{"id":239074,"date":"2020-08-25T21:13:34","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T01:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=239074"},"modified":"2020-10-20T21:14:37","modified_gmt":"2020-10-21T01:14:37","slug":"special-coordinator-briefs-security-council-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-including-the-palestinian-question-press-release-sc-14284","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/special-coordinator-briefs-security-council-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-including-the-palestinian-question-press-release-sc-14284\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Coordinator Briefs Security Council on the Situation in the Middle, Including the Palestinian Question – Press Release (SC\/14284)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
SC\/14284
\n25 AUGUST 2020<\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Video (Special Coordinator\u2019s Briefing)<\/a><\/p>\n

(Part 1) Middle East (Israel\u2013Palestine) \u2013 Security Council Open VTC<\/a><\/p>\n

(Part 2) Middle East (Israel\u2013Palestine) \u2013 Security Council Open VTC<\/a><\/p>\n

United States Delegate Vows to \u2018Snapback\u2019\u00a0Iran Sanctions, as Security Council Members Cite Lack of Standing in Nuclear Deal<\/h4>\n

The recent agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates could change dynamics across the Middle East, the senior Â鶹APP official in the region told the Security Council during a video-conference meeting*<\/a>\u00a0on 25\u00a0August.<\/p>\n

He urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume dialogue with a view to resolving their protracted conflict, as Council members held their monthly consideration of the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n

The meeting also featured a discussion on Iran, initiated by the representative of France on behalf of the \u201cE3\u201d countries (France, Germany, United Kingdom), addressing questions relating to the attempt by the United States to trigger a \u201csnapback\u201d of all sanctions lifted under the 2015\u00a0Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action\u00a0(JCPOA), as outlined in a 20\u00a0August letter to the Council President<\/p>\n

Briefing Council members, Nikolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, noted that the Secretary-General welcomed the 13\u00a0August agreement normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and suspending Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope it will inspire leaders on all sides to re-engage constructively in meaningful negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Pointing out that Israel\u2019s commitment to suspend annexation removes an immediate threat to regional stability, he stressed that such a takeover would constitute a \u201cmost serious\u201d violation of international law, close the door to negotiations and destroy the prospect of a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday is not the time to despair about the Palestinian cause,\u201d he emphasized, reiterating that annexation plans have been stopped. \u00a0In fact, today is the time to redouble efforts, to reach out more actively than ever to leaders in the Middle East, and for the Palestinian and Israeli leadership to re-engage constructively, he said.\u00a0 Only the two-State formula \u2014 by which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition \u2014 can lead to sustainable peace.<\/p>\n

He went on to report that multi-layered challenges persist amid the spread of COVID-19 through the Occupied Palestinian Territory and deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 The ceasefire brokered by the Â鶹APP and Egypt \u2014 in place since\u00a02018 \u2014 must be upheld, as militant activity, rocket fire and growing humanitarian needs inside the Strip are rapidly eroding existing arrangements.<\/p>\n

In response to the sharp rise in the number of incendiary balloons, he continued, on 11\u00a0August, Israel limited the transfer of some goods to Gaza and halted the transfer of construction materials through the Kerem Shalom crossing into the enclave.\u00a0 On 12\u00a0August, it stopped all fuel deliveries until further notice, he added.\u00a0 \u201cAs a result, the Gaza power plant has shut down, sharply reducing electricity provision to three hours per day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Underscoring efforts by the Â鶹APP to mitigate the impact of the Palestinian Authority\u2019s decision to halt coordination with Israel, he warned that the suspension of revenue transfers cannot be sustained without severe humanitarian and economic consequences. \u00a0He pointed to increased violent crime within Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as violence involving Palestinian security forces and civilians.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Israeli authorities demolished 72\u00a0Palestinian-owned structures in Area\u00a0C and East Jerusalem, displacing 89\u00a0people, he reported.\u00a0 In addition, 11\u00a0Palestinians demolished their own structures to avoid additional fines.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the stark reality of the current situation,\u201d he stated, warning that regional peace will not be complete, without resolving the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict. \u00a0\u201cThe legitimate national aspiration of 5\u00a0million Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza cannot be ignored,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing discussion, delegates welcomed the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates as a historic decision between two of the most advanced countries in the Middle East.\u00a0 Some delegates pressed Israel to fully abandon its plans to annex parts of the West Bank, rather than simply suspending them.<\/p>\n

