{"id":224897,"date":"2019-11-20T09:36:23","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T14:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=224897"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:41:27","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:41:27","slug":"israeli-palestinian-escalation-in-gaza-shows-urgent-need-for-political-progress-on-middle-east-peace-process-special-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-14026","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/israeli-palestinian-escalation-in-gaza-shows-urgent-need-for-political-progress-on-middle-east-peace-process-special-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-14026\/","title":{"rendered":"Israeli-Palestinian Escalation in Gaza Shows Urgent Need for Political Progress on Middle East Peace Process, Special Coordinator Tells Security Council – Press Release (SC\/14026)"},"content":{"rendered":"
8669TH MEETING (AM)<\/strong>
\nSC\/14026<\/strong>
\n20 NOVEMBER 2019<\/strong><\/h6>\n

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

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

Movement Restrictions Have Political Aim, Says Civil Society Briefer, as Delegates Criticize United States Settlements Decision<\/h4>\n

The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip demonstrates the urgent need for political progress on the Middle East peace process, which, in turn, calls for maintaining the international consensus on basic principles, the Special Coordinator of that process told the Security Council today.<\/p>\n

\u201cUpholding the international consensus on resolving the conflict and all final-status issues on the basis of the two-State solution, as per relevant resolutions, international law and mutual agreements is critical,\u201d Nickolay Mladenov said during his regular monthly briefing, cautioning that unilateral actions fuel anger and disillusionment while undermining the prospects for peace.<\/p>\n

Expressing regret with the 18\u00a0November announcement by the United States that it no longer views Israel\u2019s settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as inconsistent with international law, he stressed that the position of the Â鶹APP remains that settlement activity is a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to a peaceful solution.<\/p>\n

He went on to affirm the importance of holding credible Palestinian elections.\u00a0 \u201cA whole generation\u2019s voice for the future has yet to be heard,\u201d he said, describing intra-Palestinian division as \u201ca cancer eating away at the aspiration for statehood, peace and the commitment to democracy.\u201d\u00a0 He pledged that the Â鶹APP will do everything necessary to support a successful Palestinian election process.<\/p>\n

Also briefing today was Tania Hary, Executive Director of the Gisha Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement, who pointed out that Israel continues to control many aspects of daily life in Gaza, including the main crossing points, as well as the movement of humanitarian and commercial goods.\u00a0 People in the enclave are only permitted to travel in \u201cextraordinary cases\u201d, she added.\u00a0 Far from ensuring security, however, such restrictions constitute an effort to apply pressure for political gain, she emphasized, pointing out that Israel has an interest in maintaining the fracture dividing the Palestinians.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s restrictions created despair and had a political goal rather than a security purpose, she said.<\/p>\n

Noting that much of the current focus is on the expansion of settlements, she said Gaza\u2019s continued isolation is another primary obstacle to the peace process, emphasizing that, without self-determination, Palestinians cannot vote for those who make decisions affecting their lives.\u00a0 She called upon the international community to insist on Israel allowing the maximum access possible, subject only to serious security concerns.\u00a0 It must remove obstacles imposed on those seeking work or trying to reunite with their families, she said, adding that it must also lift restrictions for those seeking health care and on companions of those receiving medical care \u2014 such as parents of young children.<\/p>\n

Most Council members taking the floor affirmed their support for a two-State solution and many underlined the importance of holding inclusive and credible Palestinian elections, alongside efforts for intra-Palestinian reconciliation.\u00a0 Many speakers criticized the announcement that the United States no longer recognizes the illegality Israel\u2019s settlements under international law.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine described Washington\u2019s decision as yet another in a series of irresponsible recent steps that will only undermine the prospects for peace and the legitimacy of United States diplomacy.\u00a0 Such desperate attempts to alter international law through mere political whims will never succeed, he said, emphasizing that every country represented at the Â鶹APP has the ability to contribute to Middle East peace by withholding support for the settlements, thereby ensuring accountability and ending long-standing impunity for that country\u2019s crimes.\u00a0 \u201cThere can be no international law applied to all of us, and another [\u2026] designed to fit the colonial greed of Israel,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States clarified that her country does not judge the legality of any particular settlement, or what the final status of such settlements should be in a peace agreement.\u00a0 However, the focus of discussions within the Council, should not be on settlements, but on attacks against Israeli civilians that threaten peace and security, she said, pointing out that both sides are affected by such terrorist actions.\u00a0 The United States remains committed to the cause of peace, but also to fair treatment of Israel in the Â鶹APP, she added.\u00a0 \u201cWe will not stand idly by when this Council unfairly condemns Israel, especially when those who attack Israel are not condemned,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative thanked the United States for \u201crighting an historic wrong\u201d by denying the illegality of settlements in the West Bank and identifying the true obstacles for peace in the region.\u00a0 The peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan demonstrated the lengths to which Israel is willing to go to achieve peace through negotiations, as did the withdrawal from Gaza, he added.\u00a0 The armistice that ended the fighting in\u00a01948 specified that agreed boundary lines were exclusively for military purposes, without prejudice to final status, he said, adding that insistence on the validity of pre-1967 borders pre-determines the outcome of negotiations.<\/p>\n

