{"id":245178,"date":"2021-01-26T16:55:07","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T21:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=245178"},"modified":"2021-01-26T16:55:07","modified_gmt":"2021-01-26T21:55:07","slug":"decree-ordering-long-awaited-palestinian-elections-crucial-step-towards-building-democratic-state-special-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-144230","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/decree-ordering-long-awaited-palestinian-elections-crucial-step-towards-building-democratic-state-special-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-144230\/","title":{"rendered":"Decree Ordering Long-Awaited Palestinian Elections “Crucial Step” Towards Building Democratic State, Special Middle East Coordinator Tells Security Council – Press Release (SC\/144230)"},"content":{"rendered":"
SC\/14423<\/strong>
\n26 JANUARY 2021<\/strong><\/h6>\n

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

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

Despite reprisals between Palestinians and Israelis, and the ongoing ravages of COVID-19 on a region struggling to staunch its spread, achievement of an \u00a0elusive two-State vision remains possible, the senior Â鶹APP official for Middle East peace told the Security Council today, hailing a 15 January decree announcing the conduct of Palestinian elections in 2021 as \u201ca crucial step\u201d towards Palestinian unity and the building of a democratic State.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are opportunities unique to this moment that should not be missed,\u201d said Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefing the Council\u2019s videoconference meeting from Jerusalem for the first time since assuming his role in December\u00a02020.\u00a0 Upcoming talks in Cairo to resolve outstanding issues concerning the polls will be important for the preparatory process, he observed.<\/p>\n

According to the long-anticipated decree, issued by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, legislative elections will take place on 22\u00a0May, he said, followed by presidential elections on 31\u00a0July and voting for the Palestinian National Council on 31\u00a0August.\u00a0 An amendment to the elections law, meanwhile, raised the quota for female representation from 20\u00a0per\u00a0cent to 26\u00a0per\u00a0cent. \u00a0In a separate development, he noted that Israel\u2019s Knesset dissolved on 23\u00a0December\u00a02020 after failing to pass a budget, with general elections now slated for 23\u00a0March\u00a02021.<\/p>\n

Turning to the issue of settlements, he expressed concern over Israel\u2019s advancement on 17\u00a0January of 800\u00a0housing units in Area\u00a0C settlements, as well as its publication of tenders for 1,900\u00a0units in that Area, and 210\u00a0units in East Jerusalem, a day later.\u00a0 Of the units advanced and tendered, most are in settlements in outlying locations, deep inside the occupied West Bank, he said.\u00a0 More than 200\u00a0are located in illegal outposts that Israel is retroactively regularizing under its law.<\/p>\n

On 19\u00a0January, the Jerusalem District Court denied a request for an interim injunction to freeze the tendering process for 1,200\u00a0units in Givat Hamatos, he continued, stressing that \u201csettlements are illegal under international law\u201d.\u00a0 He went on to detail Israel\u2019s moves to demolish, seize or force owners to demolish 71\u00a0Palestinian-owned structures, with the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem on 23\u00a0December\u00a02020 upholding an eviction order against four Palestinian families in the Batan al-Hawa section of the Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

More broadly, he said violence persists, marked by rocket fire from militants in Gaza on 25\u00a0December\u00a02020, followed by three additional firings from Gaza towards Israel on 18\u00a0and 19\u00a0January\u00a02021.\u00a0 A month earlier, on 21\u00a0December\u00a02020, a 52-year-old Israeli woman was found killed near the Tal Menashe settlement in the occupied West Bank, having been attacked with a stone.\u00a0 And on 24\u00a0December\u00a02020, a Palestinian man in the village of Tura, near Jenin, was arrested on suspicion of the killing.\u00a0 Settler-related violence also increased, notably following the death of a 16-year-old boy from the Bat Ayin settlement, he added.<\/p>\n

On the political front, he said the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually on 23\u00a0December\u00a02020 to discuss the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian peace.\u00a0 Noting that the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan likewise met in Cairo on 11\u00a0January, he said their joint statement emphasized support for the two-State solution and urged all parties \u2014 including the Quartet \u2014 to work towards launching negotiations.<\/p>\n

