{"id":215229,"date":"2019-06-21T16:33:36","date_gmt":"2019-06-21T20:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=215229"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:44:33","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:44:33","slug":"special-coordinator-reports-largest-expansion-of-west-bank-settlements-in-2-years-as-he-briefs-security-council-on-middle-east-peace-process-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/special-coordinator-reports-largest-expansion-of-west-bank-settlements-in-2-years-as-he-briefs-security-council-on-middle-east-peace-process-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Coordinator Reports Largest Expansion of West Bank Settlements in 2 Years, as He Briefs Security Council on Middle East Peace Process – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

Video<\/a><\/p>\n

With nearly 6,000 housing units advanced, approved or tendered, recent weeks have seen the largest expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank in two years, the senior Â鶹APP official coordinating the Middle East peace process official said today, as he briefed the Security Council on the flagging implementation of its resolution 2234 (2016).<\/p>\n

Speaking at the outset, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process declared: \u00a0\u201cDevelopments during this reporting period cannot be divorced from the broader context of Israel\u2019s continued military occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement activity, Hamas\u2019 hold over Gaza and military activity, the threat of war, unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts and severe challenges to the fiscal viability of the Palestinian Authority.\u201d\u00a0 In addition to the 6,000\u00a0housing units advanced, approved or tendered, he said the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures also continued throughout the period between 25\u00a0March and 10\u00a0June.<\/p>\n

Providing updates on several cases before the Israeli authorities, he said violent and provocative acts \u2014 as well as incitement and inflammatory rhetoric \u2014 also persist.\u00a0 The Israel Defense Forces struck 300\u00a0militant targets and 21\u00a0residential buildings in Gaza, from which incendiary kites and other devices continued to be launched into Israel.\u00a0 In addition, the situation in the Gaza Strip remains perilous and the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) \u2014 which continues to carry out its work in Gaza \u2014 is now operating on the basis of a projected $211\u00a0million shortfall on its $1.2\u00a0billion annual budget.\u00a0 \u201cNegative trends continue to overshadow positive developments,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

With Council members taking the floor, several expressed concern that Israel is failing to implement resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), which calls for the cessation of settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and states that such activities lack legal validity.\u00a0 Others spotlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza \u2014 as well as UNRWA\u2019s severe funding shortfall \u2014 while calling for an end to violence and escalating rhetoric on both sides.<\/p>\n

In that vein, the representative of Kuwait, Council President for June, speaking in his national capacity, emphasized that stopping Israeli settlement expansion is central to establishing peace.\u00a0 He called upon Israel to end those activities \u2014 as well as the forcible seizure of Palestinian land and the withholding of tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority \u2014 expressing concern that its military attacks, threats and provocative statements also continue unabated.\u00a0 No real political progress can be seen without lifting the long\u2011standing blockade imposed against Gaza, he added.<\/p>\n

Indonesia\u2019 representative echoed the concern of other speakers that the developments outlined by the Special Coordinator continue to erode the chances of reaching an agreement acceptable to both sides. \u00a0\u201cThe hope for a better future is fading away,\u201d he warned, pointing out that the occupying Power continues to dismantle past political agreements and parameters. \u00a0Calling attention to UNRWA\u2019s important role against a backdrop of worsening economic and social conditions, he said the generous contributions of many nations are a clear demonstration of support.\u00a0 Indeed, the Agency\u2019s existence is \u201cthe least the Â鶹APP can do to help the Palestinians, given the failure of this Council to act authoritatively on its own resolutions\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n

France\u2019s representative stressed that Gaza\u2019s future cannot be separated from a two-State solution, which, in turn, is threatened by Israel\u2019s continued settlement expansion. \u00a0Israel\u2019s continued settlement-expansion policy continues to undermine the latter, she said, stressing that France does not recognize its sovereignty over any of the occupied territories.\u00a0 Indeed, economic peace cannot replace the quest for a real political settlement rooted in international law, and attempts to deviate from the latter are doomed to fail, she warned.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s representative said \u201cwe are fiddling, while the reality of an independent, safe, security and self-sufficient Palestinian State is slowly dwindling\u201d.\u00a0 Emphasizing that historical injustices against the Palestinians must be addressed, he said direct negotiations between the two sides is vital to identifying a mutually acceptable path forward.\u00a0 Pressing Council members to exert every effort to bring all sides to the table, he stressed: \u00a0\u201cNo people can be repressed forever.\u201d\u00a0 He added: \u00a0\u201cThe Palestinian people will continue to resist. \u00a0That was true for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also speaking were representative of the United States, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Poland, United Kingdom, Peru, China, Dominican Republic, Germany, Belgium, Equatorial Guinea and the Russian Federation.<\/p>\n