The Russian Federation\u2019s representative decried the announcement by the United States, warning that it can only heighten tensions and describing it as a gross violation of international law.\u00a0 He went on to affirm that the Golan is Syrian territory illegally annexed by Israel, while expressing serious concern about that country\u2019s rocket fire against Syria.<\/p>\n

China\u2019s representative called for an immediate end to all rhetoric and actions that contravene Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 Emphasizing that statehood is an inalienable right and \u201cnot something to be traded for\u201d, he pointed out that resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) clearly finds Israel\u2019s settlement expansion to be illegal under international law, demanding that it end immediately.<\/p>\n

Kuwait\u2019s representative rejected all attempts to justify Israel\u2019s expansionist policies, describing them as flagrant violations of international law. \u00a0He also denounced other actions aimed at changing reality on the ground, including in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Indonesia\u2019s representative described the new position unveiled by a Council member as a clear, unquestionable and flagrant violation of international law.\u00a0 \u201cThe international community must resist the irresponsible and unjustifiable call which seeks to undermine the international consensus concerning this conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n

France\u2019s representative declared: \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s not up to one country as to what is legal.\u201d\u00a0 Israel\u2019s settlement policy contravenes the Fourth Geneva Convention and Security Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), among other documents, he said.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were representatives of Germany, Belgium, Dominican Republic, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, South Africa, Poland, Peru, Equatorial Guinea and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

The meeting began at 10:03\u00a0a.m. and ended at 12:22\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Briefings<\/u><\/p>\n

NICKOLAY MLADENOV, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, noted that the meeting was taking place in the aftermath of the recent serious escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, with the situation remaining highly volatile.\u00a0 It occurred after Israel\u2019s targeted killing of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu al-Ata, which in turn was followed by the launch of more than 500\u00a0rockets towards Israel, he added, emphasizing that such indiscriminate launching is unacceptable and must stop immediately.\u00a0 In Israeli attacks responding to the rocket attacks, 34\u00a0Palestinians were killed, including 20\u00a0identified as militants as well as three women and eight children, he said, stressing that there is no justification for killing civilians anywhere.<\/p>\n

Recognizing Egypt\u2019s efforts to calm the situation, he cautioned, however, that the danger has not passed, with sporadic rockets and retaliatory strikes continuing and the violence threatening to undermine reconstruction and development in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 \u201cGaza ultimately requires a political solution,\u201d he said, adding:\u00a0 \u201cMilitant activity cannot continue to undermine the chances for peace and development.\u00a0 He continued:\u00a0 \u201cIsrael cannot continue with its policy of closures that stifles development.\u00a0 Palestinian leaders cannot continue to avoid the devastating consequences of their internal political division.\u201d\u00a0 He went on to underline that important humanitarian engagement in Gaza must not divert from a political settlement represented by a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

Noting that the protests at the Gaza perimeter fence have dwindled but continue, he called upon Israeli forces to exercise maximum restraint and upon Hamas to prevent provocations while ensuring that the protests remain peaceful.\u00a0 The road to a way out of the crisis is clear \u2014 sustain calm across Gaza and focus on a long-term sustainable solution that entails allowing the Palestinian people across the occupied territory to vote and elect their leaders for the first time since\u00a02006.\u00a0 He recalled his recent engagement with senior Palestinian officials and different factions to encourage that goal, emphasizing that among critical elements for credible elections are inclusiveness across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the need to hold both legislative and presidential elections within a clear and reasonable time frame, and the need for broad intra-Palestinian agreement on election modalities.<\/p>\n

