{"id":173532,"date":"2019-01-22T20:18:32","date_gmt":"2019-01-22T20:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=173532"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:46:29","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:46:29","slug":"special-coordinator-briefing-on-middle-east-peace-process-voices-deep-concern-over-expansion-of-settlements-amid-continuing-violence-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/special-coordinator-briefing-on-middle-east-peace-process-voices-deep-concern-over-expansion-of-settlements-amid-continuing-violence-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Coordinator, Briefing on Middle East Peace Process, Voices Deep Concern over Expansion of Settlements amid Continuing Violence \u2013 Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

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United States Unveils Warsaw Talks Plan as Russian Federation Warns against Excluding Iran from Stabilization Efforts<\/h4>\n

The prospects for a viable, contiguous State of Palestine have dwindled as Israel continues its illegal settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territory, speakers told the Security Council today, noting also that the lack of progress on intra-Palestinian reconciliation persists, and that violence between the Israelis and Palestinians shows no signs of abating.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs 2019 begins, we should have no illusions about the dangerous dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continue to unfold before our eyes,\u201d cautioned Nickolay Mladenov, Â鶹APP Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, during the Council\u2019s quarterly open debate on the Middle East. \u00a0During the last quarter of 2018, Israeli authorities advanced, approved or tendered more than 3,100 housing units planned for settlements in Area C, nearly half of which are deep in the West Bank, he said, warning that additional attempts to pass legislation that would directly apply Israeli law to occupied West Bank territory are raising fears of future annexation.<\/p>\n

He went on to state that despite the tireless efforts of Egypt and the Â鶹APP, hopes for genuine intra-Palestinian reconciliation are fading by the day as each side blames the other for the lack of progress.\u00a0 He called upon Palestinian leaders to act decisively to resolve the political impasse by implementing the 2017 Cairo Agreement in full.\u00a0 Pointing out that more than 25\u00a0years have passed since the Oslo accords opened a pathway to peace, he emphasized that recommitment to the basic tenets of bilateral agreements will provide hope for the future and lend impetus to the drive for peace and stability.\u00a0 \u201cA quarter of a century of investment in peace and State-building must not be allowed to wither under the pressure of violence, radicalization and suffering,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

About 50 speakers \u2014 Council members and non-members alike \u2014 exchanged views on a range of issues, including obstacles to a two-State solution \u2014 by which Israel and Palestine would exist peacefully side by side as independent States \u2014 and the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said that his delegation is beginning 2019 with high hopes that the \u201cbetter sides of humanity will prevail\u201d despite its many current challenges. \u00a0Israel\u2019s illegal occupation has become more entrenched in the last year, causing deep suffering and loss, even as the political process remains deadlocked and a political horizon absent, he added.\u00a0 Citing several important international events and trends, he recalled that the global community rallied with generosity and compassion following the unprecedented funding crisis that confronted the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).\u00a0 \u201cThe meaning of this collective mobilization cannot be underestimated,\u201d he stressed, noting that it not only provides hope and alleviates the fears of refugees, but also serves as a \u201cmodel of multilateralism at work\u201d.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative called upon the Council and the international community to condemn Iran\u2019s acts of aggression and to \u201cfollow the money\u201d supporting terrorism. \u00a0The trail leads back to one common supplier \u2014 Iran, \u201cthe source of modern terrorism\u201d, he said.\u00a0 He recalled that after the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPOA) on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme in 2015, the world was optimistic that Tehran would rejoin the community of nations and use the money realized from the lifting of sanctions to fund development.\u00a0 \u201cThat was wishful thinking,\u201d he said, adding that, instead, the regime fed those funds to terrorist groups working to spread Iranian ideology across the Middle East and the world.\u00a0 The Council must, as a crucial first step, designate Hizbullah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations, he stressed.<\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s representative, for his part, said that the deterioration of the situation over the last year \u201cproves that Israel is a child-killer regime\u201d.\u00a0 He cited that country\u2019s ongoing settlement plans, its inauguration of an \u201capartheid highway\u201d, and its recently enacted law aimed at ensuring the institutionalization of racism.\u00a0 \u201cRacism is the very nature of the Israeli regime,\u201d he emphasized, describing such policies as shameful and meriting condemnation in the strongest possible terms.\u00a0 Asking why the systematic violation of the inherent rights of Palestinians has been allowed to continue for the last 70 years, he pointed out that the United States has shielded Israel and thereby rendered the Council \u201cabsolutely ineffective\u201d on the matter.\u00a0 He went on to call for full Palestinian membership in the Â鶹APP.<\/p>\n

In similar vein, Kuwait\u2019s representative warned that the Council\u2019s inaction has given Israel the green light to perpetuate the occupation. \u00a0He was also among the delegates expressing support for fully-fledged Â鶹APP membership for the State of Palestine, while also congratulating it on assuming the chairmanship of the \u201cGroup of 77\u201d developing countries and China.<\/p>\n

However, the representative of the United States said the Council spends far too much time on the question of Palestine instead of addressing the other situations in the wider Middle East.\u00a0 He said that the United States and Poland will host the \u201cMinisterial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East\u201d in Warsaw on 13 and 14 February, expressing hope that the meeting will be more productive than the Council\u2019s discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.<\/p>\n

The Russian Federation\u2019s representative expressed concern that Iran \u2014 a significant player in the Middle East \u2014 is not invited to the Warsaw conference, and cautioned against isolating Tehran in any attempt to draw up plans for stabilizing the region. \u00a0Echoing concerns that the status quo in the Middle East is not viable, he emphasized that, in fact, it is in jeopardy, with parties expanding unilateral activities and exacerbating existing problems amid reports of increasing violence.\u00a0 Calling for the resumption of peace negotiations, he also warned that Member States will not tolerate attempts to revise the basis for such talks, while underlining that Israel and Palestine themselves must resolve final status issues.<\/p>\n

C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s representative emphasized that Israelis and Palestinians must rise above their differences, while also expressing concern about conflicts in other countries in the Middle East, such as Syria and Yemen.\u00a0 There is no military solution to any of the region\u2019s different conflicts, he stressed.<\/p>\n

At the meeting\u2019s outset, Council members observed a moment of silence in honour of the Chadian peacekeepers killed in a weekend attack in Mali.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were representatives of Indonesia, Poland, Belgium, China, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, United Kingdom, Peru, France, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Brazil, Syria, Ecuador, Jordan, Argentina, Namibia, Pakistan, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Liechtenstein, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Egypt, Cuba, Morocco, Botswana, Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Libya, Qatar, Japan, Venezuela (for Non-Aligned Movement) and Maldives.<\/p>\n

Speakers also included a representative of the European Union delegation, the Permanent Observers for the Holy See and the League of Arab States, as well as the Vice Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative took the floor a second time in response to statements delivered on behalf of Iran, Lebanon and Syria.<\/p>\n

The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and ended at 4:42 p.m.<\/p>\n

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

NICKOLAY MLADENOV, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said that as 2019\u00a0begins, no one should have any illusions about the dangerous dynamics of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\u00a0 Over time, the possibility of establishing a viable, contiguous Palestinian State has been systematically eroded by facts on the ground, he said, noting that Israeli authorities have advanced, approved or tendered more than 3,100\u00a0housing units planned in Area\u00a0C settlements.\u00a0 Nearly half of them are to be built deep in the West Bank, many in isolated settlements in the Nablus area and near Hebron.<\/p>\n

Cautioning that additional attempts to pass legislation that would directly apply Israeli law to occupied West Bank territory are raising fears of future annexation, he pointed out that, in December\u00a02018, the Government endorsed a bill to advance the legalization of some 66\u00a0illegal outposts across the West Bank within two years.\u00a0 The demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with 25\u00a0structures seized or demolished for lack of Israeli-issued building permits, he said, noting that the documents are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.\u00a0 As a result, 32\u00a0people have been displaced, he added.<\/p>\n