In the wider region, he described conditions in the Golan, where the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained despite violations of the 1974\u00a0Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties.\u00a0 There were also reports of air strikes attributed to Israel on locations in Syria on 25\u00a0and 30\u00a0December\u00a02020 and 6, 13\u00a0and 22\u00a0January\u00a02021, resulting in casualties.<\/p>\n

In Lebanon, he said consultations to form a Government continue, with participants at the 2\u00a0December\u00a02020 Paris Conference, co-chaired by the Â鶹APP and France, expressing concern about the political deadlock.\u00a0\u00a0 While the situation in the Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) area of operations was generally stable, there were increased violations of Lebanese airspace by Israel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we contend with one urgent crisis after another, we must not lose sight of our overarching goal: \u00a0supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict,\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>he said, by ending the occupation and achieving the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security, based on the 1967\u00a0lines. \u00a0In that context, he welcomed the agreement signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, expressing hope that recent accords penned between Israel and Arab countries will lead to a more peaceful Middle East. \u00a0That outcome, however, requires leaders \u201con all sides\u201d to re-engage and return to the path of negotiations.<\/p>\n

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the\u00a0League of Arab States<\/u>, noted that Palestinians suffered unprecedented pressure during the past four years from the former Administration of the United States, which chose to adopt dangerous, unjust measures and to freeze funding for UNRWA.\u00a0 Recalling that country\u2019s decades-long role of mediator in efforts to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian State, he said that settlement was sidelined by the main actor in the peace process.\u00a0 Instead, Israel increased its settlement activities and annexed territory, as the former United States Administration laid the foundation for a new settlement based on imposing the status quo, he added.<\/p>\n

The Council continues to believe, by consensus, that the two-State solution is the only way forward, and that settlements and the declaration of Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital are illegal, he continued.\u00a0 Going forward, there must be concerted efforts to reaffirm the two-State formula and resolve the conflict in a comprehensive way, he stressed.\u00a0 The Arab League anticipates that the new United States Administration will correct unhelpful measures and policies and relaunch the political process, he said.\u00a0 That would give Palestinians hope.\u00a0 Welcoming the announcement of elections, he said that step will unify Palestinians and deserves international support.<\/p>\n

Riyad al-Malki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Observer\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, warned that the countdown to the demise of a two-State solution is under way, pointing out that some critics say that time has already elapsed.\u00a0 They point to the responsibility to salvage the process before it is too late, he said, noting that others wonder if this is even the right time for peace.\u00a0 However, the reasons for the difficulty of the task at hand \u2014 mistrust and unilateral actions \u2014 should motivate international involvement \u201csince we all agree, we are running out of time\u201d, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

Asking the Council to consider how much trust existed 30\u00a0years ago, when the parties met in Madrid, he wondered how willing Israel\u2019s Prime Minister was to make peace or how pleased the Palestinians were that the Palestine Liberation Organization\u00a0(PLO) could not send its own delegation.\u00a0 \u201cThe world decided it was time to solve this conflict and was not going to take no for an answer,\u201d he recalled, asserting:\u00a0 \u201cWithout Madrid, we would not have made it to Oslo.\u201d\u00a0 He stressed that momentum is something people create \u2014 not wait for \u2014 and reiterated the call for a collective approach that mobilizes the international community and demonstrates resolve.\u00a0 He likewise called for the revival of the Quartet on the Middle East, its engagement with partners and parties, mobilization by the Council and the holding of an international peace conference to signal, as in Madrid, a turning point in the conflict. \u00a0Final status negotiations, based on international parameters, also must be launched.<\/p>\n

He went on to question whether anyone believed that Israel had dropped its annexation plans, or instead, was advancing them through accelerated demolition of Palestinian homes and record high settler violence. \u00a0Israel\u2019s goal has always been the same: \u00a0grabbing maximum Palestinian geography with minimum Israeli demography. \u00a0\u201cWho would accept that?\u201d, he asked, stressing: \u00a0\u201cWe cannot.\u201d\u00a0 The central question hinges on convincing Israel to choose peace over annexation.\u00a0 He pointed to the adoption of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), outlining a road map for salvaging a two-State solution, and warned against the risks and narrowed choices borne from passive resignation.\u00a0 Noting that the last four years have tested collective resolve, he said the international community faced the challenge by standing up against annexation, reaffirming support for Palestinian rights and supporting UNRWA.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is the time to heal and repair the damage left by the previous United States Administration,\u201d he said, expressing hope for resumed engagement with Washington, D.C., reversal of the hostile measures taken by the previous administration and working together for peace. \u00a0He welcomed the United States decision to rejoin the international law-based order and voiced his expectation that it will play a key role in creating peace in the Middle East. \u00a0\u201cThis is not the time for passive resignation,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Resolute action is needed, without which reversing trends on the ground and resuming final status negotiations will be impossible.<\/p>\n