He went on to cite negative trends on the ground \u2014 including additional planning and approvals of housing units in the occupied West Bank \u2014 reiterating regret over the 18\u00a0November announcement that the United States no longer views settlements as inconsistent with international law.\u00a0 The position of the Â鶹APP remains that settlement activity is a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to a peaceful solution, he stressed.\u00a0 He went on to report that Israeli authorities continued to demolish and seize Palestinian-owned structures in the occupied West Bank, citing lack of building permits, a practice that must also cease immediately.\u00a0 Reporting on Palestinian casualties resulting from various incidents, including one death, he said the authorities must investigate the fatal incident thoroughly and ensure accountability.\u00a0 He also expressed deep concern over continuing violence by settlers.<\/p>\n

Despite agreements on the transfer of Palestinian revenues, underlying disagreements remain, he continued, calling upon both sides to engage in constructive discussions to fully restore the transfers, in accordance with the Paris Protocol on Economic Relations.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP stands ready to assist in that effort.\u00a0 He went on to note the launch of a UN-Women initiative to advance the women, peace and security agenda in Palestine, with support from Norway, while also urging swift mobilization of support for the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).<\/p>\n

Turning briefly to other developments in the region, he outlined violations in the Golan reported by the Â鶹APP Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).\u00a0 He also reported on the aftermath of Lebanon\u2019s Prime Minister\u2019s resignation following nationwide demonstrations, reiterating calls for the swift formation of a new Government that is responsive to the concerns of demonstrators while encouraging security forces to continue to protect peaceful protestors.\u00a0 Operations of the Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) returned to normal levels in early November, he said.<\/p>\n

In closing, he reaffirmed the importance of holding credible Palestinian elections, emphasizing:\u00a0 \u201cA whole generation\u2019s voice for the future has yet to be heard.\u201d\u00a0 Describing the intra-Palestinian division as \u201ca cancer eating away at the aspiration for statehood, peace and the commitment to democracy\u201d, he pledged that the Â鶹APP will do everything necessary to support a successful Palestinian election process, while continuing efforts to prevent another devastating war.\u00a0 At the same time, \u201cupholding the international consensus on resolving the conflict and all final-status issues on the basis of the two-State solution, as per relevant resolutions, international law and mutual agreements is just as important\u201d, he stressed, pointing out that unilateral moves fuel anger and disillusionment while undermining the prospects for peace.<\/p>\n

TANIA HARY, Executive Director,\u00a0Gisha Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement<\/u>, said she was born in northern Israel and moved to the United States at age five, returning to Israel in\u00a02007, just before its near-total lockdown of the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 In the years that followed, there have been three major military operations and several smaller ones, she said, adding:\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe that we are better off or safer for it in Israel.\u201d\u00a0 Outlining her organization\u2019s work, she said it takes on a broad caseload in defence of the right of Palestinians to free movement, pointing out that Israel continues to control many aspects of daily life in Gaza, including the main crossing points, as well as the movement of humanitarian and commercial goods.\u00a0 People in Gaza are only permitted to travel in what Israel calls \u201cextraordinary cases\u201d, she added.\u00a0 Far from ensuring security, however, such restrictions constitute an effort to apply pressure for political gain, she emphasized, pointing out that Israel has an interest in maintaining the fracture of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, unemployment rates in Gaza remain among the highest in the world, while residents struggle to gain access to water and electricity is only available for a few hours each day, she reported.\u00a0 \u201cHopelessness and despair have increased, especially among young Palestinians,\u201d she said, noting that they make up 70\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the population.\u00a0 Women are less likely to meet Israel\u2019s conditions for work-related travel, she added, recalling that her organization recently represented a group of women who sought to sell cookies outside Gaza, but were prevented from doing so.\u00a0 Recounting a number of similar cases \u2014 including several that eventually reached Israel\u2019s highest court \u2014 she stressed:\u00a0 \u201cIt gives me no joy to expose these decisions that are made senselessly, ostensibly in my name.\u201d<\/p>\n

While much of the current focus is on the expansion of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the continued isolation of Gaza is another primary obstacle to the peace process, she noted, underlining that, without self-determination, Palestinians cannot vote for those who make decisions over their lives.\u00a0 Altogether, the situation can be nothing but a source of instability, she added.\u00a0 She went on to recommend that the international community insist on Israel allowing the maximum access possible, subject only to serious security concerns.\u00a0 It must remove obstacles imposed on those seeking work or trying to reunite with their families, she said, adding that it must also lift restrictions for those seeking health care and on companions of those receiving medical care \u2014 such as parents of young children.<\/p>\n

