{"id":274510,"date":"2022-04-25T17:16:13","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T21:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=274510"},"modified":"2022-04-29T16:17:43","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T20:17:43","slug":"status-quo-of-jerusalems-holy-sites-must-be-upheld-special-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-as-speakers-express-alarm-over-recent-violent-clashes-press-release-sc-14869","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/status-quo-of-jerusalems-holy-sites-must-be-upheld-special-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-as-speakers-express-alarm-over-recent-violent-clashes-press-release-sc-14869\/","title":{"rendered":"Status Quo of Jerusalem\u2019s Holy Sites Must Be Upheld, Special Middle East Coordinator Tells Security Council, as Speakers Express Alarm over Recent Violent Clashes – Press Release (SC\/14869)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9021ST MEETING (AM)<\/strong>
\nSC\/14869<\/strong>
\n25 APRIL 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

video Part I<\/a><\/p>\n

video Part II<\/a><\/p>\n

The status quo on Jerusalem\u2019s holy sites must be upheld at all costs, speakers told the Security Council today, following the recent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at Haram al-Sharif\/Temple Mount during religious holidays.<\/p>\n

Giving updates to the 15-member organ, Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said that, despite his hope that this month and its holy days would be a peaceful and celebratory time, the period has been marked by violence. \u00a0The situation in Jerusalem, however, remains relatively calm despite inflammatory rhetoric and violent clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces at the holy sites.<\/p>\n

All sides must do their part to reduce tensions, uphold the status quo at the holy sites, and ensure their sanctity is respected by all, he said, welcoming statements by senior Israeli officials reiterating Israel\u2019s commitment to upholding the status quo and ensuring that only Muslims would be allowed to pray on the Holy Esplanade.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this sensitive and volatile moment, Israeli and Palestinian leaders have made some commendable efforts to ease tensions, condemn attacks and rein in violence,\u201d he said. \u00a0Regional and international partners, such as the Â鶹APP, Egypt and Jordan, have engaged to help restore calm and ensure continued access for Muslim worshippers, he said, stressing that \u201cthese efforts should continue\u201d.<\/p>\n

The violence and spiralling tensions of the past month have underscored that efforts to manage the conflict are not a substitute for real progress towards resolving it, he said, stressing that a serious escalation is avoidable and sustained calm can open the space for more serious discussions about further improvements.<\/p>\n

He then urged the parties to maintain calm so the final week of Ramadan can take place and be celebrated without interruption. \u00a0\u201cHaving said that, we must not lose sight of the imperative to end the occupation and advance towards a two-State reality,\u201d he said, expressing the Â鶹APP\u2019 determination to support Israelis and Palestinians in moving towards that future.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing discussion, Israel and Palestine traded accusations about the incidents at the site, which is referred to by Muslims as \u201cHaram al-Sharif\u201d and as \u201cTemple Mount\u201d by Jews.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine said that a few days ago, Israeli occupying forces stormed the Aqsa Mosque compound\/Haram al-Sharif, shooting at worshippers and desecrating the mosque with military boots and violence. \u00a0He pointed out that 200\u00a0Palestinians, including women and children were wounded and 400\u00a0arrested, yet Israel claims it is upholding the historic status quo.<\/p>\n

Not only does Israel use security to justify killing Palestinian children on their way to school, it labels Palestinian worshippers as terrorists, he continued. \u00a0Jewish extremists and settlers are not merely visiting Haram al\u2011Sharif, but are seeking a takeover. \u00a0Israel has no authority over Haram al\u2011Sharif where the historic and legal status quo must be upheld, he said, adding that the occupying Power is also targeting the Palestinian identity of the city.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative, noting the convergence of Passover, Easter and Ramadan in\u00a02022, said that what could have been an opportunity for peaceful coexistence was instead used by Palestinian extremists to incite violence. \u00a0Hundreds of Palestinian terrorists on the Temple Mount posed a threat to both Muslim and Jewish worshippers, and Israeli police had to intervene.<\/p>\n

It is ludicrous to place mobs of violent rioters on the same moral scale as a law-abiding democracy making every effort to keep the peace, and such a comparison plays directly into the web of lies spun by terror groups, he said. Israel always ensures the freedom of worship for all religions and is committed to protecting holy sites and the status quo. \u00a0The only ones breaking the status quo on the Temple Mount are Palestinian terror groups.<\/p>\n