He went on to report growing pressures on the foundations of a future Palestinian State, many of them imposed by decades of occupation and internal divisions.\u00a0 In addition, despite the tireless efforts of Egypt and the Â鶹APP, hopes for genuine intra-Palestinian reconciliation are fading by the day as each side blames the other for the lack of progress.\u00a0 He called upon Palestinian leaders to engage constructively with Egypt and act decisively to resolve the political impasse by ensuring full implementation of the 2017\u00a0Cairo Agreement.\u00a0 The continuing absence of a functioning elected Palestinian legislative body remains a cause for concern until credible elections can take place, he added.<\/p>\n

On the security front, a dangerous dynamic has been unfolding in the West Bank over recent months, with a series of deadly terrorist attacks increasing the risk of destabilization, he said.\u00a0 The reporting period also witnessed an increasing number of Israeli military operations in Areas\u00a0A and\u00a0B of the West Bank.\u00a0 Pointing out that more than 25\u00a0years have passed since Oslo opened a pathway to peace, he emphasized that recommitting to the basic tenets of bilateral agreements will provide hope for the future and an impetus for peace and stability.\u00a0 \u201cA quarter of a century of investment in peace and State-building must not be allowed to wither under the pressure of violence, radicalization and suffering, he said.<\/p>\n

He went on to report that Israeli security forces killed eight Palestinians during the reporting period, while stressing that Hamas must stop the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from Gaza into Israel.\u00a0 With recent cuts in donor funding, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continued, noting that the World Food Programme\u00a0(WFP) had to suspend food assistance to 27,000\u00a0people and reduce the rations of a further\u00a0166,000.\u00a0 He urged donors to continue their support for the critical services provided by the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA).<\/p>\n

Turning to Lebanon, he said the situation in the south and along the \u201cBlue Line\u201d remained calm but tense during the reporting period.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) was able to confirm that two of the tunnels discovered by the Israeli Defense Forces crossed the Blue Line, thereby violating Security Council resolution\u00a01701\u00a0(2006).\u00a0 On 9\u00a0January, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated construction of a wall south of the Blue Line and close to the Lebanese reservation area near Misgav Am, he said.<\/p>\n

As for the occupied Golan, he reported that the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been maintained in relative calm and low levels of military activity in the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side.\u00a0 On 20\u00a0and 21\u00a0January, the Â鶹APP Disengagement Observer Force\u00a0(UNDOF) observed and heard an increase in air activity over, and the firing of missiles into, those areas, he recalled, adding that UNDOF liaised with both sides to de-escalate the situation.<\/p>\n

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

RIYAD MANSOUR, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said his delegation was beginning 2019\u00a0with high hopes that the \u201cbetter sides of humanity will prevail\u201d despite its many current challenges.\u00a0 In the last year, Israel\u2019s illegal occupation has become more entrenched and caused deep suffering and loss, even as the political process remains deadlocked and a horizon absent.\u00a0 However, he said, among those marked setbacks there have also been glimpses of hope and inspiring stories of Palestinian resilience and achievement.\u00a0 Also citing several important international events and trends, he said the global community rallied with generosity and compassion following UNRWA\u2019s unprecedented funding crisis, providing critical support to some 5.4\u00a0million Palestine refugees.\u00a0 \u201cThe meaning of this collective mobilization cannot be underestimated,\u201d he stressed, noting that it not only provided hope and alleviated refugees\u2019 fears, but also served as a \u201cmodel of multilateralism at work\u201d.<\/p>\n

In that vein, he said, 2018\u00a0also highlighted a shared determination between the Palestinian people and their leadership \u2014 as well as by the international community \u2014 to preserve the foundations of a just and peaceful solution and protect Palestinian rights.\u00a0 The year saw the near-consensus rejection of actions aimed to legitimize Israeli measures in East Jerusalem and renewed support for a two-State solution both in the Council and at the General Assembly.\u00a0 \u201cWe appeal to the international community to reject attempts to erode this consensus and to match words and commitments with practical measures to ensure accountability for all violations,\u201d he said, underlining the need to \u201cmake impunity costly\u201d.\u00a0 There is no viable plan B to the two-State solution, and immediate action is required to advance its realization before it is too late.\u00a0 Indeed, despite positive developments, the situation on the ground has been far less positive.\u00a0 Cycles of violence and suffering continue amid Israel\u2019s illegal policies and the relentless colonization of Palestinian land.<\/p>\n

\u201cDay by day, this occupation is destroying the two-State solution and sowing deep despair among our people,\u201d he stressed, adding that the realities on the ground have been repeatedly confirmed in reports of the Secretary-General.\u00a0 In the last year, Israel deliberately advanced the illegal construction of more than 5,600 settlement units, a wall, checkpoints, Israeli-only roads and other occupation infrastructure.\u00a0 It demolished Palestinian homes and forcibly transferred civilians in an effort to alter the demography, character and status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Calling for the explicit condemnation of those actions, he said acts of violence and hatred against Palestinian civilians were incited by a barrage of inflammatory rhetoric, with 295\u00a0Palestinians killed and some 29,000\u00a0injured in\u00a02018.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the Israeli blockade of Gaza has resulted in grave humanitarian suffering.\u00a0 Urging the Council to heed appeals and pay those matters urgent attention, he said Member States also have a responsibility to withhold aid and assistance for Israel\u2019s illegal actions, recognize the State of Palestine and support the latter\u2019s request for membership in the Â鶹APP.<\/p>\n

DANNY DANON (Israel<\/u>) expressed hope that, in the course of\u00a02019, the Council will engage in \u201cfactual, constructive dialogue\u201d on the situation in the Middle East.\u00a0 Two days ago, he recalled, Iranian Quds forces fired a missile from Syria into Israel, which the latter successfully intercepted.\u00a0 Israel then responded by targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Syria and continues to hold the Iranian regime responsible for the missile attack.\u00a0 Calling upon the Council and the international community to condemn Iran for that act of aggression, he emphasized that Tehran must fully, without preconditions, withdraw all troops from Syria.\u00a0 While wishing no aggression, Israel stands ready to hold accountable anyone who wishes to wipe it off the map, he stressed.<\/p>\n

Urging the Council to \u201cfollow the money\u201d supporting terrorism \u2014 as it did with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL\/Da\u2019esh) \u2014 he said the trail today leads back to one common supplier \u2014 Iran, \u201cthe source of modern terrorism\u201d.\u00a0 Underlining the urgent need to take action against that regime, he recalled that, following the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme deal in\u00a02015, the world was optimistic that Tehran would rejoin the community of nations and use the money realized from the lifting of sanctions to fund development.\u00a0 \u201cThat was wishful thinking,\u201d he said, adding that, instead, the regime fed those funds to terrorist groups working to spread Iranian ideology across the Middle East and the world.<\/p>\n

He went on to state that covert \u201cterror tunnels\u201d discovered in December\u00a02018 stretched from private homes in Lebanon into Israel, recalling that his delegation subsequently provided the Council with proof of Hizbullah\u2019s responsibility for their construction, in clear violation of Israel\u2019s sovereignty, as well as resolution\u00a01701 (2006).\u00a0 \u201cThis is what happens when we rely on wishful thinking.\u201d\u00a0 Having taken swift actions to close the illegal tunnels, Israel will continue to neutralize all such threats against its people, he emphasized, warning that Iran is now trying to infiltrate other countries \u2014 including Iraq, Somalia and Yemen \u2014 and directing billions of dollars annually into its never-ending attempts to destroy Israel.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Iranian money directly supports Hamas and the group known as Islamic Jihad, he continued.\u00a0 Recalling that Hamas led a delegation to Iran in 22\u00a0December\u00a02018, he rejected denials by that group\u2019s officials of previous statements underlining its wish to see Israel\u2019s destruction.\u00a0 Tehran\u2019s attempts to close in on Israel on multiple fronts will not succeed, he stressed.\u00a0 Indeed, the European Union recently imposed new sanctions against Iran and it is now the Council\u2019s turn to take the leap, he said.\u00a0 Israel stands committed to the fight against terrorism and the international community should join it, he added, while underlining that the Council must, as a crucial first step, designate Hizbullah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations.<\/p>\n