The meeting began at 10:01\u00a0a.m. and ended at 12:03\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

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

NICKOLAY MLADENOV, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, said: \u00a0\u201cDevelopments during this reporting period cannot be divorced from the broader context of Israel\u2019s continued military occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement activity; Hamas\u2019 hold over Gaza and military activity; the threat of war; unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts, and severe challenges to the fiscal viability of the Palestinian Authority.\u201d\u00a0 The Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) is now operating on the basis of a projected $211\u00a0million shortfall in its $1.2\u00a0billion annual budget and facing serious cash\u2011flow issues, he added.<\/p>\n

Presenting the tenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), covering 25\u00a0March to 10\u00a0June, he said Israel advanced, approved or tendered nearly 6,000\u00a0housing units in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the reporting period.\u00a0 Constituting the largest settlement advance in two years, the project includes plans to build 4,450\u00a0units in Area\u00a0C settlements, of which 200\u00a0have reached the final stage of approval.\u00a0 The plans also include 700\u00a0units in Efrat and 600\u00a0in Ma\u2019ale Adumium, while other plans would retroactively regularize the illegal outpost of Haresha, under Israeli law, incorporating it into the Talmon settlement.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, he reported.\u00a0 Some 92\u00a0Palestinian structures were demolished or seized because their owners had no building permits issued by the Government of Israel, which resulted in the displacement of 104\u00a0people.\u00a0 As the Middle East Quartet noted in\u00a02016, he recalled, permits are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the situation in the Wadi Yasul area of East Jerusalem, he said the Israeli army\u2019s conduct of military training in the Jordan Valley area of the West Bank forced 184\u00a0Palestinians \u2014 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent them women and children \u2014 to evacuate temporarily from the Tell al-Khashaba, Lifjim and Humsa al-Baquai communities on 11\u00a0occasions, including during Ramadan.<\/p>\n

Turning to the Gaza Strip, he said the Israel Defense Forces hit 300\u00a0militant targets in the enclave, striking 21\u00a0residential buildings. \u00a0Incendiary kites and other devices continued to be launched from Gaza, starting fires in southern Israel.\u00a0 In the West Bank, meanwhile, four Palestinians were killed by Israel\u2019s security forces, including during demonstrations, he said, citing the 27\u00a0March killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian medic near Al-Duheisha refugee camp in Bethlehem. \u00a0Several other incidents of violence occurred during the reporting period, alongside settler-related violence in which 1\u00a0Palestinian was killed and 32\u00a0others were injured.<\/p>\n

He went on to provide updates relating to cases before the Israeli authorities pertaining to perpetrators of violent acts, and on provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, which persisted during the reporting period.\u00a0 On 15\u00a0May, a senior Hamas official in Gaza warned Israelis that \u201cthe day of your slaughter, extermination and annihilation is near\u201d, he noted, recalling that Israeli officials also made highly provocative statements, with an outgoing member of the Knesset threatening to eliminate the families of Palestinian prisoners and \u201cbury [them] with pigs\u201d.<\/p>\n

The international community, for its part, continued its efforts to address the dire situation in Gaza, he said, adding that the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee met in Brussels on 30\u00a0April to reiterate support for the implementation of urgent humanitarian and economic interventions by the Â鶹APP.\u00a0 Qatar also pledged $480\u00a0million in financial assistance to Palestinians.\u00a0 Nevertheless, \u201cnegative trends continue to overshadow positive developments\u201d, he said, noting that despite intensified efforts in Gaza, the enclave\u2019s humanitarian, security and political situation remain deeply worrying, exacerbated by the temporary closures of the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings.\u00a0 There has been no resolution of the Palestinian Authority\u2019s financial crisis after Israel\u2019s decision to withhold part of its revenues, he added.<\/p>\n