Several delegates outlined their positions on the effort by the United States to trigger the snapback of all sanctions on Iran lifted after the 2015\u00a0nuclear deal.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States said the opening of direct ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates will spur growth, enhance innovation and forge closer \u201cpeople-to-people\u201d relations.\u00a0 Direct military cooperation will help to counter the regional threat posed by Iran, which for years has broken the Â鶹APP weapons ban and provided arms to militias, she added, declaring that, although fellow Council members have been unwilling to confront the threat, the United States stands by the Arab world and Israel in efforts to maintain the arms embargo.<\/p>\n

She went on to express hope that, while Palestinians oppose the agreement, it will motivate their leaders to re-engage with Israel. \u00a0\u201cSo much progress on defining the parameters of a settlement has been achieved,\u201d she said, adding that \u201ctired talking points\u201d have been repeated for too long, offering unrealistic and outdated ideas on resolving the crisis while Iran supplies weapons to the Hamas terror group. \u00a0The international community must demand actionable change, she stressed.<\/p>\n

On 20\u00a0August, she recalled, the United States took the \u201conly reasonable and responsible action left to us\u201d after most Council members invited an arms race that regional nations have begged to avoid.\u00a0 For months, the Administration has said it would never allow the world\u2019s biggest State sponsor of terrorism to freely buy and sell planes, tanks and missiles, she noted, underlining the right of the United States, under resolution\u00a02231\u00a0(2015), to trigger the snapback.\u00a0 It intends to do so in the absence of \u201cmoral clarity\u201d within the Council, she asserted.<\/p>\n

Noting that Iran foments conflict, supplying weapons to proxy militias and terrorist groups, she said the Russian Federation and China \u201crevel\u201d in the Council\u2019s failure.\u00a0 Hizbullah, meanwhile, welcomes the possibility of new weapons, the [Nicol\u00e1s] Maduro [of Venezuela] regime expresses \u201cglee\u201d at the prospect of support from Iran, and Houthi rebels see new life in their brutal assaults on Yemenis.\u00a0 While European colleagues have privately expressed concerns over lifting sanctions, the United States has no fear of standing in limited company on the matter, she stressed.\u00a0 \u201cI only regret that other members of this Council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tunisia\u2019s representative underscored the imperative of compelling Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and its aggressive policies and practices against the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Stressing the importance of providing Palestinians with international protection, lifting the blockade on Gaza and ending all forms of discrimination and collective punishment, he urged the international community to support the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to confront the economic, social and humanitarian challenges arising from the occupation and the heavy impact of COVID-19.\u00a0 He went on to reiterate the right of Palestinians to establish an independent and sovereign State within the 1967\u00a0borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, and called for collective action to foster negotiations between the two sides based on internationally endorsed terms of reference, with the Middle East Quartet (United States, European Union, Russian Federation, Â鶹APP) assuming its role.<\/p>\n

France\u2019s representative said it is imperative that Israel\u2019s annexation plans be \u201cdefinitively and irrevocably\u201d abandoned, as such a project would constitute a flagrant violation of international law and an irreversible blow to a two-State solution.\u00a0 Ongoing settlement activity is a major concern, as are the demolition of homes and settler violence against Palestinians in Zone\u00a0C and East Jerusalem, she said, stressing that France, alongside its European, Arab and international partners, stands ready to contribute to resumed negotiations, the only way to reach a lasting settlement of the conflict.\u00a0 She went on to express concern over renewed tensions between Gaza and Israel, and the increase in the number of people affected by COVID-19 in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, underlining the essential need for greater cooperation among the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Â鶹APP agencies and non-governmental organizations.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

Viet Nam\u2019s representative emphasized that, with tensions rising in Gaza, all parties must refrain from violence, urging Israel to lift its blockade as an initial sign of goodwill.\u00a0 A fair and sustainable resolution of the Israeli\u2011Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through dialogue between the concerned parties on the basis of international law and Â鶹APP resolutions, he stressed.<\/p>\n