RETNO LESTARI PRIANSARI MARSUDI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Indonesia<\/u>, emphasizing that the Palestinian question deserves the Council\u2019s full attention, said all sides must comply with international law, including by refraining from provocative actions and rhetoric.\u00a0 The peace process requires legitimacy based on internationally agreed parameters, she stressed, warning:\u00a0 \u201cAny peace plans which fail to accommodate such parameters will not succeed.\u201d\u00a0 A two-State solution is the only option for resolving the Palestinian issue, she reiterated.\u00a0 She went on to express concern over the humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza, underlining that funding is essential for the work of UNRWA.\u00a0 On Syria and Yemen, she said continuing efforts for an inclusive political solution must be pursued further.<\/p>\n

JONATHAN R. COHEN (United States<\/u>) pointed out that the Security Council spends far too much time on the question of Palestine instead of devoting that time to addressing the other situations in the wider Middle East.\u00a0 Noting that the United States and Poland will co-host the \u201cMinisterial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East\u201d in Warsaw on 13\u00a0and 14\u00a0February, he said the conference will not be a forum for attacking Iran, but will focus on broader issues in order to create momentum towards a more peaceful and stable Middle East, including concrete benchmarks to that end.\u00a0 However, Iran must cease its destabilizing actions, he emphasized, recalling that country\u2019s firing of a space\u2011launch vehicle last week.\u00a0 He went on to note that the tunnels discovered by UNIFIL are in violation of Security Council resolution\u00a01701\u00a0(2006), and that Iran conducted the launch of missiles from Syria into Israel.\u00a0 Tehran must withdraw its forces from Syria, he reiterated, expressing hope that the meeting in Warsaw will be more productive than the Council\u2019s meetings on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.<\/p>\n

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland<\/u>) called upon the parties to refrain from violence, noting that civilians on both sides, including children, have lost their lives.\u00a0 The recent development in Gaza demonstrates the need to resume bilateral talks and address sticking-point issues, such as final status matters and security arrangements, she emphasized.\u00a0 To realize the legitimate aspirations of both sides, they should refrain from unilateral steps, adding that Poland supports a two-State solution, which can only become reality through meaningful bilateral negotiations.\u00a0 Creating such a political horizon is possible through regional cooperation and other mechanisms such as the Middle East Quartet.\u00a0 Warning that that Israel\u2019s settlement activities will split the West Bank, she expressed her delegation\u2019s expectation that the Egypt-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation process will lead to the establishment of a single Palestinian Authority.\u00a0 The upcoming Warsaw conference will bring added value in creating a positive vision for the Middle East, she added.<\/p>\n

MARC PECSTEEN DE BUYTSWERVE (Belgium<\/u>) reiterated his delegation\u2019s support for a two-State solution reached in full respect for all established parameters, emphasizing that all credible diplomatic initiatives must also support those goals.\u00a0 Noting that a peaceful regional environment is crucial to peace, he said 2018\u00a0saw worrying trends on the ground \u2014 including Israel\u2019s ongoing settlement initiatives and increased violence \u2014 he said they further diminish the already precarious prospects for peace.\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s disproportionate use of force against civilians at the Gaza border fence in\u00a02018, he also rejected the irresponsible incitement of Gaza residents to cross the fence and cause damage.\u00a0 Protests must remain non-violent and must never be exploited, he emphasized.\u00a0 Expressing grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, he called for lifting the blockade and for opening crucial crossing points, all while taking Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns into account.\u00a0 He went on to express regret that intra-Palestinian talks seem to be stalled and urged Palestinian leaders to build strong institutions and work towards credible democratic elections.<\/p>\n

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation<\/u>), echoing concerns that the existing status quo in the Middle East is not viable, emphasized that the status quo is, in fact, in jeopardy with parties expanding their unilateral activities and exacerbating existing problems amid reports of increasing violence.\u00a0 Condemning all terrorist acts, as well as the arbitrary use of force and the targeting of civilians, he called for the resumption of peace talks in accordance with the Middle East Quartet\u2019s road map and similar initiatives.\u00a0 Warning that Member States will not tolerate attempts to revise the basis for such talks, he underlined that Israel and Palestine themselves must resolve final status issues.\u00a0 Reiterating the Russian Federation\u2019s offer to host negotiations between them, he said it will also continue to support intra-Palestinian reunification talks, as well as UNRWA\u2019s important humanitarian work, which must continue to prevent the further radicalization of civilians.\u00a0 Meanwhile, States should pool their efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian track while also seeking to stabilize Syria, Yemen and Iraq, he added.\u00a0 As for the planned Warsaw conference, he expressed concern that Iran \u2014 a significant player in the Middle East \u2014 has not been invited, cautioning against isolating Tehran in any attempt to draw up plans for stabilizing the region.<\/p>\n

GBOLI\u00c9 DESIR\u00c9 WULFRAN IPO (C<\/u>\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/u>) said that, although Israel-Palestine conflict is the most complicated one, his country is committed to realizing the rights of both sides and to support a two-State solution.\u00a0 Both sides must rise above their differences, he emphasized.\u00a0 Citing unemployment, lack of decent housing, poor health services and lack of clean drinking water, he called upon the Council to find an urgent solution to the suffering of those affected by the conflict.\u00a0 UNRWA\u2019s budget deficit must be remedied since the Agency plays a key role in international assistance to Palestine refugees, he added.\u00a0 Stressing that Fatah and Hamas must renew dialogue, he also expressed concern over conflicts in other parts of the Middle East, such as Yemen and Syria.\u00a0 There is no military solution to any of the region\u2019s different conflicts, he reiterated.<\/p>\n

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait<\/u>) congratulated the State of Palestine on assuming the chairmanship of the \u201cGroup of 77\u201d developing countries and China, echoing the statement by that observer delegation\u2019s Permanent Observer that the position represents a source of hope for Palestinians and reflects the level of international attention.\u00a0 He went on to recall that 2018\u00a0was characterized by negative developments, including Israel\u2019s expansion of settlements, killing of civilians and the blockade of Gaza, yet the Security Council is yet to act.\u00a0 Its inaction has given Israel the green light to perpetuate the occupation, he said.\u00a0 Palestinians have the right to independence and dignity \u2014 basic human rights of which they were deprived for six decades \u2014 he said, emphasizing that their plight does not result from the lack of political will, but from Israel\u2019s rejection of any solutions proposed.\u00a0 It continues to destroy prospects for a two-State solution, he said, stressing that Kuwait supports full-fledged membership of the State of Palestine to the Â鶹APP.<\/p>\n

MA ZHAOXU (China<\/u>) said the two-State formula faces serious challenges, with efforts to resume dialogue fading and the risk of further violence intensifying.\u00a0 Rejecting all violence against civilians, he called upon the parties to exercise restraint and upon Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza.\u00a0 The international community must adhere to all relevant Â鶹APP resolutions, to the \u201cland for peace\u201d principle, and to the Arab Peace Initiative, among other agreements aimed at ensuring a just, lasting two-State resolution of the conflict.\u00a0 Israel must also cease all its settlement activity in accordance with resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), he said, calling upon the parties to act with prudence, implement all international agreements, respect the principle of peaceful coexistence and avoid unilateral actions or actions that might further inflame tensions.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the international community should remain united behind its support for the resumption of peace negotiations, he said.\u00a0 China supports the creation of an independent Palestinian State and will step up its efforts to help integrate Palestine into the international community while promoting peace in the region, he added.<\/p>\n