Israel must also refrain from leveraging such basic services as electricity as part of its political strategy, she continued.\u00a0 Emphasizing that full release of humanitarian assistance is also critical, she warned that in light of recent events, \u201cwe cannot delude ourselves that a peace process is right around the corner\u201d.\u00a0 The international community must provide strong support to civil society, both Israeli and Palestinian, she stressed.\u00a0 She went on to state that while many in Israel might view her appearance before the Council as an act of disloyalty, she rejects the idea of the conflict as a zero-sum game, underlining instead that Palestinian prosperity is closely linked to the security of Israelis.\u00a0 She went on to urge Council members to embrace today\u2019s meeting as a wake-up call and an opportunity for change.<\/p>\n

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

CHERITH NORMAN-CHALET (United States<\/u>) clarified the recent announcement by her country\u2019s Government that Israel\u2019s construction of settlements in the West Bank is not in violation of international law per se, emphasizing that the United States is not judging the legality of any particular settlement, or what the final status of such settlements should be in a peace agreement, which must be worked out through negotiations between the parties.\u00a0 Stressing that the focus of discussions in the Council should not be on settlements, she said it should be on attacks against Israeli civilians that threaten peace and security, nearly 500\u00a0of which have emanated from Gaza, with support from Iran.\u00a0 Both sides are affected by such terrorist actions and \u201cthere is hardly a more self-evident obstacle to reaching peace\u201d, she noted.\u00a0 The United States remains committed to the cause of peace, but also to fair treatment of Israel in the Â鶹APP, she added.\u00a0 \u201cWe will not stand idly by when this Council unfairly condemns Israel, especially when those who attack Israel are not condemned.\u201d<\/p>\n

JUERGEN SCHULZ (Germany<\/u>) condemned recent rocket attacks against Israel, saying his country remains steadfast in its commitment to Israel\u2019s security.\u00a0 At the same time, the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza is of deep concern, he added, while emphasizing that freedom of movement is essential to improving the situation in that enclave.\u00a0 Germany remains committed to a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he affirmed, warning that unilateral measures risk destroying the viability of that process.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s continuing occupation and settlement activity, therefore, constitute an obstacle to peace, he said, reaffirming his delegation\u2019s view that settlement activity is illegal.\u00a0 He went on to call for an end to settlement activity and to seizures of Palestinian-owned structures while warning against the annexation of territory.\u00a0 Germany will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 lines without the agreement of the parties, he emphasized, going on to call for an end to all violence and incitement, and for increased financial support to UNRWA.<\/p>\n

MARC PECSTEEN DE BUYTSWERVE (Belgium<\/u>) condemned the firing of rockets into Israel and welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza, calling upon all parties to exercise restraint and respect the rights of civilians.\u00a0 He also called for a thorough investigation into an air strike that killed members of a family in Gaza.\u00a0 Emphasizing the need to end restrictions in Gaza, he also called for progress in Palestinian reconciliation efforts and for building institutions.\u00a0 A credible electoral process should contribute to that goal, he said.\u00a0 Describing continued settlement activity in the occupied territories as illegal, he said cautioned that it compromises a two-State solution in a fundamental way.\u00a0 Urging the Israeli authorities to end settlement activity without delay, he said Belgium will not recognize any changes in the pre\u20111967 lines without the agreement of the parties.\u00a0 Noting that today is the World Day of Childhood, he expressed concern over the effect of the Middle East conflict on children and called upon the parties to act in accord with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.<\/p>\n

JOS\u00c9 SINGER WEISINGER (Dominican Republic<\/u>) condemned the recent escalation of violence as well as the indiscriminate targeting of civilians as unacceptable, emphasising that protecting their lives must be at the heart of all international efforts.\u00a0 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 34\u00a0Palestinian civilians were killed and 111\u00a0wounded by Israeli forces in Gaza in recent months, he said, noting that injuries were also reported in Israel as a result of rocket fire emanating from Gaza.\u00a0 He went on to warn that the continued expansion of settlements, as well as severe restrictions on movement and on access to basic services, are grinding down the Palestinian people\u2019s hopes of consolidating their State.\u00a0 Joining the broad international consensus in favour of a two-State solution, he expressed concern over the extraordinary circumstances in which UNRWA continues to function and called upon all States to support the Agency.\u00a0 They should also promote a peaceful intra-Palestinian reconciliation process leading to free, fair and credible elections.<\/p>\n

