{"id":236069,"date":"2020-05-20T10:56:21","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T14:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=236069"},"modified":"2020-07-22T00:38:45","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T04:38:45","slug":"israels-threat-of-partial-west-bank-annexation-will-deal-devastating-blow-to-two-state-solution-middle-east-coordinator-warns-security-council-press-release-sc-14192","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/israels-threat-of-partial-west-bank-annexation-will-deal-devastating-blow-to-two-state-solution-middle-east-coordinator-warns-security-council-press-release-sc-14192\/","title":{"rendered":"Israel\u2019s Threat of Partial West Bank Annexation Will Deal “Devastating Blow” to Two-State Solution, Middle East Coordinator Warns Security Council – Press Release (SC\/14192)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SC\/14192<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
20 MAY 2020<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

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

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

As Palestinian Authority Reacts by Ending Security Cooperation, Oslo Accord Commitments, Council Members Call for Return to Peace Talks<\/h4>\n

Israel\u2019s stated intention to annex parts of the occupied West Bank will deal a devastating blow to the two-State solution and close the door to fresh negotiations with the Palestinians towards peace in the Middle East, the top Â鶹APP official for the peace process said during a videoconference meeting*<\/a>\u00a0of the Security Council on 20\u00a0May.<\/p>\n

In the coming weeks and months, all sides must do their part to preserve the prospect of a negotiated two-State resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with internationally agreement parameters, international law and Â鶹APP resolutions, Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese efforts must begin immediately. \u00a0There is no time to lose,\u201d he said, three days after the formation of a new Government in Israel and one day after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that the Palestinian Authority will no longer abide by its security and other agreements with Israel and the United States.\u00a0 \u201cThe fate of the Palestinian and Israeli people must not be determined by destructive unilateral actions that cement divisions and may put peace beyond reach in our lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that the ongoing threat of annexation would constitute \u201ca most serious violation of international law\u201d that would also deal a \u201cdevastating blow\u201d to the idea of two States, one Israeli and one Palestinian, living side by side in peace and security on the basis of pre-1967 borders.\u00a0 It would moreover close the door to renewed negotiations and threaten efforts to advance both regional peace as well as international peace and security.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsrael must abandon the threats of annexation, and the Palestinian leadership [must] re-engage with all members of the [Middle East] Quartet,\u201d which for its part must quickly draft a proposal that would enable it to take up its mediation role and work jointly with others in the region to advance peace prospects, he said, noting that Israeli public opinion is divided on the issue of annexation.<\/p>\n

He went on to describe the Palestinian reaction as a \u201cdesperate cry for help\u201d and a call for immediate action.\u00a0 \u201cThe Palestinian leadership is not threatening. \u00a0It is calling for urgent action to preserve the prospect of peace,\u201d he said, announcing that he planned to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on 21\u00a0May to better understand the decision to cease respecting the Oslo Accords.<\/p>\n

Turning to the immediate situation on the ground, he said that it remains dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Palestinian and Israeli authorities \u2014 despite political tensions \u2014 still coordinating their efforts to limit the spread of the deadly virus, carefully reopen their economies and lift virus-related restrictions on movement.<\/p>\n

Relatively successful prevention efforts have so far ensured that the limited capacity of the health system in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has not been overwhelmed, but the ability of the Palestinian health sector \u2014 particularly in Gaza \u2014 to deal with a potential surge in cases remains a major concern, he said.<\/p>\n

Test kits, personal protective equipment, ventilators and essential material for intensive care units remain in short supply due to funding gaps and insufficient global supply, he said, adding that the Â鶹APP and its partners are working to address those gaps and their ramifications.<\/p>\n

In the discussion that followed, most speakers insisted once again that negotiations must resume towards a two-State solution to the long-running conflict and emphasized the Council\u2019s need to act.\u00a0 They also urged Israel not to go ahead with annexation, saying it would jeopardize chances for a durable peace.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States acknowledged that many Council members have objections to elements of the \u201cVision for Peace\u201d blueprint unveiled in January by President Donald J. Trump.\u00a0 \u201cBut statements of concern from Council members will only get us so far,\u201d she said.\u00a0 The Council cannot dictate an end to the conflict, but only encourage the parties to sit down together and determine how they wish to move forward.\u00a0 \u201cIf both sides are serious about their talking, it is time for both sides to prove it, and if this Council is serious about wanting to see progress in the Middle East, then I urge each of you to look seriously at the steps you can take to encourage direct negotiations.\u201d\u00a0 She added that the Council must encourage the Palestinians to view President Trump\u2019s realistic and implementable proposal as both a starting point and an opportunity to realize their aspirations.\u00a0 She went on to say that the Council must focus on bringing the parties to the table, and not on statements \u201cthat I think we all have to admit have grown a little bit repetitive\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Russian Federation said that now more than ever international cooperation and action is needed to advance the peace process, which would be undermined by annexation.\u00a0 With the Palestinian Authority free of its commitments under the Oslo Accords, the door for any prospects for a two-State solution may be closed.\u00a0 As a Quartet member, the Russian Federation is ready to support and facilitate efforts to salvage the peace process and to engage with key regional countries.\u00a0 He added that Palestinian unity is needed more than ever and urged Palestinians and Israelis to continue to coordinate their COVID-19 response.<\/p>\n