ANATOLIO NDONG MBA (Equatorial Guinea<\/u>) expressed concern that protracted conflicts in the Middle East continue to force many from their homes and to threaten international peace and security.\u00a0 The Council must exert pressure on any parties that continue to keep such conflicts alive, he emphasized, expressing particular concern about developments on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territory over the past year.\u00a0 Warning against unilateral actions, he reiterated his delegation\u2019s support for a two-State solution, with independent Israeli and Palestinian States living side by side in peace and security.\u00a0 While violence against civilians cannot be tolerated, Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns must be addressed, he stressed, also voicing support for the intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks led by Egypt.\u00a0 Turning to Gaza, he expressed hope that the current downtick in tensions will continue and that mutual understanding will be reached on the movement of goods and products.\u00a0 Finally, he welcomed the announcement by the United States of its intention to publish a schedule for the resumption of peace talks, saying they should serve as a \u201ctrue and positive point of departure\u201d for resuming negotiations.<\/p>\n

CHRISTOPH HEUSGEN (Germany<\/u>) said his country is steadfast in its commitment to Israel\u2019s security as a Jewish and democratic State.\u00a0 \u201cWe will not remain silent when Israel\u2019s right to exist is questioned or compromised,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Highlighting that a clear perspective of the political process is urgently needed, he expressed support for any attempt to restart meaningful direct negotiations between the parties to the conflict, with the objective of creating a lasting peace.\u00a0 Confidence-building measures and positive steps by both parties are essential.\u00a0 Israeli settlement policies must cease as these actions are illegal under international law.\u00a0 Germany strongly condemns all attacks, including the firing of rockets and use of incendiary kites and balloons from Gaza.\u00a0 The humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza is a matter of grave concern.\u00a0 UNRWA remains indispensable in providing aid in the Palestinian territories. \u00a0Progress on intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation is also of utmost importance.<\/p>\n

KAREN PIERCE (United Kingdom<\/u>) condemned the rocket launches from Gaza into Israel, describing the situation as deeply concerning.\u00a0 The passage of 25\u00a0years since the Oslo agreement is a stark reminder that \u201cwe don\u2019t have the luxury of time\u201d to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\u00a0 The last three months saw three Israelis, including a baby, killed, she said, noting that Hamas claimed responsibility.\u00a0 During the same period, 17\u00a0Palestinians were killed.\u00a0 While emphasizing Israel\u2019s right to defend itself, she said it must refrain from excessive use of force, warning that miscalculation could escalate tensions in Gaza, which suffered a brutal war in\u00a02014.\u00a0 Also, the Council must impress upon Palestinian factions the need to work together in the reconciliation process led by Egypt.\u00a0 She went on to caution that developments in the West Bank jeopardize prospects for a two-State solution, saying it is deeply regrettable that Israel settlement activities continue deep in the West Bank.\u00a0 She also condemned Israel\u2019s violations of Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty while denouncing Hizbullah\u2019s destabilizing activities.<\/p>\n

GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA (Peru<\/u>), expressing concern about the hostile climate surrounding the Middle East peace process, condemned the continued indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and the disproportionate response by Israel\u2019s security forces.\u00a0 Reaffirming the need for a two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders, he warned against all actions that undermine trust.\u00a0 He went on to deplore Israel\u2019s intensified settlement activities and to reject hate speech, underlining that diversity must be valued.\u00a0 Peru categorically rejects terrorism by Hamas, he added.\u00a0 Concerning the humanitarian front, he urged stable and predictable funding for UNRWA.\u00a0 On Yemen, he said the ceasefire agreement reached in Sweden marked a turning point, and urged the Council to preserve its unity.<\/p>\n

FRAN\u00c7OIS DELATTRE (France<\/u>) agreed with other delegates that the \u201cillusion of a status quo\u201d obscures a daily deterioration of the situation on the ground.\u00a0 Twenty-five years after the Oslo Accords, less than half of Israelis and Palestinians still believe in the prospect of a two-State solution.\u00a0 Recalling the alarming statement delivered by the President of the Palestinian Authority before the Council earlier this month, he warned that the risk of escalation on the ground \u2014 including in the Gaza Strip \u2014 has not receded.\u00a0 Indeed, repeated outbreaks of violence continue amid the unprecedented humanitarian crisis.\u00a0 Condemning the disproportionate use of force by Israel\u2019s security forces against civilian protesters, he emphasized that the international community must respond to Gaza\u2019s urgent needs, support the swift reopening of crucial crossing points and lift the blockade.\u00a0 France has doubled its contribution to UNRWA, which continues to play a key role in providing humanitarian support, as well as stability and security, he said.\u00a0 Urging the resumption of dialogue, he stressed the need to hold the planned Palestinian elections in transparent conditions and to reverse Israeli settlement policies.\u00a0 The Council \u2014 which has never been able to speak with one voice on the issue \u2014 must take swift action in support of peaceful dialogue because the territory is being \u201ccut up into pieces before our eyes\u201d, he stressed.<\/p>\n

JERRY MATTHEWS MATJILA (South Africa<\/u>), associating himself with the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, said his delegation \u2014 in its first statement delivered as an elected Council member during an open debate \u2014 reiterated its commitment to reaching a resolution to the question of Palestine.\u00a0 Citing the adoption of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) on Israeli settlements as an example of the Council\u2019s potential outcomes on the matter, he said if the organ fails to take action to ensure the implementation of its own resolutions its very credibility will come into question.\u00a0 The recent upsurge in tensions between Israeli settlers and the Palestinian people residing in settlements are indicative of the obstacles to peace created by such illegal expansion, he stressed, calling for the full implementation of resolution\u00a02336\u00a0(2016), including the submission of timely written reports by the Secretary-General on its implementation every three months.\u00a0 \u201cWe must not allow the decisions made by the Security Council to be undermined and blatantly violated,\u201d he stressed, also voicing concern about the deliberate targeting of children, continued human rights violations and the punishing of civilians by defunding UNRWA, including Israel\u2019s plans to shut down the Agency\u2019s schools in East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

JOS\u00c9 SINGER WEISINGER (Dominican Republic<\/u>) said that his delegation, which is guided by the principles of human rights and international law, is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, particularly the humanitarian and economic conditions there.\u00a0 Calling for a two-State solution, which is the only way to bring a just and lasting peace, he urged parties to redouble efforts to guarantee Palestinians the right to self-determination and Israelis the right to live in peace and security.\u00a0 He therefore warned against any acts of terrorism and use of inflammatory rhetoric.\u00a0 The last quarter of\u00a02018 saw increased violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 The international community must meet the pressing humanitarian needs of Palestinians.\u00a0 On Golan, he stressed the importance of implementing Security Council resolutions that can bring an end to the conflict.\u00a0 The world must not waver in its efforts to achieve a two-State solution and mutual recognition.\u00a0 All men and women in the region should live in hope and security.<\/p>\n

AMAL MUDALLALI (Lebanon<\/u>), expressing hope that Palestine will obtain the status of full Â鶹APP membership, said Palestinians today face a war against their lands, territory and rights.\u00a0 Two days ago, an Arab development summit ended in Beirut, with members united against Israeli aggression, as well as on such issues as the status of Jerusalem, the Palestinians right to self-determination and to an independent State, and the right of Palestine refugees to return.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP must support lasting peace in the Middle East, including by ensuring the full implementation of such resolutions as those on Israeli settlements and the Golan Heights.\u00a0 Emphasizing that Israel continually violates Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty, she cited 13\u00a0air violations, 4\u00a0maritime violations and 4\u00a0land-based violations against her country in the first week of January alone.\u00a0 The most recent violation, this week, resulted in the building of a wall and other structures within Lebanese territory around the \u201cBlue Line\u201d.\u00a0 Reaffirming her country\u2019s sovereignty, she said Beirut also remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution on outstanding border issues.<\/p>\n