Council members and non-members alike called for the status quo of the holy sites to be maintained, expressing alarm about the violent clashes and urging both sides to exercise restraint and pursue peace through dialogue.\u00a0 France\u2019s delegate said respect for the status quo of holy sites is essential and any allegations of the disproportionate use of force must be investigated. \u00a0He added, however, that the root causes of conflict, such as the resumption of settlement activities and evictions, must end.<\/p>\n

Mexico\u2019s representative urged Israel to refrain from altering the demographic composition, institutional structure and the physical, cultural and historical characters of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

The speaker for the United Arab Emirates acknowledged recent steps taken by the Israeli Government to reduce tensions and urged similar steps be taken to create a stable, sustainable political environment and revive the Middle East peace process.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States condemned the rocket launches from Gaza and Lebanon by militant groups that are seeking to exploit the situation in Jerusalem to advance their narrow interests, adding that his country is engaged diplomatically with all sides and remains firmly committed to a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

Jordan\u2019s delegate called for international coordination to prevent alterations to the historic character of Jerusalem, adding that the Jordanian Administration is the only entity authorized to manage the affairs of the Aqsa Mosque compound in its entirety. \u00a0His country has engaged with Palestinians and various international actors, such as Israel and the United States, within the framework of Jordan\u2019s continued role in protecting holy sites, he said, demanding that Israel allow free access to the Aqsa Mosque compound and lift the restrictive barriers.<\/p>\n

The speaker for Lebanon commended the Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) for its role in de-escalating and reducing tensions and in preventing any miscalculation or escalation along the Blue Line, which remains indispensable in the context of the daily Israeli violations of Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity.\u00a0 He asked the Security Council to consider extending UNIFIL\u2019s provision of additional non-lethal material and logistical support to the Lebanese Armed Forces for one more year.<\/p>\n

Syria\u2019s delegate reiterated the call to grant Palestine full membership in the Â鶹APP, also noting the threat posed by Israel\u2019s actions to the security of his country and the region. \u00a0Calling on the Security Council to enforce the 1974\u00a0Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, he pointed to a series of repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, the last of which occurred on 14\u00a0April, around Damascus. \u00a0Israeli measures aimed at changing the legal and demographic nature of the Golan, seizing land and property, looting natural resources and wealth, and implementing settlement plans are aimed at perpetuating the occupation and obliterating the Syrian identity of the occupied Syrian Golan, he added.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, echoing other speakers, said that, while the Council devotes attention to recent developments in Europe, it must not neglect the protracted conflict in the Middle East.\u00a0 He urged the Council to preserve the legal status quo of East Jerusalem, calling for the Council to organize a field visit to the city, intensify efforts to help revive direct dialogue between the two parties and support Palestinian refugees and the Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA).<\/p>\n

Egypt\u2019s representative, noting that continued attempts to \u201cJudaize\u201d East Jerusalem portend a dangerous escalation, called for an end to all unilateral measures in the West Bank. \u00a0For its part, his country has invested $500\u00a0million in the Gaza Strip and continues to work with international and regional partners to ensure the resumption of negotiations towards a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were the representatives of Norway, Ghana, Kenya, Russian Federation, Ireland, Brazil, India, Gabon, China, Albania, United Kingdom, Algeria, Turkey, Morocco, Iran, Tunisia, Malaysia, Peru, South Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Bahrain, Pakistan, Qatar, Venezuela, Kuwait, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Oman and Cuba, as well as the Deputy Head of the European Union delegation.\u00a0 The Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People also spoke.<\/p>\n

The meeting began at 10:06\u00a0a.m., suspended at 1:05\u00a0p.m., resumed at 3:03\u00a0p.m. and ended at 5:08\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Briefing<\/u><\/p>\n

TOR WENNESLAND, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said that, despite his hope that this month and its holy days would be a peaceful and celebratory time, the period has been marked by violence.\u00a0 In Jerusalem, the situation remains relatively calm despite inflammatory rhetoric and violent clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces at the holy sites. \u00a0All sides must do their part to reduce tensions, uphold the status quo at the holy sites, and ensure their sanctity is respected by all, he said, welcoming statements by senior Israeli officials reiterating Israel\u2019s commitment to upholding the status quo and ensuring that only Muslims would be allowed to pray on the Holy Esplanade. \u00a0\u201cAt this sensitive and volatile moment, Israeli and Palestinian leaders have made some commendable efforts to ease tensions, condemn attacks and rein in violence,\u201d he said. \u00a0Regional and international partners, such as the Â鶹APP, Egypt and Jordan, have engaged to help restore calm and ensure continued access for Muslim worshippers, he said, stressing that \u201cthese efforts should continue\u201d.<\/p>\n