As for the JCPOA, he called upon the relevant parties to continue negotiations in order to find solutions and resolve differences.\u00a0 At the same time, they must refrain from actions that could exacerbate the situation, erode trust and escalate tensions, he cautioned.<\/p>\n

The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines called upon the Middle East Quartet to renew its efforts to help facilitate a peace agreement, declaring:\u00a0 \u201cIt is a categorical imperative that the Quartet carefully examines and pursues all practical courses of action to lead the peace process to a successful conclusion.\u201d \u00a0She went on to point out that the Palestinians cannot combat the COVID-19 pandemic on their own, urging the international community to ensure that the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) obtains adequate, predictable and sustainable financing.\u00a0 She also echoed UNRWA\u2019s appeal to help Palestine refugees in Lebanon in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion.<\/p>\n

She went on to reaffirm her country\u2019s strong support for the JCPOA, pointing out that the United States, having ceased to be a participant in that agreement, is ineligible to submit a notification to the Council in terms of resolution\u00a02231\u00a0(2015).<\/p>\n

Niger\u2019s representative said the prospect of relaunching Israel-Palestinian peace talks will remain an illusion as long as Israel does not officially abandon its plan to annex parts of the West Bank.\u00a0 The Palestinian question remains a priority that cannot be subject to an agreement between Israel and another State, he emphasized. \u00a0\u201cNow more than ever, it is time for us to give hope to these [Palestinian] people, so long exposed to the torments of instability and violence.\u201d \u00a0Expressing great concern about the spread of COVID-19 in Israel and the Palestinian territories, he said that Israel, as the occupying Power, must take effective measures \u2014 as required by international humanitarian law \u2014 to ensure the well-being of the population in the territories under its control. \u00a0The international community, for its part, must support UNRWA\u2019s efforts on the ground, \u201cbecause millions of needy people depend on its action\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Dominican Republic\u2019s representative described the Israel-United Arab Emirates deal as a \u201cdoor opener\u201d towards a broader process covering all Palestinian concerns, encouraging parties to end unilateral moves and \u201cprovocation narratives\u201d that could obstruct the prospects for peace.\u00a0 The Council must ensure that the situation is solved within the framework of internationally agreed standards and foster a negotiated peace on the basis of respect for self\u2011determination and independence, he said.\u00a0 Underscoring the need for intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation, he pointed out that the situation in the West Bank remains dire, and that COVID-19, insecurity, the electricity crisis and the lack of opportunities for young people remain great sources of concern.\u00a0 He went on to condemn violent acts against civilians, including excessive use of force and indiscriminate rocket fire, emphasizing the need for every effort to de-escalate the situation.<\/p>\n

Belgium\u2019s representative expressed deep regret about the situation regarding the JCPOA, \u201cwhich could pose a threat to the proper functioning, authority and integrity of this Council\u201d.\u00a0 Belgium does not recognize the legality of the purported notification by the United States and firmly supports ongoing efforts by the remaining participant States to address issues of Iran\u2019s non-compliance, he said.\u00a0 The upcoming lifting of the conventional arms embargo should not jeopardize the nuclear agreement, he emphasized.\u00a0 While welcoming the announced normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, he urged Israel to definitively abandon its annexation plans and stressed that Belgium will not recognize any changes to the 1967\u00a0borders, other than those agreed upon by the parties.\u00a0 \u201cAnnexation would seriously undermine the viability of a two-State solution,\u201d he emphasized.\u00a0 Reiterating the call for intra-Palestinian reconciliation, he encouraged all parties to come to the negotiating table without preconditions and expressed full support for efforts by the Middle East Quartet towards that goal.\u00a0 He condemned terror attacks in Gaza and the West Bank and called for independent inquiries into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.\u00a0 Perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable.\u00a0 He also called for a full opening of Gaza crossing points, while addressing Israel\u2019s security concerns.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s representative called upon Israel to end its blockade of Gaza, honour its obligations as an occupying Power under the fourth Geneva Convention and end its disproportionate and hostile actions.\u00a0 Calling for the release of all detainees and political prisoners, he noted that Israel runs a two\u2011tier legal system in which Israelis are subject to civilian law and Palestinians to military law.\u00a0 Any peace initiative must take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people, he emphasized, cautioning that any peace plan should not allow Palestinian statehood to devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability.\u00a0 He added that Israel must be held accountable for its persistent violations of international law, including General Assembly and Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016).<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