Reiterating that the expansion of Israeli settlements has no legal effect and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, he said the threat of demolitions and displacement of Palestinians in Area\u00a0C, East Jerusalem and Hebron\u2019s H2\u00a0area are also of concern. \u00a0\u201cThe situation in Gaza continues to be perilous,\u201d he added, unequivocally condemning all attacks on Palestinian and Israeli civilians.\u00a0 Expressing deep concern over the clearance of Palestinian Authority revenues, he urged Israel to restore the transfers in full.\u00a0 He also pressed Palestinian factions to engage with Egypt on reconciliation, expressing the steadfast support of the Â鶹APP for Egypt\u2019s efforts in that regard.<\/p>\n

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

RODNEY M. HUNTER (United States<\/u>) said the \u201cPeace to Prosperity\u201d workshop that his country will co-host in Bahrain on 25\u00a0and 26\u00a0June will offer an important opportunity to galvanize economic support for the Palestinians, as well as to discuss ambitious solutions for economic development and rapid private sector growth.\u00a0 However, the United States is aware that only by resolving final status issues will a new economic vision be realized, and that can only happen \u201cif and when there is peace\u201d.\u00a0 Calling upon all concerned to keep an open mind, he emphasized that all nations care deeply about the issue and want to see peace.<\/p>\n

ANNE GUEGEN (France<\/u>), expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, emphasized:\u00a0 \u201cWe must do all we can to prevent an escalation that could lead to a new conflict.\u201d\u00a0 The humanitarian situation remains disastrous and France has pledged to double its contribution to UNRWA in\u00a02019.\u00a0 Calling for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, credible security guarantees for Israel and the re-launch of political negotiations, she stressed that Gaza\u2019s future cannot be separated from the notion of a two-State solution. \u00a0Israel\u2019s continued settlement\u2011expansion policy continues to undermine the latter, he noted, underlining that France does not recognize that country\u2019s sovereignty over any of the occupied territories.\u00a0 She went on to condemn the hate speech described by the Special Coordinator, while warning against the pursuit of unilateral measures instead of adhering to agreed international frameworks.\u00a0 Indeed, economic peace cannot replace the quest for a real political settlement rooted in international law, she said, emphasizing that attempts to deviate from the latter are doomed to fail.<\/p>\n

JERRY MATTHEWS MATJILA (South Africa<\/u>) declared: \u00a0\u201cWe are fiddling while the reality of an independent, safe, secure and self-sufficient Palestinian State is slowly dwindling.\u201d\u00a0 Pointing out that Council resolution\u00a0244\u00a0(1967) calls upon all parties to end territorial claims and respect sovereignty, and for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories.\u00a0 \u201cFifty-two years later, this has still not happened,\u201d he said, insisting that historical injustices against Palestinians must be addressed.\u00a0 It is vital that the parties hold direct negotiations towards a mutually acceptable path forward, including on the issues of borders, the status of Jerusalem and the return of Palestinian refugees, he said.\u00a0 Pressing the Council to exert every effort to bring all sides to the negotiating table, he recalled its failure to address the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to rectify injustices caused by illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank. \u00a0Congratulating the State of Palestine on joining the International Atomic Energy Agency\u00a0(IAEA) as an observer on 18\u00a0June, he stressed: \u00a0\u201cNo people can be repressed forever,\u201d adding: \u00a0\u201cThey will resist and resist. \u00a0That was true for all of us. \u00a0It will be true for Palestinians.\u00a0 This Council must take note of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

KACOU HOUADJA L\u00c9ON ADOM (C<\/u>\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/u>) urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to focus on negotiations based on relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 Endorsing the concept of a two-State solution, he warned that escalating political and security challenges are threatening it.\u00a0 All parties should exercise restraint and respect international law and Council resolutions \u2014 especially resolution 2334\u00a0(2016) \u2014 he said.\u00a0 Expressing support for both Israel\u2019s security and the Palestinian ambition to establish an independent State, he called for the re\u2011launch of peace talks.\u00a0 He went on to underline the importance of supporting UNRWA\u2019s critical work in assisting populations in distress, and expressed support for the upcoming Bahrain workshop, as well as other initiatives aimed at providing support on the ground.<\/p>\n