Reporting on the sharp rise in daily violence, he said that, in the occupied West Bank and Israel, 23\u00a0Palestinians, including three women and four children, were killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, search-and-arrest operations, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis and other incidents. \u00a0Also, 541\u00a0Palestinians, including 30\u00a0women and 80\u00a0children were injured. \u00a0Over two weeks, four terrorist attacks took place inside Israel \u2013 the deadliest such attacks in years. \u00a0Afterwards, the presence of Israeli security forces was significantly reinforce along the separation barrier and military operations were bolstered inside the occupied West Bank.\u00a0 On 15\u00a0April, as many Palestinians gathered at the Aqsa Mosque compound, some threw stones, fireworks and other heavy objects towards Israeli security forces, who responded with stun grenades, sponge-tipped bullets and batons, including against bystanders.<\/p>\n

Amid these clashes, several dozen Palestinians entered a mosque in the compound, with some continuing to throw stones and fireworks towards Israeli security forces, he said. \u00a0After a standoff with those inside, Israeli police entered and arrested those barricaded inside. \u00a0During the clashes, some damage was caused to the structure of the mosque; some 160\u00a0Palestinians were injured and 400\u00a0were arrested, most of whom were released later that day. \u00a0According to the Israeli security forces, three policemen were injured. \u00a0\u201cThe conduct of Israeli forces has raised concerns about possible excessive use of force,\u201d he said. \u00a0Importantly, noon prayers later took place that day without major incident. \u00a0Over the following days, there have been additional, though more limited, clashes at the holy sites and in and around the Old City.<\/p>\n

On 19\u00a0April, Israeli authorities announced, in line with past practice, that non-Muslims would not be allowed to visit the Holy Esplanade between Friday, 22\u00a0April, and the end of the month of Ramadan.\u00a0 Despite the tensions, overall, hundreds of thousands of Muslims, Jews and Christians have been able to celebrate the holy days in and around the Old City in relative peace and without further escalation, he said, reiterating that perpetrators of all acts of violence must be held accountable and brought swiftly to justice and urging Israeli authorities to conduct thorough, transparent investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force.<\/p>\n

Against the backdrop of continued settlement activities and ongoing pressure on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, as well as heightened tensions, settler-related violence remained high, particularly following the terrorist attacks in Israel, he said. \u00a0On 10\u00a0April, dozens of Palestinians vandalized and set fire to a Jewish holy site located in Area\u00a0A in the West Bank city of Nablus before being dispersed by Palestinian Security Forces.<\/p>\n

Turning to Gaza, he said the security, humanitarian and economic situation remains deeply troubling. \u00a0After several months with no rocket fire, militants in Gaza launched five rockets towards Israel, with one landing in the Israeli town of Sderot and causing property damage. \u00a0The others were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, landed short in the Strip, or landed in open areas inside Israel. \u00a0In retaliation, Israel Defense Forces conducted air strikes against what it said were Hamas targets in the Strip, with no injuries reported.<\/p>\n

The cost of Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u2019s (UNRWA) quarterly distribution has increased by 42\u00a0per\u00a0cent since the end of\u00a02021 in Gaza where the Â鶹APP accounts for nearly 60\u00a0per\u00a0cent of food supply. \u00a0Spiking international prices for construction materials will also impact reconstruction efforts in Gaza. \u00a0Without additional funding, the World Food Programme\u00a0(WFP) and UNRWA will not be able to meet the food needs of the Palestinian population this year, which can have a destabilizing impact across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza, he said, echoing the Secretary-General\u2019s appeal for urgent support to UNRWA.<\/p>\n

Turning to the wider region, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria is being maintained in a volatile security situation characterized by violations of the 1974\u00a0Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria by the parties, he said. \u00a0These include the firing on 23\u00a0April of missiles from the Israeli-occupied Golan (Alpha side) across the ceasefire line, the crossing on several occasions of Israel Defense Forces tanks into the area of separation, the firing of projectiles from the Bravo side, and the continued presence of the Syrian armed forces in the area of separation.<\/p>\n