KACOU HOUADJA L\u00c9ON ADOM (C<\/u>\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/u>) said that a fair and lasting peace requires a negotiated two-State solution, with both parties making compromises.\u00a0 Both sides must strictly observe the 14\u00a0November ceasefire and refrain from unilateral actions that might further compromise its viability, he added, emphasizing that the international community, and the Council in particular, must work to create an environment conducive to the resumption of dialogue.\u00a0 Calling upon Council members to stand unified in that regard, he said Â鶹APP mediation must remain a priority.\u00a0 Council members should also address the long-standing blockade of Gaza, which has led to the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situations while fuelling rancour and radicalization.<\/p>\n

ZHANG JUN (China<\/u>) called for an immediate end to all rhetoric and actions that contravene Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 Emphasizing that statehood is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people and \u201cnot something to be traded for\u201d, he pointed out that resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) clearly finds Israel\u2019s settlement expansion to be illegal under international law, and demanded that it end immediately.\u00a0 He went on to call upon both sides to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions, urging the international community to commit to the pursuit of peace through development in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Describing UNRWA as a \u201csuccess story of multilateralism\u201d, he pointed out that its mandate was renewed overwhelmingly and called upon all partners to support the Agency.<\/p>\n

JERRY MATJILA (South Africa<\/u>) reaffirmed that the only way to achieve lasting peace is to restore all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with the two-State formula and all relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 Final-status issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestine refugees cannot continually be disregarded, he emphasized.\u00a0 Noting that Israel has systematically constructed more than 160\u00a0settlements and outposts on land seized from Palestinians since\u00a01967, he said that land is now populated by more than 600,000\u00a0Israelis.\u00a0 He went on to express concern about increased tensions in Gaza \u2014 where more than 30\u00a0Palestinians were killed and hundreds of Palestinians as well as Israelis injured \u2014 saying they are perpetuating the dire security and humanitarian situation in the enclave.\u00a0 South Africa, therefore, welcomes last week\u2019s ceasefire agreement brokered by the Â鶹APP and Egypt, he added, calling for a cessation of violence on both sides.\u00a0 He went on to warn that human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory only foster hatred, emphasizing that Israel\u2019s security and that of its future generations lies not in annexing territory or blockading Gaza, but in a peaceful, sovereign and independent Palestinian State.\u00a0 That goal can be achieved through sustained dialogue, negotiation and mediation, he said.<\/p>\n

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland<\/u>) said that, due to hard work by the Â鶹APP and Egypt, a dangerous escalation of the situation in and around Gaza was thankfully avoided.\u00a0 Emphasizing that the idea of a negotiated two-State solution remains the cornerstone of her country\u2019s policy on the Middle East peace process, she said that, unfortunately, it continues to be dismantled, particularly by Israel\u2019s expansion of its settlements.\u00a0 Poland\u2019s position on that country\u2019s settlement policy remains unchanged, he said, stressing that it is also the European Union\u2019s position.\u00a0 All settlement activity is illegal under international law, he reiterated, underlining that it erodes the viability of a two-State solution and the prospects for lasting peace.<\/p>\n

DMITRY A. POLYANSKIY (Russian Federation<\/u>) decried the announcement by the United States on Israel\u2019s settlements, saying it can only increase tensions and describing it as a gross violation of international law.\u00a0 He went on to affirm that the Golan is Syrian territory illegally annexed by Israel, while expressing serious concern about that country\u2019s rocket fire against Syria.\u00a0 Reiterating his delegation\u2019s position that settlement activity contravenes international law and undermines the prospects for peace, he also expressed concern over violence and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for practical measures to extricate the peace process from a dangerous deadlock.\u00a0 He emphasized that the Russian Federation continues to encourage efforts for resumed dialogue between the parties, calling for coherence in bilateral, regional and Â鶹APP efforts in that regard.\u00a0 Describing UNRWA as extremely important due to its stabilizing effect in the region, he warned that neglecting the plight of Palestinians will lead to radicalism.\u00a0 He went on to call for a sustainable mechanism for collective security in the entire Middle East, adding that his country seeks to build trust for that purpose.<\/p>\n

