State solution, declaring that both Palestine and Israel have the right to coexist peacefully.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no reason to justify acts of terrorism,\u201d he said, adding that counter\u2011terrorism efforts must comply with international law.\u00a0 He called on Israel to lift the restrictions imposed on the people of Gaza and condemned all acts of violence.\u00a0 He said Chile is home to the largest Palestinian community outside of the Middle East.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u>\u00a0said her delegation abstained from the vote, citing the responsibility to pursue a fair solution to the crisis.\u00a0 She voiced support for a two\u2011State solution and reiterated her Government\u2019s full support for relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 \u201cThe situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question require an urgent peaceful solution,\u201d she said, condemning all forms of terrorism.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Canada<\/u>\u00a0said the fact that the plurality of countries condemned Hamas is a positive step.\u00a0 Votes and resolutions will not be the solution to this conflict, he said, calling on both parties to renew negotiations.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Afghanistan<\/u>\u00a0said that he wished to correct his vote. \u00a0He voted against the resolution.<\/p>\n

GERALDINE BYRNE NASON (Ireland<\/u>) introduced a draft titled \u201cComprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East\u201d\u00a0(document A\/73\/L.49<\/a>).\u00a0 \u201cSuch a peace, unfortunately, is not currently in sight,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Stressing the importance of reversing the current negative developments on the ground, she added that a settlement of the conflict must meet Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty and resolve all final status issues.\u00a0 As a country that has endured and overcome conflict, Ireland remains hopeful that long\u2011standing enmities can be set aside, she said, urging delegates to support the resolution.<\/p>\n

The Assembly then took up that resolution.\u00a0 The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0requested a recorded vote on the text, which was adopted by a recorded vote of 156\u00a0in favour to 6\u00a0against (Australia, Israel, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, United States) and 12\u00a0abstentions.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Singapore<\/u>\u00a0said he voted in favour of both resolutions. \u201cIn our understanding, the two draft resolutions are interlinked,\u201d he said, condemning all acts of violence against civilian targets.\u00a0 He acknowledged Israel\u2019s right to self\u2011defence and reaffirmed his country\u2019s longstanding support for a peaceful solution to the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0said that the Â鶹APP has passed yet another anti\u2011Israel resolution.\u00a0 It has also missed an opportunity to make a clear statement against Hamas, a terrorist organization that derails the hopes for peace.\u00a0 Recalling the words of a former ambassador of Israel to the Â鶹APP, he said that if Algeria were to submit a resolution claiming that the earth is flat, and Israel flattened it, it would pass in the General Assembly. \u00a0That was 50\u00a0years ago, and nothing had changed, he said.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, reaffirming his gratitude to all Member States that have stood by the rights of the Palestinian people, said the strong support for the resolution was an unequivocal affirmation, especially significant in view of actions aimed at eroding the global consensus for a just solution for the Palestinian people and a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 Thanking Ireland for presenting the text, he said peace negotiations cannot be credible if detached from the Â鶹APP.\u00a0 The resolutions are not one\u2011sided or anti\u2011Israel; they are pro-peace pieces of legislation, he stressed.<\/p>\n

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

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION,\u00a047TH MEETING (PM) GA\/12101 6 DECEMBER 2018 fran\u00e7ais The General Assembly decided today to reiterate its call for the achievement of just and lasting peace in the Middle East while also failing to adopt a text condemning actions by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Through a recorded vote of 156\u00a0in favour to […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[2553],"document-category":[2433,1329],"document-source":[1365,1897],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2005,2385,2117],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-169936","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-united-nations-department-of-public-information-dpi","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-terrorism","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/169936","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\/169936\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=169936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=169936"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=169936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}