FREDERICO MEYER (Brazil<\/u>) expressed support for the two-State solution, and welcoming the initiative by the United States to present a peace plan, said Israelis and Palestinians alike will be asked to make difficult concessions.\u00a0 He urged both sides to negotiate with an open mind towards a fair solution for all involved.\u00a0 More broadly, he urged all parties in Syria to engage with the Special Envoy and to convene the Constitutional Committee, as a Â鶹APP-mediated political process owned and led by Syrians themselves will bring the conflict to an end.\u00a0 In Yemen, he urged parties to refrain from actions that could breach the truce established by the Stockholm Agreement, noting that Brazil will contribute military observers to the Â鶹APP Mission approved by resolution\u00a02452\u00a0(2019).\u00a0 The recent crisis on the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon underscores the importance of UNIFIL for the region\u2019s stability, he added.<\/p>\n

BASHAR JA’AFARI (Syria<\/u>) said that Israel has continued its aggression in the occupied territories, in gross violation of international law and relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 \u201cSuch aggressions would not have been committed had the Security Council not failed to implement relevant resolutions,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 Support from other countries continues to encourage Israel to act aggressively.\u00a0 Certain countries play the role of the \u201cfalse witness\u201d, but this will not deter Syria from restoring its right to the Golan, he said.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s attempt to alter the situation, including its aggressive statements and criminal acts, is \u201cdoomed to failure\u201d.\u00a0 Some have invested in a terrorist war waged against Syria.\u00a0 Israel has attempted to hold illegitimate elections in the Syrian Golan.\u00a0 It has subjected some to house arrest while Israeli officials have repeated aggressive statements.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the Special Coordinator did not issue a strong condemnation of Israel\u2019s aggressive actions, particularly its strikes against Damascus International Airport.\u00a0 \u201cSuch a disregard is a political and moral failure,\u201d and \u201cthus makes him illegitimate\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n

LUIS BENIGNO GALLEGOS (Ecuador<\/u>) expressed concern over the continued attacks, killings and detentions.\u00a0 Israelis and Palestinians continue to die because of violence in the West Bank.\u00a0 Palestinians still lack access to health care, water and jobs.\u00a0 \u201cFacts on the ground are sounding alarm bells,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 However, instead of quelling tensions, Israeli authorities have approved plans for the construction of some 2,200\u00a0settlement units in the West Bank.\u00a0 This and other provocative actions endanger the possibility of a two-State formula.\u00a0 He endorsed various initiatives put forward to restart talks.\u00a0 \u201cIt is imperative to preserve the prospects of a two-State solution,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

SIMA SAMI BAHOUS (Jordan<\/u>) recalled her country\u2019s close links with Palestinians and support for their cause since they were displaced from their lands.\u00a0 Jordan has made every effort to advance peace so as to restore all their lands and meet their aspirations.\u00a0 The two-State formula, which guarantees a viable Palestinian State within the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, could foster an end to the conflict, she said.\u00a0 However, Israel\u2019s unilateral measures and settlement\u2011building in Jerusalem \u2014 the holy city for half of the world\u2019s Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples \u2014 must end.\u00a0 Underlining Jordan\u2019s stable commitment and mandate to preserve and protect Islamic and Christian holy places in Al-Quds, she described the city as a \u201cred line\u201d in final status discussions.\u00a0 The issue of refugees is also a part of the solution, as a function of all international legal measures, including General Assembly resolution\u00a0194 and the Arab Peace Initiative, she said.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA\u2019s need for continued support, she stressed that any attempt to reduce its role undermines the rights of refugees.\u00a0 She went on to call for a political solution to the situation in Syria.\u00a0 As for Yemen, she recalled that Jordan hosted a meeting, convened by the Special Envoy, between that country\u2019s Government and the Ansarullah group.\u00a0 Noting that war has indeed deprived the region of stability, she declared:\u00a0 \u201cThis is a very high price to pay socially.\u201d\u00a0 Calling for a focus on social, political and economic causes, she added that, when all people, particularly the young, see a promising culture, there will be undeniable benefits for the international community.<\/p>\n

MART\u00cdN GARC\u00cdA MORIT\u00c1N (Argentina<\/u>) said the peace process is at its most difficult moment since the 1993 Oslo Accords.\u00a0 Collective efforts are needed to keep the two-State formula alive, he said, urging the friends of the Israelis and Palestinians to work constructively for a peaceful settlement of differences, in accordance with General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative and the efforts of the Middle East Quartet.\u00a0 He advocated support for the inalienable Palestinian right to self-determination and to a State, while recognizing Israel\u2019s sovereign right to exist within secure borders.\u00a0 Expressing concern over Israel\u2019s construction of settlements in Palestinian territories, he pointed out that such actions are in breach of international law.\u00a0 He went on to condemn all terrorist acts and violence by Hamas and other Palestinian organizations.\u00a0 He also recognized Israel\u2019s right to legitimate defence, while pressing it to respect international humanitarian law and the principles of distinction, proportionality and military need in using force.\u00a0 Underlining that the final status of Jerusalem must be defined through bilateral negotiations, he also expressed support for a political solution to the Syria situation which respects that country\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity.\u00a0 As for Yemen, he welcomed the creation of the new Â鶹APP mission and expressed hope that the Stockholm Agreement will help to end the conflict.<\/p>\n

NEVILLE GERTZE (Namibia<\/u>), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that this month marks 10\u00a0years since Israel\u2019s first major military assault on the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 Since then, two further major conflicts have taken place and repeated outbreaks of violence have ensued.\u00a0 The economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.\u00a0 Secured and stable funding for UNRWA should remain a concern and a priority, he stressed, expressing concern over the Agency\u2019s funding crisis.\u00a0 He called Israel\u2019s settlements in the West Bank illegal and warned that they remain an impediment to peace and the two-State solution.\u00a0 He further expressed concern over Israel\u2019s worsening treatment of Palestinian prisoners.\u00a0 The Government of Israel must cease its settlement expansion and destruction of Palestinian homes, he stressed, urging that country to also withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

BERNARDITO AUZA, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0Holy See<\/u>, recalling that Pope Francis compared peace to \u201ca delicate flower struggling to blossom on the stony ground of violence\u201d, said the image captures the situation between Israel and Palestine, where its tenuous existence is constantly threatened by human rights violations and unilateral actions that hamper efforts to alleviate hardship.\u00a0 He appealed to both sides to resume dialogue towards ending the conflict.\u00a0 The Holy See seeks international guarantees for Jerusalem, as recommended by the General Assembly in\u00a01947, he said, cautioning against transforming a territorial and political conflict into one about religion and identity, and pressing political office holders to use their authority responsibly.\u00a0 Describing peace as the fruit of a political project grounded in mutual responsibility, he said such work should spare no effort to protect citizens.\u00a0 He drew attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and other occupied territories, stressing also that aid to Palestine refugees must be allowed to continue unimpeded.<\/p>\n