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland<\/u>) said the firing of rockets into Israel must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, reiterating his country\u2019s recognition of Israel\u2019s legitimate right to self-defence.\u00a0 Hamas and others in Gaza must refrain from provocations against Israel, including incendiary kites and balloons launched with the aim of damaging Israeli property and assets. \u00a0The only way forward for the Palestinians and Israel is the negotiation of a two-State solution, based on 1967\u00a0borders and mutually agreed land swaps.\u00a0 The goal should be restoring a \u201cpolitical horizon\u201d for a resumed peace process, she said, stressing that inter-Palestinian divisions only aggravate the situation of Gazans and weaken national aspirations.\u00a0 Underscoring the urgent need to relaunch the intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation process, she said the idea of a two-State solution continues to be dismantled by Israel\u2019s settlement\u2011building.\u00a0 \u201cAll settlement activity is illegal under international law,\u201d she stressed.\u00a0 \u201cIt not only erodes the viability of the two-State solution and the prospects for a lasting peace \u2014 we have to be honest with ourselves \u2014 it is an obstacle to peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

KAREN PIERCE (United Kingdom<\/u>) said it is disappointing that Israel continues its escalation of settlement activity in the West Bank, contrary to international law.\u00a0 She also condemned rocket attacks against Israel, calling upon Hamas to put a permanent end to their incitement and rocket fire into Israel.\u00a0 Recalling an aid worker\u2019s death, she said it is hard to understand the killing of those delivering medical and humanitarian assistance. \u00a0A long-term political solution must include bringing the Palestinian Authority back to Gaza. \u00a0Given the religious importance of the holy sites, all parties are required to maintain their status, she said. \u00a0\u201cA sustainable peace requires a safe and secure Israel living alongside a vibrant and viable Palestinian State,\u201d she said, emphasizing that Israel needs security arrangements that prevent the resurgence of violence and the Palestinians need respect for their sovereignty.\u00a0 She called upon the United States to bring forward detailed proposals on a peace solution, reiterating that the only way to achieve peace is through substantive talks leading to a two-State solution. \u00a0More must be done to empower the Palestinians to trade with the rest of the world, she said, also calling for donors to fund UNRWA.<\/p>\n

GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA (Peru<\/u>) said the concerning patterns on the ground coupled with the Council\u2019s inaction continues to threaten prospects for a political solution. \u00a0Unilateral actions could trigger another round of violence, he cautioned.\u00a0 While condemning Hamas for launching rockets into Israel, he emphasized that Israel\u2019s defensive actions must abide by international law and Security Council resolutions.\u00a0 \u201cThere is a pressing need to end settlement activities and demolition of homes,\u201d he stressed, noting that these practices chip away at the likelihood of a two-State solution.\u00a0 The socioeconomic conditions in Gaza continue to fuel radicalism, he said, emphasizing that purely temporary measures must be replaced with long-term plans, including the restoration of Palestinian Authority control over Gaza.\u00a0 He also expressed concern over Israel\u2019s decision to withhold large amounts of Palestinian remittances.<\/p>\n

WU HAITAO (China<\/u>), echoing expressions of concern over continued clashes and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasized that safeguarding the rights of Palestinians is an international responsibly.\u00a0 Relevant parties must cease all settlement activities and Palestinian home demolitions, as well as prevent violence against civilians.\u00a0 Underlining the need to seek a proper settlement on the final status of Jerusalem \u2014 a complex and sensitive issue \u2014 he said parties should respect the plurality of history and abide by relevant international laws and Council resolutions.\u00a0 The prolonged blockade of Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian situation and is not conducive to peace, he said, calling for its immediate lifting.\u00a0 Voicing concern about the withholding of tax revenues from Palestine, he said the Middle East urgently needs peace and emphasized that there is no alternative to a political solution.\u00a0 The parties should commit to a negotiation-based approach leading to a lasting, just and comprehensive agreement, and the establishment of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine, he said.<\/p>\n