Lebanon is preparing for parliamentary elections to be held on 15\u00a0May, he said.\u00a0 The Â鶹APP continues to support the authorities\u2019 operational preparations, encourage women\u2019s political participation, and urge campaigning without hate speech. \u00a0On 7\u00a0April the International Monetary Fund\u00a0(IMF) announced a staff-level agreement with the Government that would unlock around $3\u00a0billion in financial aid, subject to the implementation of major reforms. \u00a0He also expressed a concern over the firing of a rocket across the Blue Line into Israel on 25\u00a0April, for which no group has claimed responsibility. \u00a0The Israeli Defense Forces responded with artillery fire into Lebanon, with no casualties reported. \u00a0The Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) continues to engage with the Lebanese Armed Forces to increase its counter rocket launching operations to prevent further such incidents and contribute to stability along the Blue Line.<\/p>\n

The violence and spiralling tensions of the past month have underscored, yet again, that efforts to manage the conflict are not a substitute for real progress towards resolving it, he said, stressing that a serious escalation is avoidable and sustained calm can open the space for more serious discussions about further improvements.\u00a0 He urged the parties to maintain calm so the final week of Ramadan can take place and be celebrated without interruption. \u201cHaving said that, we must not lose sight of the imperative to end the occupation and advance towards a two\u2011State reality,\u201d he said. \u00a0The Â鶹APP remains committed to supporting Israelis and Palestinians to move towards that future, even as they address pressing security, economic and humanitarian needs.<\/p>\n

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

RIYAD MANSOUR, Permanent Observer of the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, noting that every stone on every street of Jerusalem is a witness to the unique pluralism of the Holy Lands, said that, each year, thousands of Christian Orthodox pilgrims float to the Holy Sepulchre, to witness the Holy Fire, the symbol of the resurrection of Christ.\u00a0 By restricting the number of believers allowed to reach the site, Israel has decided to disrupt this millennia-old religious tradition, he said, adding that, a few days ago, Israeli occupying forces stormed the Aqsa Mosque compound\/Haram al-Sharif, shooting at worshippers and desecrating the Mosque with military boots and violence.\u00a0 He pointed out that 200\u00a0Palestinians, including women and children were wounded and 400\u00a0arrested, yet Israel claims it is upholding the historic status quo, and resorted to its favourite one-size-fits-all justification: security.<\/p>\n

Not only does Israel use security to justify killing Palestinian children on their way to school, it labels Palestinian worshippers as terrorists, he continued.\u00a0 Jewish extremists and settlers are not merely visiting Haram al\u2011Sharif, he said, they are seeking a takeover.\u00a0 When Israeli forces provide them protection to enter the site, they do it knowingly, he said, adding that Israel hopes that the international community will forget that it has no rightful claim or sovereignty over any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, its Old City and its holy sites.\u00a0 Israel has no authority over Haram al-Sharif where the historic and legal status quo must be upheld, and the authority of the Islamic Waqf and the custodianship of Jordan must be respected, he stressed.\u00a0 \u201cMake no mistake, Israel is not only attacking a Muslim holy site or a Christian holy site,\u201d he said, adding that it is also targeting the Palestinian identity of the city.<\/p>\n

Stressing that there can be no equation between a colonial power and a colonized people, he added that a rules-based multilateral order does not mean that one party gets to set the rules while others must observe them.\u00a0 \u201cThe Palestinian people ask you:\u00a0 how come Israel gets away with murder, in broad daylight, while everyone is watching?\u201d, he said.\u00a0 Even though international law is clear on how to end the occupation, the Israeli Prime Minister says no to a two\u2011State solution and the Israeli Government continues expanding settlements and consolidating Palestinian Bantustans, he said.\u00a0 There is no international law\u2011based order if there is no will to enforce the law on the ground, he emphasized.\u00a0 Noting that the Holy Fire manifests each year to celebrate resurrection, he added that Palestinians everywhere, every day, embody this holy fire, a light that cannot be extinguished.<\/p>\n

GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel<\/u>), noting the convergence of Passover, Easter and Ramadan in\u00a02022, said that what could have been an opportunity for peaceful coexistence was instead used by Palestinian extremists to incite violence.\u00a0 Hundreds of Palestinian terrorists on the Temple Mount posed a threat to both Muslim and Jewish worshippers, and Israeli police had to intervene.\u00a0 Recalling the international community\u2019s call for \u201ccalm on both sides\u201d, he stressed that this request is \u201ccompletely detached from reality\u201d and only serves to fan the flames of violence, promote radicalization and \u201creward the thugs inciting chaos\u201d.\u00a0 It is ludicrous to place mobs of violent rioters on the same moral scale as a law\u2011abiding democracy making every effort to keep the peace, and such a comparison plays directly into the web of lies spun by terror groups.<\/p>\n