SAAD AHMAD WARRAICH (Pakistan<\/u>) cited diminishing hope among Palestinians against the backdrop of the Special Coordinator\u2019s grim assessment.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s expanded illegal settlements \u2014 which are worsening the situation \u2014 are emblematic of a blatant disregard for international law and the global community\u2019s will, including resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 \u201cCreating \u2018alternative facts\u2019 on the ground cannot change historic realities or neutralize the legal rights of people living under foreign occupation,\u201d he stressed, adding that the suffering of civilians in Gaza represents a moral outrage and must end.\u00a0 A viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine based on internationally agreed parameters is the only path to assuring sustainable peace.\u00a0 Meanwhile, he said, sufficient and predictable funding to UNRWA is imperative, as are the intra-Syrian political process and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen.\u00a0 Echoing the Secretary-General\u2019s call for a \u201csurge in diplomacy\u201d, he emphasized that \u201cwe should not fail the Palestinian people\u201d.<\/p>\n

MONA JUUL (Norway<\/u>) urged Council members to come together and agree on a durable political solution for the benefit of the Syrian people.\u00a0 Regarding Yemen, she expressed concern that the situation on the ground remains very fragile and called for all parties to uphold the momentum achieved in Sweden.\u00a0 Norway will continue to prioritize humanitarian aid to Yemen.\u00a0 Palestinian State-building and economic development remains essential to achieving a two-State solution, she said, expressing concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.\u00a0 Donors must mobilize support for the Palestinian people, she added, stressing that UNRWA remains indispensable in distributing must needed aid to the people there.<\/p>\n

SAUD HAMAD GHANEM HAMAD ALSHAMSI (United Arab Emirates<\/u>), associating himself with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC) and the Arab Group, said the international community must continue efforts aimed at leveraging all energies towards peace, prosperity and tolerance.\u00a0 Ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a Palestinian State according to international law and the Arab Peace Initiative will ensure stability in the region.\u00a0 He called for Israel to halt its settlement expansion, which impedes international efforts towards peace.\u00a0 He underscored the legal responsibility of the international community, commending the efforts of Egypt to promote Palestinian independence.\u00a0 Supporting UNRWA is essential to ensuring the delivery of vital supplies and assistance to the Palestinian people.\u00a0 On Yemen, it is important to stop all violations of human rights and implement relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 Such violations would not happen without Iran\u2019s support.\u00a0 Iran is also the common denominator to the conflict in Syria.\u00a0 He further expressed concern for the presence of terrorist groups in Libya.<\/p>\n

GEORG HELMUT ERNST SPARBER (Liechtenstein<\/u>) expressed disappointment with the Council\u2019s failure to exert its leverage over the parties to the conflict in Syria, saying it continues to be characterized by systematic and egregious violations of human rights.\u00a0 Liechtenstein supports the work of the Commission of Inquiry into grave human rights violations, he said, stressing that accountability must be part and parcel of any political agreement to end the conflict.\u00a0 That has long been a demand of the Syrian people and countless Syrian civil society groups, he noted, emphasizing that sustainable peace and effective rebuilding will only be possible if those who have perpetrated crimes against humanity and large-scale war crimes are held to account.\u00a0 On Yemen, he underlined the essential need for the Council to address atrocity crimes as the peace process moves forward.\u00a0 It must ensure that accountability for atrocity crimes is included in any final peace settlement in order to prevent a return to conflict, he said.<\/p>\n

ABDALLAH Y. AL-MOUALLIMI (Saudi Arabia<\/u>) categorically rejected Israel\u2019s illegal policies and practices, especially those to ingrain racial segregation against Palestinians.\u00a0 He urged the Council to take steps to stop Israel\u2019s settlement\u2011building and to implement its resolutions on lifting the siege against Gaza, opening border crossings and ending the area\u2019s humanitarian and economic crisis.\u00a0 He reiterated the need for comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative, which included Palestinian statehood along 1967\u00a0borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the return of refugees and of Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories.\u00a0 On Syria, he called for a fair political solution to end the suffering of people within and beyond its borders, as well as the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, especially Iranian forces and militias.\u00a0 Condemning chemical weapons use, he called on the international community to hold perpetrators accountable.\u00a0 The region has seen new developments in Yemen with the Stockholm Agreement, a breakthrough, not supported by the Houthis \u2014 who themselves are backed by Iran\u2019s regime \u2014 as seen by their \u201crogue\u201d drone attack on the Al-Anad military base, and attack against a Â鶹APP committee.\u00a0 Citing findings from an independent observer report that Iran supports Houthi militias, he said the Council must compel Iran to abide by resolutions\u00a02231\u00a0(2015) and\u00a02216\u00a0(2015), as those militias had violated the ceasefire 679\u00a0times, and looted humanitarian aid, as stated in a 31\u00a0December\u00a02018 World Health Organization\u00a0(WHO) report.\u00a0 They have flouted Â鶹APP and regional efforts to resolve the crisis and have been unwilling to bring back the \u201chappy Yemen\u201d.\u00a0 He advocated a comprehensive political solution that would guarantee sovereignty across the territory and a commitment to the three terms of reference:\u00a0 the Gulf Initiative, national dialogue and relevant Council resolutions, especially resolution\u00a02216\u00a0(2015).<\/p>\n

DIDAR TEMENOV (Kazakhstan<\/u>), recalling his country\u2019s support for the two-State solution, the early resumption of bilateral negotiations without preconditions and Palestinians\u2019 right to self-determination, said Israel\u2019s settlement\u2011building has obstructed peace in the region.\u00a0 The difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza should be a great concern for all, he said, advocating support for UNRWA, as education, health care, social services and the hope of 5.3\u00a0million Palestine refugees were at risk.\u00a0 He encouraged those with influence \u2014 Arab countries, the United States, Russian Federation and the European Union in particular \u2014 to urge both sides to reach agreement on mutually acceptable principles concerning the coexistence of two States.\u00a0 More broadly, the 18\u00a0January meeting of the parties to the conflict in Yemen, held in Amman to exchange prisoners, was an important step towards peace, he said, reiterating Kazakhstan\u2019s deep commitment to multilateral efforts to achieve stability in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

FERIDUN SINIRLIOGLU (Turkey<\/u>) pressed Israel to stop all settlement activities, home demolitions, land confiscations and other policies that deny Palestinians\u2019 right to development.\u00a0 Palestinians have the right to return to their homeland.\u00a0 \u201cThis cannot be withheld\u201d; nor can their refugee status be used as a bargaining chip.\u00a0 The situation in Gaza is deeply worrying amid UNRWA\u2019s worst financial crisis in its history.\u00a0 As chair of the Agency\u2019s Advisory Commission and the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Turkey will contribute to the entity\u2019s work and calls on all actors to do the same.\u00a0 A two-State solution, with the State of Palestine established along 1967\u00a0borders and East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace.\u00a0 In Syria, Turkey helps to advance the political process through efforts to finalize the Constitutional Committee, he said, calling the involvement of the Â鶹APP and efforts to strike a balanced composition crucial.\u00a0 \u201cTurkey\u2019s resolve to fight against terrorism in Syria is firm,\u201d he said.\u00a0 It will not tolerate safe havens for any terrorist organization \u201con the other side of our borders\u201d.\u00a0 Nor will it consent to the pursuit of any agenda that contravenes Syria\u2019s unity and the will of its people.\u00a0 Turkey and the United States have agreed to coordinate the withdrawal process to avoid a power vacuum.<\/p>\n

MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC), said that Israel\u2019s \u201climitless\u201d aggression against Palestinians, intensified colonial settlement policies and assaults on Islamic and Christian holy places, notably Al-Aqsa Mosque, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians, especially in Gaza.\u00a0 Such actions cannot be seen as isolated from provocations by Israel and others aimed at forcibly and unlawfully altering the legal status of Jerusalem, he said.\u00a0 Emphasizing the Council\u2019s duty to end such impunity, he pressed its members to ensure accountability for all Israel\u2019s violations and to provide protection for Palestinians.<\/p>\n