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia<\/u>), voicing disappointment over the provocations by the occupying Power, emphasized that, with no sign of political talks in sight, the living conditions of Palestinians continue to deteriorate.\u00a0 \u201cThe hope for a better future is fading away,\u201d he stressed, adding that the occupying Power continues to dismantle political agreements and parameters \u201cbefore our eyes\u201d.\u00a0 Noting that it also withholds Palestine\u2019s tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, stressed that the latter\u2019s refusal to accept a transfer that is less than the amount owed should not be questioned.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA\u2019s important role against worsening economic and social conditions, he said the contributions of many nations are a clear sign of the international community\u2019s support and responsibility.\u00a0 The Agency\u2019s existence is \u201cthe least the Â鶹APP can do to help the Palestinians, given the failure of this Council to act authoritatively on its own resolutions\u201d.\u00a0 Drawing attention to status\u2011quo violations at Al Haram al-Sharif, he called on Israel to respect history, as well as the status quo, and to avoid policies that could have destabilizing effects.<\/p>\n

JOS\u00c9 SINGER WEISINGER (Dominican Republic<\/u>) said voicing concern \u2014 as is often done \u2014 does not absolve the Council from action.\u00a0 Its passivity only risks entrenching the status quo.\u00a0 Palestinians\u2019 aspirations to establish their own State are dashed and hope dies as innocent women and children fall victim to violence, on both sides.\u00a0 \u201cPessimism reigns,\u201d he said, reiterating his country\u2019s respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of all people. He denounced Israel\u2019s illegal expansion of settlements. \u00a0Recognizing the spiritual, cultural and religious heritage of Jerusalem, he opposed any action that would alter its status quo.\u00a0 He condemned the use of lethal force against protestors and categorically condemned rocket fire from Gaza into Israel by Hamas and other militants.\u00a0 The humanitarian situation in Gaza is particularly alarming and commended UNRWA for its work.\u00a0 \u201cBy speechifying month after month, we will go nowhere,\u201d he stressed. \u00a0\u201cIf we really want to end the violence, it is time to put an end to the hate speech we hear from both sides.\u201d<\/p>\n

JEURGEN SCHULZ (Germany<\/u>) underscored his country\u2019s commitment to a two-State solution that meets both Israeli and Palestinian security needs, and ends the occupation that began in\u00a01967.\u00a0 The conflict is a political one requiring a political solution, he emphasized, stressing the need to improve Palestinians\u2019 socioeconomic conditions.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s occupation and settlement\u2011expansion activities are a serious obstacle to peace and he called on Israel to end the demolition of Palestinian homes, stressing:\u00a0 \u201cThere is no right to annexation.\u201d \u00a0Germany will not recognize any changes to the 4\u00a0June\u00a01967 lines, other than those agreed to by the parties through negotiations.\u00a0 Resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) must be fully implemented, especially as pertaining to inflammatory rhetoric.\u00a0 He condemned all attacks on Israel in the strongest possible terms, stressing that Germany is fully committed to supporting Israel as a Jewish State.\u00a0 \u201cWe will not be silent when Israel\u2019s security or right to exist is threatened,\u201d he said.\u00a0 UNRWA remains indispensable for providing critical assistance and services to Palestinians in the region, he added.<\/p>\n

MARC PECSTEEN DE BUYTSWERVE (Belgium<\/u>) said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being further bogged down by the constantly deteriorating situation on the ground.\u00a0 Emphasizing that peace can only be comprehensive and lasting if it fulfils the legitimate aspirations of each party, resulting in two independent States, he said that, while that goal can be supported by economic measures, those efforts cannot replace a political settlement.\u00a0 Moreover, no true economic progress will be made until the occupation ends and Palestinians are able to take part in the regional market.\u00a0 Describing Israel\u2019s settlement policy as a flagrant violation of international law and Council resolutions, he warned that it compromises a two-State solution in a manner that may soon prove irrevocable.\u00a0 Meanwhile, no acts of violence \u2014 no matter the perpetrator \u2014 can be seen as acceptable, and impunity must not prevail.\u00a0 Urging the parties to avoid provocations, he spotlighted the situations in Hebron and East Jerusalem, and urged respect for international law and the protection of civilians.\u00a0 Calling for the complete lifting of the Gaza blockade, he also urged parties to pursue efforts towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation.<\/p>\n