Estonia\u2019s representative described Israel\u2019s commitment to suspend its annexation plans as a positive development.\u00a0 Underscoring his country\u2019s commitment to a two-State solution, he stressed that the parties must refrain from unilateral steps that could undermine the viability of the two-State formula, including settlement activity.\u00a0 He also urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider the suspension of its security agreements with Israel.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s representative said that, by agreeing to normalize relations, Israel and the United Arab Emirates made a \u201ctruly historic decision\u201d and an important step towards peace in the region.\u00a0 Germany trusts that Israel\u2019s annexation plans are truly and indefinitely suspended, he added.\u00a0 Halting the demolition of residential structures in Area\u00a0C of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, as well approving new housing units for Palestinians in Area\u00a0C, would send an encouraging signal in these times of COVID-19 hardship, he noted.\u00a0 On the peace process, he said new ways must be found to resume direct negotiations, adding that reactivating the Middle East Quartet would be the best option to discuss the way forward.\u00a0 He called upon Israel to end settlement expansion, and on both sides to abide by resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) with regard to terrorism, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric.\u00a0 The Council must keep stressing that intra\u2011Palestinian reconciliation remains key to a negotiated two-State solution.\u00a0 He went on to condemn attacks launched from Gaza against Israeli civilians, and to underline the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

The Russian Federation\u2019s representative noted that the Palestinian question has a regional dimension, as reflected in the Arab Peace Initiative, and unless it is settled, peace will remain elusive in the Middle East. \u00a0Noting that his country has always supported a settlement based on the internationally recognized legal framework approved by the Â鶹APP, he emphasized that all final status issues should be resolved through direct negotiations as soon as possible.\u00a0 Calling for intensified cooperation between the Middle East Quartet and the parties, he called attention to the Russian Federation\u2019s engagement with Palestinian representatives.\u00a0 He went on to underscore the importance of Israel\u2019s decision to suspend is annexation plans, as such a move would destroy the prospects for a territorially contiguous Palestinian State.<\/p>\n

The United Kingdom\u2019s representative, expressing sympathy to all those affected by the explosion in Beirut, noted that his country provided a \u00a325 million humanitarian support package. \u00a0He welcomed as a historic step the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, in particular, Israel\u2019s commitment to suspend its annexation plans.\u00a0 He also expressed concern about the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the region and the launching by Hamas of rocket fire into Israel. \u00a0While calling upon Israel to lift movement and access restrictions in Gaza and allow fuel to enter the enclave, he also expressed concern about the potential for advancing settlement activity, demolitions and evictions.\u00a0 The United Kingdom supports a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel, living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders, he reaffirmed.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

China\u2019s representative said the international community must step up its efforts on the Palestinian question and urgently push the Middle East peace process forward.\u00a0 The relevant Â鶹APP resolutions, the \u201cland for peace\u201d principle and the two-State formula are important parameters that must be observed and reaffirmed, he emphasized.\u00a0 Urging relevant parties in Gaza to exercise maximum restraint, he called for greater international efforts to alleviate the economic and humanitarian difficulties of the Palestinians, including through UNRWA.<\/p>\n

\/…<\/p>\n

The representative of Indonesia, Council President for August, spoke in his national capacity, expressing concern about Israel\u2019s statement that, rather than abandoning annexation plans, it has merely suspended them.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to be clear that any form of annexation \u2014 today or tomorrow \u2014 remains illegal,\u201d he asserted. \u00a0Recalling that resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) states that the Council will not recognize any changes to the 4\u00a0June\u00a01967 lines, he called for the rejection of annexation plans. \u00a0Decades of illegal occupation, expanding settlements and increasing demolitions have caused a severe deterioration in Palestinian living conditions, he pointed out. \u00a0Humanitarian support is needed, particularly through UNRWA, he added, while urging the parties to commit to a credible multilateral peace process, based on internationally agreed parameters, including the two-State formula.<\/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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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