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia<\/u>) said his delegation is appalled by the occupying Power\u2019s continuing provocations and violence towards Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 The gravity of its violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law is not comparable to the actions of Palestinians, which are often in response or due to insurmountable frustration, he emphasized.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s illegal occupation of Palestinian land, compounded by its illegal settlement policy, is at the root of the problem, he stressed.\u00a0 Citing the new position unveiled by a member of the Council this week, he said describing it as a clear, unquestionable and flagrant violation of international law.\u00a0 \u201cThis irresponsible and provocative statement can only achieve the effect of making the resolution of the conflict more difficult, and the two-State vision unattainable,\u201d he said.\u00a0 The coercive environment in the West Bank \u2014 intensified by Israel\u2019s demolitions, forced evictions, discriminatory planning, access restrictions, settlement expansion and settler violence \u2014 are also generating increasing vulnerability for Palestinians, he said, underlining:\u00a0 \u201cThe international community must resist the irresponsible and unjustifiable call which seeks to undermine international consensus concerning this conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n

NICHOLAS DE RIV\u00c8RE (France<\/u>) said that Israel\u2019s policy of settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory contravenes the Fourth Geneva Convention and Security Council resolutions, compromises the viability of a two-State solution and threatens stability on the ground.\u00a0 Urging that country\u2019s authorities to renounce the policy, he declared:\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not up to one country as to what is legal.\u201d\u00a0 He also condemned the firing of more than 450\u00a0rockets from Gaza into residential parts of Israel, while emphasizing that the latter\u2019s security is not, and will never be, negotiable.\u00a0 There can be no lasting peace without the lifting of the Gaza blockade and the assurance of appropriate security guarantees for Israel, he reiterated.\u00a0 Expressing support for the resumption of the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process, he underlined his delegation\u2019s support for fundamental rights and freedoms and urged Israel to reverse its decision to revoke the residency permit of the Director of Human Rights Watch.\u00a0 He went on to express support for UNRWA and cautioned against the pursuit of any peace plan contrary to the international consensus in favour of a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

LUIS UGARELLI (Peru<\/u>) joined other delegates in condemning the indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and other groups against Israel, as well as the latter\u2019s use of disproportionate force in retaliation.\u00a0 Noting the close link between Israel\u2019s settlement expansion and the spike in violent episodes, he warned that such practices contravene binding Council resolutions, further enflame tensions and risk undermining the quest for a two-State solution.\u00a0 He went on to call for ending the blockade of Gaza, while emphasizing the need to grant UNRWA stable and predictable funding.\u00a0 In light of the current fragile situation, the Council must speak up clearly in favour of restoring a viable dialogue in pursuit of a two-State solution, he said.<\/p>\n

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait<\/u>) recalled that 170\u00a0Member States voted last week in the General Assembly\u2019s Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), to send a \u201cclear and firm message\u201d in support of UNRWA by extending its mandate for three more years.\u00a0 Noting that Kuwait had provided the Agency with $118\u00a0million in the last five years alone, he said UNRWA has the legal, moral and ethical responsibility to support the Palestinian people.\u00a0 He went on to condemn attempts to erode the rights of Palestine refugees \u2014 including their right to return \u2014 by reframing the terms of their legal status.\u00a0 Decrying other actions aimed at changing reality on the ground, including in Jerusalem, he rejected all attempts to justify Israel\u2019s expansionist policies, describing them as flagrant violations of international law.<\/p>\n

ANATOLIO NDONG MBA (Equatorial Guinea<\/u>), expressing concern over the recent escalation in Gaza, lamented that the confrontation threatens the security of women and children.\u00a0 He called upon all armed groups in Gaza to cease their attacks and provocations, saying Israel must restrict its response in order to prevent civilian casualties.\u00a0 Israeli forces must also ensure the security of protestors in their exercise of free expression.\u00a0 He went on to emphasize the need to resume negotiations and for progress on intra-Palestinian reconciliation, reiterating his delegation\u2019s support for a two-State solution.\u00a0 He also expressed appreciation for UNRWA\u2019s work and encouraged donors to provide it with adequate funding.<\/p>\n

KAREN PIERCE (United Kingdom<\/u>) stressed that her delegation\u2019s position on settlements has not changed, as demonstrated by its consistent statements and support for resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), which affirmed that the settlements lack legal validity. \u00a0Concerning Gaza, she expressed deep concern over the escalation of hostility in the enclave and expressed appreciation for mediation efforts.\u00a0 Condemning indiscriminate rock fire, she said misrule by Hamas is hurting people in Gaza, while urging Israel to ease restrictions on the Strip.\u00a0 She went on to express concern about settler violence and to affirm the need for Palestinians to work together on holding credible elections.\u00a0 She also called for greater media freedom in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and joined others in affirming the importance of a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