He went on to question whether the world had used the tools available to end the occupation and the conflict, proposing that international observers be deployed to assess compliance, and questioning why one side should fear the consequences of breaching commitments or reject the idea of binding timeframes. \u00a0\u201cThis is the path towards changing the dramatic reality under way in Palestine,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Palestinians will continue to fulfill their obligations. \u00a0\u201cAn entire nation is yearning for freedom and its calls must be answered,\u201d he said. \u00a0They are asking for nothing more than what is outlined in the Charter of the Â鶹APP\u00a0\u2014 nor will they accept anything less, he said, stressing: \u00a0\u201cWe cannot accept a future of walls and of blockades.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, he advocated for the creation of a sovereign, viable, contiguous and democratic State of Palestine, based on 1967\u00a0borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, through peaceful means. \u00a0He also called for immediate protection for Palestinians, until such time the Government can protect them as a sovereign State, and support to ensure the integrity of Presidential and legislative elections, notably by helping to remove any obstacles to their conduct foisted by Israel.\u00a0 \u201cWith your help, may our future be one of freedom, security and prosperity for all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0said he hoped the new Special Coordinator will bring fresh energy to help to resolve the issue and recognize Iran for its role as the real threat to the region, including Tehran\u2019s call for the destruction of Israel and denying the Holocaust.\u00a0 Indeed, the Council should be focusing on Iran today, as that regime has made its nuclear-weapon aspirations clear, he said, noting a recent International Atomic Energy Agency\u00a0(IAEA) report and stressing that the most dangerous regime in the world must not be allowed to possess atomic weapons.\u00a0 Emphasizing that Israel has no grievances with the Iranian people, who are victims of the regime\u2019s ideology and actions, including the recent death sentence of a journalist, he said thousands of Iranians are paying the price of the international community\u2019s complacency.<\/p>\n

The reality in\u00a02021 is not the reality of\u00a02016, he said.\u00a0 Iran did not use the removal of sanctions to improve conditions for its people, but has built an arsenal of missiles, funded terrorism and is threatening regional and international peace and security.\u00a0 A recently discovered secret archive has demonstrated that Iran failed to disclose its massive nuclear weapon programme, deceiving the world when it signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.\u00a0 The Council must not give in to this nuclear extortion, he said, adding that measures should ensure that Iran truly abandons its atomic weapon aspirations.\u00a0 Appreciating the international community\u2019s efforts to block Iran\u2019s intention of developing nuclear weapons, he warned that lifting sanctions will prevent the achievement of this goal.\u00a0 Israel knows how to protect its citizens.\u00a0 It will never allow Iran to become a nuclear\u2011weapon country and will work with the United States to achieve this goal.<\/p>\n

He expressed hope that the Council\u2019s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will change and focus on the real threat to the process \u2014 Palestinian incitement and terrorist attacks.\u00a0 Israel remains ready to negotiate to resolve the conflict and will make peace when there is a willing partner, which can be seen in agreements signed with Egypt, and more recently, other countries in the region.\u00a0 If President Abbas was truly serious about peace, he would stop inciting violence and come to the negotiating table instead of calling for another international conference.\u00a0 He said that, after 15\u00a0years of avoiding elections, President Abbas has now coincidentally announced elections at the dawn of a new United States Administration.<\/p>\n