France\u2019s representative said that the inauguration of the new Israeli Government brings the prospect of annexation closer.\u00a0 He reiterated that any annexation of any part of the West Bank, including settlements only, would violate international law and imperil the two-State solution, adding: \u00a0\u201cAnnexation is neither in the interest of the Palestinians nor of the Israelis nor of the Europeans nor of the international community.\u201d\u00a0 It would further put regional stability at risk and harm Israel\u2019s role in the world, he said, emphasizing that annexation will have consequences for the European Union\u2019s relations with Israel.\u00a0 \u201cWe are today at a crossroads for the Middle East peace process. \u00a0It is our responsibility as Council members to unite to promote peace and not chaos,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s delegate said that now is the time to engage the new Government in Israel through dialogue.\u00a0 \u201cAs close partners and friends, we [\u2026] strongly encourage the Israeli Government not to implement any measures which would constitute a violation of international law,\u201d\u00a0 he said, adding that ways must be found to revive the political process and resume direct negotiations between the parties.\u00a0 The format for such talks must be agreed by both parties, he said, adding that Germany would support reviving the Quartet or establishing an alternative multilateral format. \u00a0He also called upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to remain committed to the Oslo Accords and to the obligations contained in those texts.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United Kingdom, also voicing deep concern about the prospects of annexation, said that his delegation appreciates the Palestinian Authority\u2019s proposals for renewed dialogue, but it is disappointed by President Abbas\u2019s decision to no longer abide by security agreements.\u00a0 Now is the time for more cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, not less.\u00a0 The two sides must work together to meet their obligations under the Oslo Accords and refrain from unilateral actions.\u00a0 He also once again called on Israel to halt settlement activity and for the Palestinian Authority to tackle incitement and anti-Semitism.<\/p>\n

China\u2019s delegate urged the relevant party to stop any unilateral actions, and refrain from escalating conflict and tension, adding: \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s also our firm position that no country should back such unilateral actions.\u201d \u00a0The Council should discharge its mandate and do its part to prevent such dangerous unilateral actions. \u00a0The Palestinian issue is testing human conscience and international justice and the Palestinian people\u2019s right to statehood is not something for trading.\u00a0 Turning to the COVID-19 pandemic, he encouraged Israel and Palestine to strengthen public health cooperation and called for an end to the blockade of Gaza.\u00a0 For its part, the international community should scale up assistance to the Palestinian people, including through increased financial support to the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).<\/p>\n

Indonesia\u2019s delegate said that the Council has a solemn duty to act against annexation.\u00a0 \u201cThere should be no ambiguity on this matter,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s insistence on continuing along the path of annexation will devour peace prospects, create regional instability, usher in a new cycle of violence, and eventually undermine Israel\u2019s security interests.\u00a0 Rather than stand idly by, the Council must address Israel\u2019s illegal actions. \u00a0He also urged the international community at large to stop Israel\u2019s creeping annexation through various means, including halting any support to settlement-related businesses.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s representative said that \u201cwe have again failed the people of Palestine\u201d.\u00a0 The Council, the wider Â鶹APP membership and the international community cannot allow flagrant violations of international law to continue.\u00a0 Israel is exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to further advance its de\u00a0facto annexation of Palestinian land. \u00a0Any Middle East peace plan must not see Palestinian statehood devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability.\u00a0 \u201cThe actions of a few in the coming days and months, will determine whether future generations will continue to live under the threat of the scourge of war or if they will be able to enjoy the freedoms and peace envisaged at the founding of the Â鶹APP,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The Dominican Republic\u2019s delegate said that, at this particular juncture, conciliation efforts must be redoubled with the support of the international community.\u00a0 Unilateral actions must be avoided at all costs.\u00a0 The COVID-19 pandemic is a common enemy for both Israelis and Palestinians and the only way to fight it is through collective action based on solidarity and a common sense of humanity.\u00a0 He welcomed Israel\u2019s reopening of several border crossings, enabling thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank to seek work, adding that coordination between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities can promote much-needed dialogue to relaunch peace talks.<\/p>\n

The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines urged Israel, the occupying Power, to reverse its settlement policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 A comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question should take into account the legitimate concerns of both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.\u00a0 It should also include internationally guaranteed provisions to an end to the occupation and achieve a two-State solution.\u00a0 She also went on to urge the international community to keep funding UNRWA and bilateral programmes to improve access to health care in the West Bank and Gaza.<\/p>\n

Viet Nam\u2019s delegate, commending coordination efforts to tackle COVID-19, remained concerned about deteriorating conditions in Gaza and ongoing violence.\u00a0 Sharing concerns about settlement activities, he called on Israel to halt such practices and to fulfil its obligations under relevant resolutions.\u00a0 Viet Nam fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Coordinator, he said, also expressing hope that the Quartet would play its role in encouraging the resumption of talks on the basis of internationally agreed parameters, including relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.<\/p>\n

Niger\u2019s delegate said that while existing General Assembly and Council resolutions should pave the way for dialogue and a lasting peace, not much has been achieved towards those goals.\u00a0 In the spirit of cooperation, seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, Niger hopes that Israelis and Palestinians can overcome differences and return to the negotiating table.\u00a0 He urged both sides to respond favourably to the Secretary-General\u2019s appeal to build a framework for cooperation and to pool their efforts in order to effectively combat the spread of the coronavirus and its disastrous consequences on populations already exposed to various deprivations.\u00a0 \u201cMay this blessed month of Ramadan strengthen this nascent dynamic of cooperation between Israel and Palestine, and may it enable the peoples of this region, cradle of the three great religions, to enjoy peace, security and development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of Estonia, Council President for May, spoke in his national capacity, congratulating Israel on the formation of its new Government and calling upon it and the Palestinian Authority to keep coordinating their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0 He added that the recent United States initiative \u201chas given us impetus to revive the Middle East peace process\u201d.\u00a0 Israelis and Palestinians should take steps towards resuming negotiations in line with relevant Â鶹APP resolutions.\u00a0 He also called on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its decision to terminate agreements with Israel and the United States and to remain committed to the obligations contained therein.<\/p>\n

Also participating in the meeting were representatives of Tunisia and Belgium.<\/p>\n

\n

__________<\/p>\n

\n

*<\/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

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