RIYAD MANSOUR, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said the Council is meeting on the heels of an announcement by the Government of the United States, in which it reversed a long-standing policy against Israel\u2019s expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Describing that decision as yet another in a series of irresponsible recent steps by Washington \u2014 including its attacks against the right of return for Palestine refugees\u2019, its attempt to declare Jerusalem the \u201ccapital\u201d of Israel and its declaration of Israel\u2019s sovereignty over the Syrian Golan Heights \u2014 he emphasized that none of them will bring legitimacy to Israel\u2019s continued colonization of Palestinian land.\u00a0 \u201cThis will only impact [\u2026] the legitimacy of the United States, or what is left of it,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

He went on to stress that Palestinian land is not a present to be offered up to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding:\u00a0 \u201cOur blood is not a currency to be bartered.\u201d\u00a0 Desperate attempts to alter international law through mere political whims will never succeed.\u00a0 Every country represented at the Â鶹APP has the ability to contribute to peace in the Middle East by withholding support for Israel\u2019s settlements, he said, thereby ensuring accountability and ending long-standing impunity for that country\u2019s crimes.\u00a0 \u201cThere can be no international law applied to all of us, and another [\u2026] designed to fit the colonial greed of Israel,\u201d he declared.\u00a0 States must not permit bullying by any country, he added, vowing that the Palestinian people will never bow to racist blackmail, while telling the Council:\u00a0 \u201cInternational law does not forgive deafening silence.\u201d<\/p>\n

DANNY BEN YOSEF DANON (Israel<\/u>) thanked the United States for \u201crighting an historic wrong\u201d by denying the illegality of settlements in the West Bank and identifying the true obstacles to peace in the region.\u00a0 Describing resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) as the outcome of political motives that prolonged the conflict, he said Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are not an obstacle to peace.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan demonstrated how far it is willing to go to achieve peace through negotiations, he said, recalling that in\u00a02005, Israel withdrew from Gaza in an attempt to pave the way for peace, in spite of the rights of communities there to remain in the enclave.\u00a0 Israel even froze the construction of housing in response to an initiative of then-President Barack Obama, but no negotiations ensued, he said.\u00a0 The main obstacle to peace is the Palestinian Authority\u2019s incitement against Jews, he said, adding that children are taught to hate them and to deny Israel\u2019s right to exist.<\/p>\n

The other obstacle entails attempts to alter the starting point of future negotiations before they start by using questionable legal tools to solve a political conflict, he continued.\u00a0 The internationally-endorsed armistice that ended the fighting in\u00a01948 specified that boundary lines were agreed for military purposes only, without prejudice to final status, he recalled, while noting, however, that he repeatedly hears calls for a pre-determined border based on the pre-1967 lines.\u00a0 UNRWA represents another attempt to pre-determine the outcome of negotiations, which keeps people frozen in refugee status even if they are citizens of other countries, he said.\u00a0 In addition, the one-sided narrative undermines a negotiated solution by automatically supporting all Palestinian claims, which Europeans do, and merely delays negotiations since the Palestinians have no incentive to compromise, he said.\u00a0 However, the announcement by the United States creates a level playing field for future talks, he said, calling upon the international community to encourage direct negotiations without pre-conditions.<\/p>\n

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

8669TH MEETING (AM) SC\/14026 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Fran\u00e7ais Video Movement Restrictions Have Political Aim, Says Civil Society Briefer, as Delegates Criticize United States Settlements Decision The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip demonstrates the urgent need for political progress on the Middle East peace process, which, in turn, […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[702,759,774,5518,816,834,846,885,921,1593,1050,1056,1074,1128,2321,2553],"document-category":[2433,1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[1362,6169,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2265,2065,1797,2309,2385,2137,1965],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-224897","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-belgium","country-china","country-cote-divoire","country-dominican-republic","country-equatorial-guinea","country-france","country-germany","country-indonesia","country-kuwait","country-palestine-state-of","country-peru","country-poland","country-russian-federation","country-south-africa","country-united-kingdom","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-french-text","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-electoral-issues","document-subject-peace-process","document-subject-protection","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-situation-in-lebanon","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/224897","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\/224897\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=224897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=224897"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=224897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}