He went on to underscore that Israel always has and always will ensure the freedom of worship for all religions and is committed to protecting holy sites and the status quo.\u00a0 When violence endangers innocents and prevents the exercise of rights, however, Israel will not remain idle, and its police will act.\u00a0 The only ones breaking the status quo on the Temple Mount are Palestinian terror groups, and when the international community blindly accepts the narrative that Israel prevents Muslims from exercising their right to pray or uses excessive force, such groups\u2019 actions only intensify.\u00a0 \u201cMorally equating both sides must end,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

Further, he pointed out that, while the Council continues to discuss Hamas\u2019 lies, the true threat to regional security is growing.\u00a0 Hizbullah \u2014 the Iranian terror proxy \u2014 has grown into a terror army as a result of global carelessness.\u00a0 Since the adoption of resolution\u00a01701\u00a0(2006), which calls for the establishment of an area free of armed personnel other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL, Hizbullah has multiplied its arsenal in Lebanon tenfold and conducts attacks on Israeli civilians.\u00a0 If the international community does not act, he stressed, \u201cthe price of today\u2019s neglect will be tomorrow\u2019s destruction\u201d.\u00a0 Hizbullah is one of six terror-proxy armies that Iran uses to spread death and chaos throughout the region, and he called on those present to imagine what the Middle East will look like when such armies can operate under a nuclear umbrella.\u00a0 Against this backdrop, Israel will not stand on the side lines, as it possesses the full freedom to act to defend its security and existence.<\/p>\n

RICHARD MILLS, JR. (United States<\/u>) expressed concern over recent violence in Jerusalem on Haram al-Sharif\/Temple Mount, which should be a site of peace and tranquility. \u00a0Appealing to all sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo, he urged Palestinian and Israeli officials to work cooperatively to lower tensions and ensure everyone\u2019s safety.\u00a0 The recent spate of violence only underscores the need to further expand dialogue and pursue paths to peace. \u00a0He condemned the rocket launches from Gaza and Lebanon by militant groups that are seeking to exploit the situation in Jerusalem to advance their narrow interests, adding that the United States is engaged diplomatically with all sides.\u00a0 Due to the Russian Federation\u2019s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, food insecurity could worsen even further in the coming weeks, both in Gaza and the West Bank, as prices of food, fuel and other commodities rise. \u00a0During the historic Negev Summit, leaders involved in normalization discussed how they can support Palestinians in concrete ways and have a positive impact on the daily lives of Palestinians. \u00a0In that vein, he encouraged all Member States to provide concrete assistance, including financial contributions to UNRWA.\u00a0 Both Israelis and Palestinians are entitled to equal measures of security, freedom, opportunity and dignity. \u00a0But, the realization of this vision will require good-faith efforts by the parties and the generous support of the international community.\u00a0 The United States remains firmly committed to a two-State solution, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

MONA JUUL (Norway<\/u>), calling on all parties to lower tensions, stressed that the integrity of the holy sites and the historic status quo in Jerusalem must be upheld and fully respected.\u00a0 Those with influence on the ground should have access to adequate channels of communication and dialogue between religious leaders should also resume.\u00a0 Condemning all acts of terrorism, including those recently seen in Tel Aviv and other places, as well as the firing of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel, she emphasized that the underlying causes of those challenges should not be overlooked, pointing to the Israeli occupation and settlement activity, as well as violence against civilians. \u00a0\u201cWe need more long-term solutions, and most importantly a political horizon,\u201d she said, citing preliminary reports which indicated progress had been made in several of the priority projects defined in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Oslo last November.<\/p>\n

HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (Ghana<\/u>) said the recurrence of tensions and violence around the holy sites, resulting in casualties of both Palestinians and Israelis, raises serious concerns for stability in the Middle East region.\u00a0 He called for the preservation and continuing full respect of the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites to preserve the sanctity of the religious grounds, manage access, guarantee freedom of worship and ensure non-interference in the peaceful practice of the monolithic faiths of the Middle East. \u00a0Welcoming the various efforts being made to achieve reconciliation between Israel and its Arab neighbours, he encouraged renewed efforts towards the realization of a two-State solution, with Israelis and Palestinians, living side by side within secure and recognized borders, and in peace, based on international law, the tenets of the Charter of the Â鶹APP and the parameters set out in the numerous decisions of the Security Council.<\/p>\n

