{"id":235640,"date":"2020-04-23T17:17:02","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T21:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=235640"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:38:59","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:38:59","slug":"palestinian-israeli-cooperation-to-combat-covid-19-pandemic-under-threat-by-new-push-for-west-bank-annexation-special-coordinator-warns-security-council-press-release-sc-14167","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/palestinian-israeli-cooperation-to-combat-covid-19-pandemic-under-threat-by-new-push-for-west-bank-annexation-special-coordinator-warns-security-council-press-release-sc-14167\/","title":{"rendered":"Palestinian-Israeli Cooperation to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic Under Threat by New Push for West Bank Annexation, Special Coordinator Warns Security Council – Press Release (SC\/14167)"},"content":{"rendered":"
SC\/14167
\n<\/strong>23 APRIL 2020<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Webcast<\/a><\/div>\n
\n

Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While Israelis and Palestinians are cooperating in unprecedented ways to combat the expanding COVID-19 pandemic, Israel must do more to safeguard the health of all people under its control, the senior Â鶹APP official in the region told the Security Council in a 23 April videoconference meeting<\/span>[*]<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, also briefed the 15-member Council on the potentially serious consequences of Israel\u2019s renewed threats to annex parts of the West Bank \u2014 land proposed as part of a future Palestinian State \u2014 emphasizing that such a move would violate international law, deal a devastating blow to a two-State solution and close the door to future negotiations.\u00a0 He said the two sides should embrace the window of opportunity for unity presented by COVID-19 and walk back such threats.\u00a0 \u201cI strongly urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to seize this moment to take steps towards peace, to reject unilateral moves that will only deepen the wedge between the two peoples and undermine the chances for peace,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

Recalling that the two leading Israeli political parties agreed in recent days to form a joint emergency Government \u2014 with the land annexation plan serving as part of the deal \u2014 he noted that the Palestinian Authority has threatened that such a move would cancel the implementation of all existing bilateral agreements. \u00a0The looming political crisis detracts from significant cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, alongside the Â鶹APP and other partners, to combat the spread of the coronavirus, he said.<\/p>\n

Outlining the Â鶹APP response, he said the Organization put forward an initial request for $34\u00a0million to address immediate public health and humanitarian needs in the Middle East. \u00a0Since the start of the epidemic, the Â鶹APP has delivered more than 1\u00a0million essential supplies such as lab equipment, personal protective gear and thousands of COVID-19 tests. \u00a0Those items have reached hospitals and clinics directly, as well as through the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and trainings are under way for health workers in the Gaza Strip. \u00a0Israel is also providing support to Palestinians in combating the pandemic, and the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has opened its health services to non-refugees in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, he said, Palestinian authorities have reported acute shortages of medical equipment. \u00a0Currently, only two of six hospitals in East Jerusalem are equipped to address cases of COVID-19, and the Israeli closure of a testing clinic in the Silwan area on 14\u00a0April raised concerns. \u00a0Urging staff of all prisons and detention centres to consider releasing vulnerable individuals in their charge, he noted that the crisis is heavily affecting women and exacerbating inequality. \u00a0He also expressed concern that losses to the Palestinian economy could amount to $1\u00a0billion, as the Palestinian Authority lacks access to many conventional financial tools.<\/p>\n

Despite a marked decrease in clashes amid the pandemic, several rocket launches from Gaza were reported during the period under review, he said.\u00a0 Hamas security forces detained eight civil society activists on grounds that have been questioned by the Office of the Â鶹APP High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). \u00a0Some crossing points in Gaza were closed and more severe movement restrictions put in place. \u00a0Sporadic violent incidents continued, resulting in three Palestinians killed and 25\u00a0injured, and several local Palestinian leaders were detained and later released. \u00a0Meanwhile, the continued targeting of water and hygiene structures also remains a serious source of concern amid the pandemic.<\/p>\n

Turning to other parts of the region, he said that while the situation in the Occupied Syrian Golan remains largely stable, several drones and aircrafts were observed flying over the Area of Separation, revealing that the risk of conflict may be escalating. \u00a0Lebanon \u2014 which has instituted a lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 \u2014 has seen renewed protests in some places, and its Palestine refugee camps have become increasingly volatile as residents severely impacted by the country\u2019s economic crisis now face the mounting threat of the virus.<\/p>\n

Speaking following the briefing, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine appealed for urgent international support for UNRWA and respect for the Secretary-General\u2019s 23\u00a0March appeal for a global ceasefire, which was endorsed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. \u00a0\u201cThis must include a call on Israel to cease its war on the Palestinian people,\u201d he stressed, spotlighting the need to release prisoners and lift the \u201camoral\u201d longstanding blockade of Gaza. \u00a0While many are now suffering, the pain of the Palestinian people is unique, having endured 53\u00a0years of oppression.<\/p>\n