However, the Middle East of today is no longer the old Middle East held hostage by the Palestinians, he continued.\u00a0 The new peace accords with several countries bring stability and new hope for the region, he said, asking Palestinians to explain why they call these agreements a \u201cstab in the back\u201d.\u00a0 Addressing false claims about Israel\u2019s COVID-19 vaccination programme, he said a successful campaign involves including all parts of society, and Israel\u2019s experiences will be shared with other countries in addition to contributions of millions of dollars and cooperation with Â鶹APP agencies.\u00a0 The Palestinian Authority is responsible for the health care of its people and has requested vaccines from the Russian Federation, he said, adding that Israel will provide whatever assistance it can in this endeavour.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing dialogue, ministers and representatives from around the world affirmed their support for a two-State solution and condemned the violence by both sides.\u00a0 Many denounced Israel\u2019s settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as illegal under international law, called for upholding the spirit and letter of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) and pressed parties to re-engage in meaningful peace negotiations.<\/p>\n

Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Tunisia<\/u>, Council President for January, speaking in his national capacity, said the overarching goal is to end the conflict and ongoing violations of human rights and to reach a peace agreement.\u00a0 However, Israel has rejected measures and continues to occupy Arab territories.\u00a0 It is unacceptable for the current situation to continue, he said, expressing hope that the Council will be able to achieve a breakthrough and paradigm shift to end the impasse.\u00a0 He called for the international community to unite in efforts coordinated by the Council, Secretary-General and the Middle East Quartet to create an environment conducive for relaunching serious negotiations within a determined timeline to reach a fair, comprehensive peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 To do so, the international community must hold Israel accountable for violations and ensure it withdraws its occupation, ends the illegal Gaza blockade and halts annexation plans.\u00a0 Relaunching negotiations cannot occur with these breaches of international law and violations of relevant Council resolutions.\u00a0 All issues must be settled, including the status of Palestinian refugees, he said, expressing hope that international efforts will help the Palestinian authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with UNRWA continuing to discharge its important mandate. \u00a0Expressing support for all efforts to revive the peace process, he said the world faces a historical moment, and the international community must support the peace process.\u00a0 Let the Â鶹APP seventy-fifth anniversary be the occasion to do so, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of\u00a0Ireland<\/u>, reaffirming his country\u2019s commitment to a two-State solution, said that, ultimately, there is no substitute for direct negotiations between the parties. \u00a0\u201cIt is time to look afresh at how we can assist Israelis and Palestinians to bring new momentum to resolving this conflict,\u201d he said. \u00a0He encouraged regional players to identify concrete ways to help the two sides build trust and cooperation, noting that new partnerships between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco could contribute to resolving the Israel-Palestine issue. \u00a0He called for the Quartet to play a reinvigorated role and looked forward to fresh engagement by the United States under its new administration.\u00a0 He also requested more details about President Abbas\u2019s proposal for an international peace conference.\u00a0 He went on to say that Ireland stands ready to assist plans for free, fair and inclusive elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.\u00a0 He also urged Israel to halt all settlement expansion and demolitions and called for an immediate end to missile attacks from Gaza into Israel.\u00a0 Turning to other Middle East hotspots, he welcomed the Al-Ula declaration, calling it a key milestone towards stability in the Gulf region, and urged greater efforts to end the conflicts in Yemen and Syria.<\/p>\n

Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>, said that achieving a comprehensive Middle East peace settlement should remain a focus for the international community. \u00a0Questioning \u201cgeopolitical experiments\u201d promoted by Western countries, he said that unilateral acts can only push away prospects for the fair settlement of current issues.\u00a0 Normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries should aim at stabilizing the region, and not to push aside the Israeli-Palestinian issue to so-called \u201cbetter days\u201d. \u00a0He stressed the need for direct dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, based on Council resolutions and the Madrid principles, among other foundational documents, with Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns taken into account.\u00a0 Financial support for UNRWA must continue.\u00a0 He went on to say that international efforts to relaunch direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations is critical to resolve the whole range of final status issues.\u00a0 In that regard, the Quartet, in close cooperation with the parties to the conflict and key Arab countries, can play a very effective role.\u00a0 The Russian Federation is in favour of an international peace conference as proposed by President Abbas, he said, adding that thought should also be given towards a ministerial meeting among Quartet member States and Arab countries, with the participation of Israel and Palestine.\u00a0 Such a meeting could become a working platform to analyse the situation and help launch dialogue.\u00a0 He also said that Moscow stands ready to host a high-level Israeli-Palestinian meeting.<\/p>\n