MICHAEL KAPKIAI KIBOINO (Kenya<\/u>), spotlighting on the need to safeguard the rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis, said that strong condemnation must remain against those who call for the application of human rights and freedom, but still violate the same within their own communities, among them being Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other affiliated militant groups. \u00a0There is need to look deeper and address the mechanisms, and sources of weapons and funds that reinforce such activities, including the barrage of rocket attacks from Gaza, and the seventh of April terror attack in Tel Aviv, which Hamas was quick to welcome and glorify. \u00a0No cause can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. \u00a0In addition, the right of self-determination of Palestinians is closely linked to the right of freedom for the exercise of religion. \u00a0This interlinkage inevitably must form part of the underpinnings for lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. \u00a0The recent riots and aggressions in the Old City, and in and around the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, including the Aqsa Mosque compound are concerning. \u00a0The agreed historic and legal status on Jerusalem must be respected and upheld by all parties.<\/p>\n

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation<\/u>), expressing concern about the escalation of tensions, noted the need for restraint to prevent a repetition of the days of violence that took place in May\u00a02021.\u00a0 Stressing that any actions that affect the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem\u2019s holy sites are unacceptable, he expressed support for the stabilizing role of Jordan.\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s aggressive settlement policy, he pointed to the construction of 1,270\u00a0settler housing units in\u00a02021 in the West Bank and the settlement plans for the occupied Syrian Golan.\u00a0 Calling on Israel to resume the peace process within a universally recognized international framework, he pointed to his country\u2019s initiative to hold a ministerial meeting of the Middle East Quartet with key members of the League of Arab States.\u00a0 Expressing disappointment that colleagues in the Quartet were attempting to monopolize the process and impose economic peace on the Palestinians, he also condemned the attempt to blame the Russian Federation for the impending food crisis.\u00a0 Unilateral coercive measures are the root cause of that situation, he said, adding \u201cour Western colleagues could easily solve this problem if they chose to\u201d.<\/p>\n

GERALDINE BYRNE NASON (Ireland<\/u>), expressing deep concern about the recent violence at the holy sites of Jerusalem, reiterated that the status quo at the holy sites must be upheld and respected, with full respect for Jordan\u2019s custodial role.\u00a0 Also voicing concern about the civilian deaths and injuries in recent weeks across the West Bank, she condemned terrorism and all attacks against innocent Israelis and Palestinians.\u00a0 \u201cResolving conflicts is not to give in to the terrorists; instead, it is to overcome the terrorists,\u201d she said, highlighting the need for a credible political horizon along with a security response.\u00a0 Unresolved conflicts are also inconsistent with and undermine international law, she noted, calling the Security Council\u2019s attention to illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 Urging the Israeli authorities to address the settler violence comprehensively and without delay, she noted that her country is conscious of the mounting financial and interlinked humanitarian challenges faced by the Palestinian people.\u00a0 It will continue to provide support, she said, calling on States to also provide financial resources to enable the work of UNRWA.<\/p>\n

SHERAZ GASRI (France<\/u>), expressing concern over recent violence in Jerusalem, condemned terrorist attacks that claimed 14\u00a0lives in Israel and called for restraint and the avoidance of all forms of provocation.\u00a0 The international community\u2019s collective priority should be preventing an escalation similar to that which occurred in May\u00a02021.\u00a0 Respect for the status quo of holy sites is essential and any allegations of the disproportionate use of force must be investigated, but the root causes of conflict must also be addressed.\u00a0 France has warned since October\u00a02021 that the resumption of settlement activities and evictions is exacerbating a difficult situation, and she called on Israel to end such activities.\u00a0 Further, she spotlighted the need to create a political horizon for the resumption of negotiations to implement a two-State solution; otherwise, \u201cthe same causes will produce the same effects and the cycle of violence will be repeated\u201d.<\/p>\n

JO\u00c3O GEN\u00c9SIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil<\/u>), noting that April encompasses important religious celebrations for the three major monotheistic faiths, said this makes the recent violence all the more regrettable as it is happening during a period to practise peace, tolerance and self-reflection. \u00a0In this regard, he drew attention to initiatives such as the 2019\u00a0Secretary-General\u2019s Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites and the 2020\u00a0Declaration on Safe Places of Worship of the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Alliance.\u00a0 Measures must be taken to prevent acts of provocation. \u00a0In this context, he welcomed the engagement of Israeli authorities with parties on the ground to ease tensions, as well as Israeli assurances regarding the enduring historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, which must be preserved. \u00a0As custodian of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, Jordan is also an important partner in bringing this crisis to an end.<\/p>\n