Noting that the Palestinian Authority is working to stop the spread of COVID-19, he voiced regret that even the extreme challenges presented by the pandemic have not convinced Israel to end its illegal activities. \u00a0Most flagrant has been Israel\u2019s new annexation push, on which it forges ahead with blatant contempt for the Council\u2019s resolutions. \u00a0Warning that such a move will lead to a collapse of any chance for peace through a two-State solution, he declared: \u00a0\u201cThe result, we all know, will be a one-State solution of apartheid.\u201d \u00a0Such an outcome must be averted at all costs.\u00a0 He urged the international community not to let the naming of a so-called \u201cemergency Government\u201d in Israel distract from illegal actions, adding: \u00a0\u201cNow is the time to become more humane, more giving, not more brutal and more insatiable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of Israel stressed that COVID-19 does not distinguish across borders, noting that at times of crisis peoples and Governments \u201cshow their true colours\u201d.\u00a0 Outlining Israel\u2019s work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 across the region, he said it is providing resources to the Â鶹APP response, facilitating the flow of medical supplies and food into Gaza and conducting medical trainings for Palestinian health workers.\u00a0 Israel has also donated health equipment, including testing kits, to the Palestinian Authority.<\/p>\n

In contrast to those efforts, he said, the Palestinian Authority has decided on a path of hate and libel. \u00a0Pointing out that Jews have historically been falsely blamed for causing disease outbreaks through the ages, he rejected slanderous attacks on Israeli soldiers who are risking their very lives to curb the spread of COVID-19 \u2014 for the benefit of both Israelis and Palestinians. \u00a0The Palestinian Authority remains willing to spread lies to \u201cscore a few cheap political points\u201d, actions which, he cautioned, will have serious consequences. \u00a0Meanwhile, he said, the Iranian regime has asked for sanctions imposed against it to be lifted amid the pandemic, even as it launched a new satellite.\u00a0 Iran cannot be permitted to use the outbreak to advance its nuclear agenda, he cautioned.<\/p>\n

As Council members delivered statements, several emphasized that the current fragile period requires both parties to avoid any provocative action \u2014 including incitement, settlement activity, demolitions and settler violence \u2014 that might undermine their tenuous cooperation in combating the pandemic.\u00a0 Others insisted that Israel, as the occupying Power, bears a special responsibility to keep Palestinians safe against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Dominican Republic, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity, commending the unprecedented coordination between Israeli and Palestinian health authorities. \u00a0Voicing his delegation\u2019s support for a two-State solution, he said new facilities are needed for the orderly movement and testing of people, and assistance must be provided to families financially affected by the virus.\u00a0 Israel should consider allowing more humanitarian access and necessary medical supplies into Gaza.\u00a0 Welcoming the Palestinian Government\u2019s adoption of an emergency budget, he stressed that it remains very much in need of external support and urged donors to continue making contributions.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United Kingdom described cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in response to COVID-19 as an example of the responsible approach that is needed at this difficult time.\u00a0 Urging Israel to ensure that the Palestinian economy is permitted to function and to support the Palestinian Authority\u2019s economic stability, he voiced deep concern about reports that the new Israeli governing coalition has reached an agreement paving the way for annexation of parts of the West Bank. \u00a0Any such unilateral moves would both damage efforts to restart peace talks and contravene international law, he warned.<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s representative stressed that COVID-19 \u201cendangers Israelis and Palestinians alike\u201d and said both parties should step up their cooperation to mitigate its effects. \u00a0He called on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to ensure the delivery of COVID-19 related aid and facilitate the distribution of medical supplies and personnel, particularly in Gaza, adding that the parties should exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking any measures that can worsen the situation and undermine a two-State solution.\u00a0 \u201cUnilateral actions creating facts on the ground will not lead to sustainable peace and security but to perpetual instability and insecurity,\u201d he said, strongly advising any Israeli Government against the annexation of occupied Palestinian land.<\/p>\n

The representative of Niger called on both parties to renounce all unilateral action in order to strengthen mutual confidence.\u00a0 If Israelis and Palestinians are to achieve their respective aspirations for the creation of a viable State, and for security, a return to the negotiating table on a sound, mutually acceptable basis is needed.\u00a0 He called on Israel to respect international law and end the occupation of Palestinian land, including in East Jerusalem, in accordance with Council resolution 2334 (2016).\u00a0 Israel\u2019s cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to bring medical supplies into the West Bank and Gaza should be broadened, he said, adding that Gaza needs international assistance to address the shortage of health workers, medicines, medical equipment and supplies, including through support for UNRWA.<\/p>\n