Alongside the International Criminal Court and all other major actors, the Council should also halt Israel\u2019s construction of illegal settlements, he continued.\u00a0 It should consider positively the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the Â鶹APP, he said, while also urging the international community to ensure more predictable, sustained funding to enable UNRWA to address its unprecedented financial crisis.\u00a0 He pressed the Council to revive opportunities for progress in the stalled peace process, stressing the decisive moral and political role of international actors in sponsoring multilateral political peace efforts based on relevant Â鶹APP resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.<\/p>\n

GUSTAVO MARTIN PRADA of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>\u00a0called on the Israeli authorities to adhere strictly to the principles of necessity and proportionality in their use of force and to take steps to stop the increasing violence by settlers.\u00a0 The risk of further escalation of tensions is compounded by the advancement last month of Israel\u2019s plans for more than 2,000\u00a0settlement units.\u00a0 All settlement activity is strictly illegal under international law, he stressed.\u00a0 In Gaza, the political and security situation remains volatile, and the dire humanitarian situation a matter of grave concern.\u00a0 Miscalculations could easily lead to the outbreak of a dangerous spiral of violence, he warned, stressing that a fundamental change is crucial, and must include an end to the Gaza closure and the full opening of crossing points into the area.<\/p>\n

Despite commendable efforts by Egypt, intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks seem to have reached a deadlock, he continued, calling on all Palestinian factions to find common ground and work together to address the needs of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 \u201cWe expect the Government to work towards genuine and democratic elections for all Palestinians,\u201d he said.\u00a0 It is essential to continue to support UNRWA in its efforts to put in place cost-saving measures and reforms.\u00a0 The European Union remains committed to the internationally agreed parameters for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on international law, relevant Council resolutions and previous agreements.\u00a0 Serious efforts must be made towards resuming meaningful negotiations aimed at a two-State solution based on the 1967\u00a0borders with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.<\/p>\n

MOHD SUHAIMI AHMAD TAJUDDIN (Malaysia<\/u>), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that the world \u201ccan only watch in utter disgust\u201d as Israel continues to inflict injustice with impunity.\u00a0 As the violations continue to prolong, prospects of a two-State solution could just as well be another utopian dream.\u00a0 He urged the Council and all Member States to press Israel and demand that it cease all illegal settlement activities.\u00a0 On Yemen, he welcomed the developments resulting from the peace talks held in December\u00a02018 in Sweden, adding that such an outcome deserves support.\u00a0 Malaysia will continue to support the rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED FATHI AHMED EDREES (Egypt<\/u>) said current events coupled with today\u2019s briefing only reflect the injustice of the suffering of the Palestinian people which is mainly due to the continued Israeli occupation.\u00a0 He called on all parties to give priority to the interests of the Palestinian people, as they are the ones bearing the exuberant cost of the conflict.\u00a0 The road to peace is still clear, he continued, adding that reconciliation will be achieved when all parties realize that the fate of the Palestinian and Israeli people is intertwined.\u00a0 He reiterated that Egypt is committed to a two-State solution, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.\u00a0 Disregarding this path will only lead to the destruction of 25\u00a0years of work built following the signing of the Oslo Accords.<\/p>\n

ANAYANSI RODR\u00cdGUEZ CAMEJO (Cuba<\/u>) expressed regret about the United States unilateral actions and its continued obstructions which, in the Council, prevent action on the part of the international community.\u00a0 Rejecting the disproportionate use of force by Israeli security forces, in flagrant violation of international law, she also condemned the illegal construction of Israeli settlement and the confiscation of Palestinian property, all of which are in contravention of the fourth Geneva Convention.\u00a0 Israel must put an end to its aggressive policies and practices and adhere to all international agreements on the situation, especially resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 Reiterating Cuba\u2019s support for a sovereign and independent Palestinian State and the right of return for Palestinian refugees, she said her nation will welcome Palestine as a full Â鶹APP member State.\u00a0 In addition, she called for Israel\u2019s total and unconditional withdrawal from the Syrian Golan and all other occupied territories, and demanded respect for multilateralism and an end to the manufacturing of pretexts as an to attempt to legitimize aggressions.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMED ATLASSI (Morocco<\/u>) said 2018\u00a0was a year of frustrations in international efforts to build trust among the parties and compel them to resume negotiations.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s policies and actions gave rise to tensions and only pushed the peace process further backward, he said, warning that settlements in particular threaten peace, stability and prosperity.\u00a0 Urging the Council and the Middle East Quartet to shoulder their responsibility on the matter, he called on the parties to avoid any actions that could escalate the situation.\u00a0 Morocco supports the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to have a viable, independent State living side by side in peace with Israel.\u00a0 Calling for a fair, lasting and comprehensive peace achieving in line with that two-State formula \u2014 as not only a political achievement, but an important way to combat terrorism \u2014 he fully endorsed the Arab Peace Initiative as a pathway forward.<\/p>\n

COLLEN V. KELAPILE (Botswana<\/u>), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, congratulated the State of Palestine on its historic 2019\u00a0Chairmanship of the Group of 77, and expressed support for Palestinians\u2019 inalienable right to both self-determination and independence.\u00a0 He advocated a return to meaningful negotiations to end the occupation and resolve the conflict, urging enhanced international efforts facilitated by the Middle East Quartet, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Madrid terms of reference.\u00a0 Peace-loving nations with an understanding of the conflict\u2019s dynamics must summon the will to work towards embracing dialogue.\u00a0 He cautioned against steps that could undermine the negotiation process and urged respect for all relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 Both sides must cease hostilities and return to peace talks, he said, reiterating that settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory violate international law.<\/p>\n

KIM SONG (Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea<\/u>), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said Israel\u2019s settlement expansion, blockade of Gaza and suppression of peaceful Palestinian protesters are serious challenges to Palestinians\u2019 establishment of an independent State.\u00a0 He called for implementation of Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2018), among others adopted by the General Assembly, as well as a halt to settlement expansion.\u00a0 The Council should take legally binding measures to stop such illegal acts, he said, expressing support for ending Israel\u2019s occupation and establishing an independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.\u00a0 The Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea stands in solidarity with Syrians in their efforts to regain the occupied Syrian Golan, he said, noting that all controversial issues must be resolved through dialogue.<\/p>\n

MAGED A. ABDELAZIZ, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0League of Arab States<\/u>, warned against unilateral actions taken by Israel and expressed support for the position taken by many delegations to resist oppression on Palestinians.\u00a0 The League also opposes the United States decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.\u00a0 He called on all States to resist the campaign aimed at removing Jerusalem from the final status issue.\u00a0 He also denounced the decision by the United States to cut funding to UNRWA and reaffirmed the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland.\u00a0 The conflict must be resolved through direct negotiations by the two parties.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s settlement activities constitute a major obstacle to a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 The League reaffirm the illegal nature of new laws passed by Israel\u2019s Knesset legalizing settlements.<\/p>\n

ANAYANSI RODR\u00cdGUEZ CAMEJO (Cuba), Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, urged the Council to make\u00a02019 a year of action and progress in realizing the inalienable rights of Palestinians.\u00a0 Recalling that the \u201cGroup of 77\u201d developing countries and China \u2014 representing 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the international community \u2014 elected the State of Palestine as its Chair, she said the last year has been marked by a stalled peace process, indiscriminate violence against Palestinian civilians protesting at the Gaza fence, a lack of progress on Palestinian reconciliation and settlement building by Israel.<\/p>\n

Planned demolitions of Bedouin villages, such as Khan al-Ahmar-Abu al Helu, have only captured the Council\u2019s fleeting attention, she said.\u00a0 \u201cThe international community is turning a blind eye, not only to the obligations of the occupying Power that are being breached, but to its own obligations, as a third party under international law,\u201d she stressed, cautioning States against taking unilateral actions on final status issues, as they would further imperil the two-State solution.\u00a0 She also called on those that have not done so to recognize the State of Palestine and support its rightful place among the community of nations.<\/p>\n