AMPARO MELE COLIFA (Equatorial Guinea<\/u>) said last week\u2019s two-pronged attack violated the recently negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.\u00a0 Expressing support for Israel\u2019s right to defend its people from such attacks, he nevertheless stressed that its actions must always be carried out in line with international law.\u00a0 Peaceful protests should be respected and permitted, without interference by Israeli forces, but Islamic militants must not be allowed to exploit or hijack such protests for their own purposes.\u00a0 Noting that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with little access to basic services and widespread insecurity, he called on Israel to review and amend its blockade policy and urged the international community to support the process of intra-Palestinian reconciliation.\u00a0 Meanwhile, donors should step up support to UNRWA, allowing the Agency to continue to deliver critical assistance. \u00a0The two sides should sit down and analyse any initiative that could bring them closer to peace, he said, associating herself with the Council\u2019s various conflict resolution efforts in support of that goal.<\/p>\n

VLADIMIR K. SAFRONKOV (Russian Federation<\/u>) expressed particular concern over the escalation between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing: \u00a0\u201cThere is a need for an urgent de-escalation and a resumption of dialogue.\u201d\u00a0 Security must be guaranteed for every person and no preference can be accorded to one particular State, he emphasized. \u00a0Noting the humanitarian assistance being provided to Iraq, he said the Â鶹APP and Member States are also undertaking efforts to bolster action against terrorism.\u00a0 However, the key Middle Eastern issue remains deadlocked, he said, adding: \u00a0\u201cWe see no alternative to a two-State solution.\u201d\u00a0 There have been many years of international consensus on this issue, as outlined in various Council resolutions, and no unilateral steps could ever change that reality, he stressed.\u00a0 The Russian Federation has historically supported good relations with the Israelis and Palestinians, and remains convinced that a political resolution based on a two-State solution can meet the security concerns of both sides, he said, adding that a strong and unified League of Arab States is instrumental to reaching that goal.\u00a0 The offer to hold a summit in Moscow for both the Palestinians and Israelis still stands, he added. \u00a0Commending Egypt\u2019s efforts to advance the peace process, he said rebuilding Palestinian unity is essential to that end.\u00a0 He also pledged to support UNRWA\u2019s work, which is \u201chumanitarian in nature but also has a political component\u201d.\u00a0 Interfaith dialogue is essential to protecting Christians, who have been in the region for thousands of years, many having fled escaping the threat of genocide, he added.<\/p>\n

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait<\/u>), Council President for June, spoke in his national capacity, expressing regret over the information provided by the Special Coordinator \u2014 in particular, the fact that Israel is failing to implement resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) and continues its settlement expansion.\u00a0 Ending such activities is central to establishing peace, he emphasized, calling upon Israel to cease immediately and completely while also ending the forcible seizure of Palestinian land and its withholding of tax revenues.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Israel\u2019s military attacks continue, as do threats, as well as provocative and inflammatory statements, he said.\u00a0 Turning to Gaza, he stressed that there will be no real progress in the enclave without the lifting of the blockade, pointing out that Israel also continues to violate the sanctity of Christian and Muslim holy sites while attempting to change the character and demographic composition of Palestinian land, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 Underlining that the Council will not recognize any such unilateral changes, he stressed that the international community must not remain silent as the crimes against Palestinian civilians continue.\u00a0 He went on to reiterate his delegation\u2019s support for UNRWA, pointing out that Kuwait has contributed $113\u00a0million to the Agency in the last four years.\u00a0 He also joined others in calling for the re-launch of negotiations, and in expressing support for a two-State solution, in accordance with the Arab Peace Agreement and other relent frameworks.<\/p>\n

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

Video With nearly 6,000 housing units advanced, approved or tendered, recent weeks have seen the largest expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank in two years, the senior Â鶹APP official coordinating the Middle East peace process official said today, as he briefed the Security Council on the flagging implementation of its resolution 2234 […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[2433,1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[5352,1897,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[6156,2005,2029,1857,2385,2137,2117],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-215229","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-secretary-general","document-source-united-nations-department-of-public-information-dpi","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-agenda-item","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-house-demolitions","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-settlements","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\/215229","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\/215229\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=215229"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=215229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}