Marcelo Ebrard Casaub\u00f3n, Minister for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>, said the responsibility for a resumed peace process depends on Israelis and Palestinians alike.\u00a0 Mexico is particularly interested in multilateral initiatives to achieve a solution, whether through revitalization of the Quartet or the holding of an international conference.\u00a0 Any diplomatic effort is welcome, he said, urging parties to refrain from actions that might hamper the peace process.\u00a0 Further, resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) must be enforced, as it states that a halt to settlement\u2011building is crucial for achieving the two-State solution.\u00a0 He called for an immediate cessation of settlement activities and demolition of Palestinian structures, noting more broadly that the normalization of ties between Israel and Arab countries will provide an opportunity to relaunch the peace process.\u00a0 As long as the conditions for a political solution are not met, it will be difficult to address Palestinians\u2019 needs.\u00a0 He urged parties to avoid violence, and to protect the human rights of Palestinians and Israelis, condemning attacks against Israel by groups in Gaza, and the disproportionate responses to them.\u00a0 He acknowledged UNRWA\u2019s efforts in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, drawing attention to Mexico\u2019s recent $750,000\u00a0contribution and stressing the need for mutual respect and full compliance with the rule of law.<\/p>\n

Ine Eriksen S\u00f8reide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Norway<\/u>, said resumed negotiations should build on previous agreements, based on international law, Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. \u00a0Expressing strong support for a two-State solution and saying Palestinians and Israelis are destined to live peacefully side by side, along safe and recognized borders, she said this approach is the only one that has the commitment of leaders from both sides and is backed by international consensus.\u00a0 For the formula to work, it must be viable:\u00a0 Palestinians cannot exist without an end to the occupation and prerequisites for growth in place.\u00a0 A Palestinian State needs strong, transparent institutions, with continued support for reforms, she said, welcoming the upcoming Palestinian elections and drawing attention to a shared responsibility for ensuring UNRWA has the resources needed to fulfil its mandate. \u00a0The Palestinian State-building process deserves recognition and Norway will call for greater international support for that purpose at the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which will also focus on the situation in Gaza and the need to complete basic infrastructure projects.\u00a0 Expressing concern over Israel\u2019s ongoing settlement\u2011building in the West Bank, she said normalized relations between Israel and other States offer \u201ca glimmer of hope\u201d, as they create new dynamics that the international community should capitalize on to foster peace in the region.\u00a0 A reinvigorated Quartet will also be important for the process to succeed, she added.<\/p>\n