ALICIA GUADALUPE BUENROSTRO MASSIEU (Mexico<\/u>) said attacks on churches, synagogues, mosques or any other places of worship are unjustifiable, deploring civilian casualties, including minors.\u00a0 She urged the Israeli security forces to exercise maximum restraint and respect the principle of proportionality, and also urged Israel to refrain from altering the demographic composition, institutional structure and the physical, cultural and historical characters of Jerusalem.\u00a0 Condemning the attacks against the Israeli population, as well as the launch of rockets from Gaza, she applauded the mediation efforts of Egypt, Jordan and Qatar to defuse tensions.\u00a0 Mexico supports a two-State solution in accordance with international law and relevant Â鶹APP resolutions. \u00a0Responsibility for resuming the peace process rests unquestionably in Israel and Palestine, she said, adding that the international community and the Council have a responsibility to foster and facilitate this process.<\/p>\n

RAVINDRA RAGUTTAHALLI (India<\/u>), expressing concern about recent incidents in Jerusalem during the ongoing month of Ramzan, stressed that the historic status quo at holy sites, including Haram al-Sharif, must be respected and upheld.\u00a0 Yet, despite efforts to avert escalation, the on-ground situation has once again deteriorated, he noted, appealing to all parties to stop the provocations and incitement that could further worsen the situation.\u00a0 Voicing concern about the acts of terror and incidents of violence in Israel and the West Bank, he urged all sides to take immediate steps for a complete cessation of violence.\u00a0 The recent rocket fire from Gaza and the retaliatory air strikes by Israel demonstrate the fragility of the situation and possible potential for escalation. \u00a0Reiterating his country\u2019s financial commitment to supporting UNRWA to overcome the liquidity crisis, he noted that India has already contributed $20\u00a0million over the last four years and has also pledged $5\u00a0million for UNRWA\u2019s programme budget for the year\u00a02022.\u00a0 He also called for the immediate resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestine, stressing that the Â鶹APP and the international community must prioritize the revival of such negotiations.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED ISSA ABUSHAHAB (United Arab Emirates<\/u>) condemned the repeated incursions by Israeli forces into the Aqsa Mosque compound, as well as the assaults carried out by settlers in the courtyards of Haram al-Sharif. \u00a0Acknowledging recent steps taken by the Israeli Government to reduce tensions, he urged that similar steps be taken to create a stable and sustainable political environment and revive the Middle East peace process.\u00a0 In that regard, he commended efforts by Jordan, Egypt and the United States.\u00a0 The current situation demonstrates the need to ensure the protection of worshipers, while simultaneously refraining from any provocative actions in the Aqsa Mosque compound.\u00a0 The Israeli authorities must respect the right of Palestinians to practise their religious rites and to have free access to holy places, including the Aqsa Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque.\u00a0 The existing legal and historical status quo of the city of Jerusalem and its sanctities, in line with international law, must be preserved, he said, underlining the need to avoid undermining the authority and powers of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration and the affairs of the Aqsa Mosque compound.\u00a0 He further emphasized the need to respect the role of the custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites and endowments, which is entrusted to Jordan.<\/p>\n

MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon<\/u>), expressing concern about the violence of the past few weeks in the Old City of Jerusalem and the large number of civilian victims, cautioned that this is destroying efforts to build trust between the parties, as a precondition for their dialogue.\u00a0 Rather than unilateral initiatives by the protagonists, the situation calls for good-faith, constructive dialogue.\u00a0 Stressing Jerusalem\u2019s importance to the common heritage of humankind and the peaceful coexistence of all religions, he voiced support for the appeal launched by the King of Morocco and Pope Francis.\u00a0 He also spotlighted the crucial role of the neighbouring countries, urging the Council to overcome the impasse in which it finds itself.\u00a0 Drawing attention to the illegal policy of settlement\u2011expansion and the territorial fragmentation of the West Bank, he said the two-State solution cannot be achieved without political will from all the parties, as well as support from regional and international actors.<\/p>\n