The representative of Estonia echoed calls to set aside animosity and instead create corridors for life-saving aid and diplomacy.\u00a0 Calling on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue, negotiation and mediation, he underlined UNRWA\u2019s crucial role in stabilizing the region and advocated for a stronger focus on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cThe most important goal should be keeping the prospects for moving towards peace alive,\u201d he said, expressing concern about Israel\u2019s announcement of new settlements in East Jerusalem and condemning reported rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.<\/p>\n

The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, commending the solidarity and support between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, urged both parties to keep enhancing their cooperation.\u00a0 Progress in that regard, however, risked being stymied by illegal settlement activity and the threat of annexation.\u00a0 Emphasizing that \u201cimposed solutions will not work\u201d, she underscored the importance of the two-State solution, adding that any outcome must adequately address the needs of all parties.<\/p>\n

Viet Nam\u2019s delegate called for an immediate end to the reported arrest of hundreds of Palestinians by Israel, which took place amid a growing number of COVID-19 cases in the West Bank and Gaza. \u00a0The World Bank forecasts that the Palestinian economy will shrink by 2.5\u00a0per cent in the best-case scenario, and by 7\u00a0per cent if the pandemic continues for four months.\u00a0 \u201cThis will seriously aggravate ongoing public debt, unemployment and poverty,\u201d he warned, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian authorities and urging all parties to the peace process to implement a global ceasefire.<\/p>\n

The representative of China, meanwhile, echoed concerns about the alleged plan to annex the Occupied Palestinian Territory which runs counter to international law and relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 Top priority must be given to responding to the pandemic, he said, encouraging Israel and the Palestinian Authority to sustain and enhance cooperation on the public health and security fronts.\u00a0 For its part, he added, the international community should turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity to invest more effort into the political process, commit to a two-State solution and work towards an early resumption of peace talks.<\/p>\n

The representative of South Africa agreed that all parties must seize the opportunity to build trust and confidence, warning that the current health crisis must not be used to further individual political goals.\u00a0 Regarding Israel\u2019s stated annexation plans, he said only the Palestinians can decide their own fate, adding that the occupying Power must fulfil its responsibility to provide humanitarian assistance to all those who need it.\u00a0 He went on to remind Israel of the Â鶹APP Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) \u2014 which stipulate that \u201cprisoners shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation\u201d \u2014 and called for the immediate release of political prisoners.<\/p>\n

Belgium\u2019s representative was among those speakers who underscored Israel\u2019s special responsibility as an occupying Power amid the pandemic, adding that all measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be taken in line with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.\u00a0 Voicing concern about the situation in East Jerusalem, as well as the forced closure of a testing facility in Silwan, he called for an end to the destruction and seizure of health, water and sanitation facilities. \u00a0Israel should immediately lift the blockade of Gaza and enable the entry of essential medical supplies and humanitarian workers.\u00a0 \u201cOnce again, the developments on the ground underline the need to come to a sustainable and peaceful solution of the conflict in line with international law,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of Indonesia also underscored Israel\u2019s legal obligation to ensure the safety of people under its occupation \u2014 including helping them to cope with COVID-19.\u00a0 Among other things, it must ensure that Palestinians have the required medical facilities and equipment, provide unhindered humanitarian access and stop all illegal actions against Palestinians, including the Gaza blockade.\u00a0 He voiced concern that the $34\u00a0million requested by the Â鶹APP Inter-Agency Response Plan has yet to be fulfilled, urging the international community to extend more support to Palestinians to combat COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Striking a different tone, the United States\u2019 representative cautioned that the immediate goal of halting the spread of COVID-19 must not entirely overshadow the long-term goal of peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 Welcoming \u201ctrue leadership [\u2026] that puts aside politics and makes bold decisions for the well-being of Israeli and Palestinian people\u201d, she said that Washington is committed to helping leaders make choices that save human lives and honour human dignity.\u00a0 Recently, the United States announced $5\u00a0million in aid to Palestinian hospitals and households and will continue to assess how its assistance can best be used going forward.\u00a0 In light of recent steps taken to form a national emergency Government, Israel can count on the United States\u2019 unwavering support.\u00a0 \u201cThe incentives for peace and progress between Israelis and Palestinians are stronger than ever,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Also participating were representatives of France, Russian Federation and Tunisia.<\/p>\n

[In addition to the participants in the videoconference meeting, non-Council members, observers and other delegations were also invited to provide written statements for the debate (under Rules 37 and 39), to be compiled and circulated as an official document of the Council, in accordance with letters from its Presidents for March (China) and April (Dominican Republic) on provisional measures and working methods during the COVID-19 pandemic (documents\u00a0S\/2020\/253<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0S\/2020\/273<\/a>).]<\/p>\n

__________<\/p>\n

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[*]<\/a>\u00a0Based on information received from the Security Council Affairs Division.<\/p>\n

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

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