Rein Tammsaar, Deputy Foreign Minister of\u00a0Estonia<\/u>, expressed support for all efforts to resume negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians on all final status issues, based on international law, relevant Council resolutions and agreed parameters. \u00a0He expressed hope that the normalization of relations between Israel and certain Arab States will help revive the Middle East peace process aimed at achieving a two-State solution. \u00a0Pressing all stakeholders to support the holding of free, fair and inclusive elections for Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he urged all Palestinian factions to commit to international law and democratic principles, and on Israel to facilitate the holding of elections across all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. \u00a0Parties likewise should refrain from unilateral steps that undermine the viability of a two-State solution, he said, calling on Israel to halt its settlement expansion and demolitions, and denouncing in particular its recent decision to advance settlement\u2011building plans in Givat Hamatos as \u201ccontrary to international law\u201d.\u00a0 Estonia has increased support to UNRWA in recent years and he urged others to do likewise, he added.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Saint Vincent and the Grenadines<\/u>\u00a0echoed President Abbas\u2019 call on the Â鶹APP to convene an international conference in early\u00a02021 to launch a genuine peace process. \u00a0Honouring the Palestinian peoples\u2019 long-held quest for self-determination and statehood by revisiting the question of full membership at the Â鶹APP is a matter long overdue, and an essential component of a lasting two-State solution.\u00a0 Expressing deep concern about unlawful measures and practices by Israeli authorities, he said that all settlement activities violate international law.\u00a0 Turning to the internal political situation in Palestine, he welcomed the announcement by President Abbas to hold the parliamentary elections on 22\u00a0May, presidential elections on 31\u00a0July and the Palestinian National Council elections on 31\u00a0August.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>, recalling comments made today, shared elements of the Biden Administration\u2019s approach, including its firm support for a two-State solution, which remains the best way to ensure Israel\u2019s future as a Jewish State and the Palestinians\u2019 aspiration for nationhood.\u00a0 Active consultations with both sides are essential, he said, emphasizing that, even though trust among the two parties is at a nadir, this does not remove the responsibility to ensure a two-State solution or to address humanitarian conditions on the ground.\u00a0 Confidence can be built on both sides through constructive actions, he said, adding that the Biden Administration will restore relations with the Palestinians and Israelis.\u00a0 Washington, D.C., will also restore assistance programmes to help the Palestinian people and reopen offices that were closed under the former United States Administration.\u00a0 At the same time, the United States will maintain its steadfast support for Israel, opposing one-sided resolutions and actions that unfairly single it out.\u00a0 The Biden Administration welcomes recent agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab States.\u00a0 Indeed, peaceful cooperation among States in the region is crucial, and the United States will work to normalize relations among more countries.\u00a0 Doing so will benefit the region as a whole, unlocking new possibilities to advance a two\u2011State solution, he said, adding that the United States looks forward to working with the Palestinians, Israel and the Middle East Quartet in the coming years.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Kenya<\/u>, condemning all acts of violence that endanger Middle East peace and prosperity, said that the practicality and full implementation of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) on Israeli settlements must be addressed.\u00a0 He called for greater cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to ensure the delivery of critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the international community to support international and regional efforts geared towards the resumption of peace talks.\u00a0 He expressed hope that all parties will come on board, including through participation in the proposed international conference.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0France<\/u>\u00a0said the parameters for resolving the conflict are well-known:\u00a0 two States living in peace and security on the basis of 1967\u00a0borders, with East Jerusalem as their capital.\u00a0 It is for the parties alone to resume discussions on this basis, make any necessary modifications and conclude all final status issues together. \u00a0He expressed alarm over the multiplication of Israel\u2019s fait accompli acts, undermining a two-State solution, and condemned its moves to advance or approve settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and notably in Givat Hamatos and Har Homa.\u00a0 Israel should not implement these decisions. \u00a0He likewise expressed alarm over the sharp rise in the demolition of Palestinian structures, notably those financed by France and the European Union, stressing that France will not recognize any change to the 1967\u00a0lines other than those agreed by the parties.\u00a0 All parties must distinguish between Israeli territory and the occupied territories of\u00a01967. \u00a0Greater cooperation will be needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and he recalled Israel\u2019s responsibility as the occupying Power on the issue of vaccines. \u00a0He concluded by stressing that France and its partners will work to achieve a fair, lasting solution in the Middle East, based on international law, and welcoming the rejection by the United States of any unilateral actions that undermine a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Viet Nam<\/u>\u00a0expressed support for the Arab League to play a greater role in regional issues, including the Palestine question. \u00a0Welcoming the recent announcement of the Palestinian Authority on the parliamentary and presidential elections to be held later this year, he said the long-awaited polls will be a crucial step to consolidate the solidarity of the Palestinians and help them overcome the multiple challenges and achieve progress in the peace process. \u00a0In this regard, he called on the Â鶹APP and all relevant parties to support the holding of free and fair elections with the participation of all eligible voters from all parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 As the challenges in the peace process are further compounded by humanitarian ones, the international community must continue its efforts to help address the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Niger<\/u>, highlighting current challenging conditions facing the Palestinian people, expressed hope that elections would lead to the resumption of talks to negotiate a two-State solution and to addressing these and other pressing issues.