DANG DINH QUY (Viet Nam<\/u>) warned that the situation in the Middle East remains unstable and the plight of the Palestinian people has deteriorated over the past year, due largely to violations of Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 As a country that has been through many wars, Viet Nam shares other\u2019s concern about the unjustifiable suffering of civilians and unresolved issues.\u00a0 Viet Nam reiterates support for Palestinian people\u2019s just struggle for their inalienable rights, as well as a two-State solution.\u00a0 Moving forward, Viet Nam supports regular consideration by the Security Council of the issue with a view to strengthening efforts aimed at a long-lasting solution for the region.\u00a0 Council unity is crucial, he stressed.<\/p>\n

ELMAHDI S. ELMAJERBI (Libya<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said the Special Coordinator\u2019s statement once again presented the horrible facts on the ground \u2014 including the expansion of Israeli settlements which poses a real threat to any two-State solution and draws the situation closer to an all-our war.\u00a0 Regrettably, the briefing today lacked any glimpse of hope, disappointing the majority of Member States.\u00a0 The Council must become more effective on the matter in order to preserve its credibility, he stressed, also calling for the implementation of General Assembly resolution\u00a0A\/ES-10\/L.23 on protection of the Palestinian civilian population and the establishment of a practical mechanism for its implementation.\u00a0 Expressing support for Palestine\u2019s full-fledged membership in the Â鶹APP, he called on all States to respect the legal status of Jerusalem and avoid any unilateral actions in contravention of those established norms.\u00a0 The peace process must be preserved in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and other internationally recognized terms, he said, adding that occupation must also be ended in the Syrian Golan and elsewhere.<\/p>\n

ALYA AHMED SAIF AL-THANI (Qatar<\/u>) said all stakeholders must work to resolve final status issues \u201cthrough a serious negotiation between the two sides\u201d, with the goal of ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territory. \u00a0Calling for special attention to be paid to Jerusalem, she rejected any efforts to alter the character of the city, especially Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.\u00a0 Pledging to continue to help alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Gaza\u2019s residents, she reiterated Qatar\u2019s demand for a peaceful resolution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Turning to the situation in Syria, she called for a political solution that maintains the country\u2019s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.\u00a0 Finally, she said, the illegal, unilateral blockade imposed on Qatar has negatively impacted relations between countries of the region.\u00a0 Thanking the Government of Kuwait for its efforts to resolve the dispute, she recalled that the International Court of Justice issued a decision siding with her country in July\u00a02018.<\/p>\n

KORO BESSHO (Japan<\/u>) said that 2018 was a challenging year in terms of the question of Palestine as mutual distrust deepened and civilian casualties mounted.\u00a0 He urged Israel to freeze its settlement activities and called on the Palestinian parties to sincerely engage in reconciliation to bring Gaza back under the control of the Palestinian Authority.\u00a0 Developing economic independence for Palestine is essential to achieve a two-State solution, he continued, emphasizing the need to provide information and communications technology so that Palestinians can connect to global markets.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA, he said Japan provided its highest financial contribution in\u00a02018, focusing on education and health care.\u00a0 Regarding Yemen, he welcomed the breakthrough last month in Stockholm, and expressed hope that it will lead to a swift resolution to the humanitarian challenges the Yemeni people face.<\/p>\n

HENRY ALFREDO SU\u00c1REZ MORENO (Venezuela<\/u>), speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, noted that another year has gone by but the question of Palestine remains unresolved.\u00a0 The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces in 2018 marked the highest toll since the 2014 war in Gaza, he said, adding that Israel continues its settlement expansion and demolition of Palestinian structures.\u00a0 Expressing his delegation\u2019s solidarity with the Palestinians, he said the conflict poses a serious threat to international peace and security while emphasizing the need for faith in multilateralism.\u00a0 Whereas the Council\u2019s resolutions are legally binding, it has failed to enforce them, he pointed out, while stressing that implementing resolution 2334\u00a0(2016) is the most viable path to peace since it seeks a two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders.\u00a0 Calling for its full implementation, especially by the occupying Power, he underlined the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and independence.\u00a0 An end to Israel\u2019s settlement activities will help to realize a two-State solution, he said, while stressing that the international community and the Council failed to hold that country accountable for illegal actions, many of which amount to war crimes. \u00a0The absence of accountability diminishes the prospects for peace, he noted, adding that the Council must ensure that justice is served.<\/p>\n

ESHAGH AL HABIB (Iran<\/u>), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC, called for Palestine\u2019s full membership in the Â鶹APP.\u00a0 Emphasizing that the deterioration of the situation over the last year \u201cproves that Israel is a child-killer regime\u201d, he also cited ongoing Israeli settlement plans, the inauguration of an \u201capartheid highway\u201d and a recently enacted law aimed at ensuring institutionalized racism.\u00a0 \u201cRacism is the very nature of the Israeli regime,\u201d he said, describing those policies as shameful and meriting condemnation in the strongest possible terms.\u00a0 Asking why the systemic violation of Palestinians\u2019 inherent rights has been allowed to continue for the last 70 years, he said the United States has shielded Israel and thereby rendered the Council \u201cabsolutely ineffective\u201d on the matter.<\/p>\n

Noting that Israel has been emboldened by such impunity, he said it has waged more than 15\u00a0wars and invaded and occupied numerous lands over its short history.\u00a0 Most recently, those brazen actions included the development of offensive missiles able to reach \u201canywhere in the area\u201d as well as \u201cany target\u201d \u2014 thereby threatening all counties of the region.\u00a0 \u201cThe gross systematic violation of territory and sovereignty or all regional countries by Israel must stop,\u201d he stressed, calling for the latter to be held accountable for its actions.\u00a0 All countries in the region have the right to defend themselves against an armed attack by Israel, he said, calling upon the international community to continue to support the realization of Palestinian rights and reject further occupation, aggression, oppression and intimidation.<\/p>\n

FARZANA ZAHIR (Maldives<\/u>), noting the persistence of the illegal occupation of Palestine, condemned demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned property and the illegal building of settlements, calling on Israel to lift the Gaza blockade and cease disproportionate attacks against Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 Limits on the movement of people and goods into Gaza must be immediately lifted, he said, pressing the Council to take urgent action to protect civilians and deliver aid.\u00a0 An independent, sovereign State of Palestine \u2014 established alongside Israel within pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital \u2014 is the only solution to the conflict.\u00a0 In Syria, he said the Â鶹APP and international community must do more to reinvigorate talks to reach a peaceful settlement to the conflict, while in Yemen he welcomed the adoption of resolution\u00a02452\u00a0(2019) to establish a special political mission.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>, taking the floor a second time, responded to the statement delivered by Iran\u2019s delegate by noting that the firing of surface-to surface-missiles from Syria is evidence of Iran\u2019s entrenchment in the latter country.\u00a0 Those missiles bear the slogan \u201cdeath to Israel\u201d, he said, stressing that threatening the existence of another Â鶹APP Member State is a violation of the Organization\u2019s Charter.<\/p>\n

Responding to the statement delivered by the representative of Lebanon, he said Iran\u2019s transnational network of terror reaches deep into Lebanon.\u00a0 Israel does not wish to trigger an escalation of tensions, but it must respond to Hizbullah\u2019s recent actions, he said, noting that all activities have been carried out on Israel\u2019s side of the Blue Line.<\/p>\n

In response to the statement delivered by Syria\u2019s delegate, he said that country is now offering itself up as a platform for Iranian terror and urged the international community to combat that threat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

MIDDLE EAST<\/a><\/div>\n
For information media. Not an official record.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n