\u00a0 Observing the recent d\u00e9tente between Israel and some countries in the region, he remained concerned about worsening relations with Palestinian authorities.\u00a0 Supporting the work of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC), he highlighted a range of ongoing issues, deploring Israel\u2019s settlement activities, including calls for building 2,500\u00a0more housing units and policies for destroying Palestinian homes.\u00a0 These and other flagrant violations of international law and Security Council resolutions jeopardize talks to establish a two-State solution and must not be tolerated.\u00a0 Concerned about conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Niger is alarmed about the 13-year-long Gaza blockade and other Israeli actions.\u00a0 As such, the international community must support President Abbas\u2019 call for a conference to advance the goal of establishing a Palestinian State, he said, expressing hope for future success in ending the conflict.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0India<\/u>\u00a0said his country has always called for a just and comprehensive solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and welcomed all peaceful efforts to achieve a two-State solution.\u00a0 Reiterating his India\u2019s support for President Abbas\u2019 call to hold an international peace conference, he noted that New Delhi has made a multi-year financial contribution of $5\u00a0million to support UNRWA’s work in providing humanitarian assistance and essential services. \u00a0As an incoming UNRWA Advisory Committee member, India will continue to strengthen its contribution to the Agency. \u00a0His country supports Palestinian nation-building and is currently undertaking several projects in health, education, technology and other sectors.\u00a0 It also provides over 250\u00a0scholarships for Palestinian youth and officials annually and has supplied critical life\u2011saving drugs and medical equipment to Palestine as assistance during COVID-19.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>\u00a0welcomed the announcement of dates for Palestinian presidential and legislative elections for the first time since\u00a02006, encouraging leaders to work towards strong, inclusive and accountable democratic institutions, based on respect for the law and human rights.\u00a0 She expressed the United Kingdom\u2019s long-standing support for a negotiated settlement leading to a safe, secure Israel living alongside a viable, sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967\u00a0lines with agreed lands swaps, Jerusalem as a shared capital and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement of the refugee issue. \u00a0She condemned the 20\u00a0January decision to award tenders and proceed towards construction of settlement units in Givat Hamatos in the West Bank, stressing that \u201csettlements are illegal under international law\u201d and threaten a two-State solution, and urged Israel to cease all such activity. \u00a0She condemned the murder of Esther Horden by a Palestinian on 20\u00a0December\u00a02020 in Tal Menashe, as well as all violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. \u00a0Further, she called on Hamas and other terrorist groups to end their rocket fire against Israel, urging parties to prioritize progress on a durable solution for Gaza and encouraging Israel to take practical steps to ensure the area\u2019s reconstruction.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0said Palestinians\u2019 legitimate demand for a State cannot be delayed indefinitely.\u00a0 \u201cNew changes are on the horizon,\u201d he said, calling for a greater sense of urgency to achieve peace through diplomacy.\u00a0 The two sides should rebuild trust and find a way to peacefully coexist, while the international community should establish a multilateral mechanism for promoting peace talks.\u00a0 Expressing support for the position of Arab countries, he said the proposal to hold an international peace conference deserves consideration.\u00a0 For its part, the Council must promote resolution of the Palestinian question, listen to the voices of regional organizations and work to resume dialogue. \u00a0China will continue to push for the Council\u2019s greater role in the Middle East peace process, he said, welcoming the decision by Palestinians to hold elections.\u00a0 The land\u2011for\u2011peace principle, the Arab Peace Initiative and a two-State solution all point in the right direction, he said, calling them the \u201cbasic tenets\u201d for resolving the Palestinian question.\u00a0 Drawing attention to resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), he expressed concern over Israel\u2019s significant expansion of settlement activities and called for their cessation. \u00a0Israel also must stop destroying Palestinian property, prevent violence against civilians and lift the Gaza blockade. \u00a0Its right to peaceful coexistence should be guaranteed, he added.<\/p>\n

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

SC\/14423 26 JANUARY 2021 Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0 Video (Special Coordinator’s Briefing) Despite reprisals between Palestinians and Israelis, and the ongoing ravages of COVID-19 on a region struggling to staunch its spread, achievement of an \u00a0elusive two-State vision remains possible, the senior Â鶹APP official for Middle East peace told the Security Council today, hailing a 15 January […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[933],"document-category":[1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[6169,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,2065,2005,6257,2237,2533,2029,1857,1638,2385,2137,1965,1917,1841],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6541],"class_list":["post-245178","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-lebanon","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-electoral-issues","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-gender","document-subject-golan-heights","document-subject-health","document-subject-house-demolitions","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-quartet","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-situation-in-lebanon","document-subject-situation-in-the-opt-including-jerusalem","document-subject-women","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/245178","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\/245178\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=245178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=245178"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=245178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}