ZHANG JUN (China<\/u>) noting the Israeli police\u2019s recent clashes with Palestinian people at the Aqsa Mosque compound and exchanges of rockets between the Gaza Strip and Israel, stressed that religious holidays should be an opportunity for peace, rather than a relapse into hostilities.\u00a0 If the security of one side is established at the cost of the other\u2019s, it will be impossible to break the cycle of violence.\u00a0 Thus, he called on all parties \u2014 particularly Israel \u2014 to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation, recalling that the occupying Power is obliged under international law to prevent security threats against Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 He went on to say that the question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East issue, and regardless of international developments, cannot be forgotten.\u00a0 A grand, fair plan to that end is not lacking; rather, it is the courage of action that is absent.\u00a0 The fundamental reason for continuing tension, he added, is that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people have yet to be realized, as a two-State solution has not been achieved.<\/p>\n

FERIT HOXHA (Albania<\/u>) expressed regret that recent development on the ground shattered, once again, hopes that must be entertained to arrive at a point where just and lasting peace appears in the horizon.\u00a0 Deploring the fact that civilians remain targets of violence, he condemned terrorist acts in Israel.\u00a0 Acknowledging Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns, he said terror has no place anywhere in the world.\u00a0 Holy places should not be targets of violence or vengeance but a place of veneration and reverence.\u00a0 Israel must show self-restraint, he said, and its response to terrorist acts must be firm, yet legally rooted, institutionally carried out and always proportionate.\u00a0 Israelis and Palestinians should enjoy equal rights and freedoms.\u00a0 When both sides come to the negotiation table, they make progress.\u00a0 In that regard, he wondered about the number of times a timid ray of hope has appeared and something dark and more powerful comes to brutally crash it, as if hope for the Middle East peace process were always in the wrong place.\u00a0 Extremists and their agendas should not be allowed to take a central place. \u00a0To the contrary, hope, vision and rationality should be the ingredients to foment progress towards peace. \u00a0There is no alternative to a situation where Israelis and Palestinians work and learn to live together by respecting each other\u2019s rights and aspirations, by sharing hope and the land they both identify with, he stressed.<\/p>\n

BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom<\/u>), Council President for April, spotlighted the fragile conditions in Jerusalem, stressing it is crucial that all parties take urgent steps to reduce tensions.\u00a0 \u201cJerusalem is a city holy to so many,\u201d she said, and maintaining the historic status quo is the only means of ensuring freedom of worship.\u00a0 Urging parties to ensure sensitive policing, she underscored that all religious sites must be treated with utmost respect.\u00a0 She expressed full support for Israel\u2019s right to ensure its security, unequivocally condemning rocket attacks against Israel by militants in Gaza.\u00a0 Likewise, she expressed concern over the number of Palestinians killed by Israel\u2019s security forces in recent weeks, including the deaths of two minors and a visually impaired woman.\u00a0 She called for thorough and transparent investigations into the deaths of Palestinian civilians, and for restraint in the use of force.\u00a0 \u201cIt is not too late to reverse these trends,\u201d she emphasized, calling on the Council to do its utmost to prevent a return to the violence witnessed last May.<\/p>\n

SUDQI ATALLAH ABD ALKADETR AL OMOUSH (Jordan<\/u>), calling for international coordination to prevent alterations to the historic character of Jerusalem, added that the storming of the Aqsa Mosque compound by the Israeli army threatens to explode the brewing tensions.\u00a0 Israel must respect the legal and historical status quo of the site, he stressed, highlighting its historical Hashemite custodianship.\u00a0 The Jordanian Administration is the only entity authorized to manage the affairs of the Aqsa Mosque compound in its entirety, he said, calling for a genuine political solution that will fulfil the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 His country has engaged with Palestinians and various international actors, such as Israel and the United States within the framework of Jordan\u2019s continued role in protecting holy sites, he said, demanding that Israel must allow free access to the Aqsa Mosque compound and lift the restrictive barriers.\u00a0 The custodianship is a duty and responsibility that his country will perform with all its strength, he said.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMAD ALI JARDALI (Lebanon<\/u>) said that his country will hold its parliamentary elections on 15\u00a0May, stressing that the Government is committed to guaranteeing a smooth electoral process. \u00a0There is a record number of women candidates, which demonstrates the active role women are increasingly playing in Lebanon\u2019s political, economic and social life. \u00a0The upcoming polls are important for creating political dynamism and momentum for an energized political life that brings reforms and breathes new life into the country. \u00a0He welcomed the appointment of the new head of UNIFIL who took up his duties in February.\u00a0 UNIFIL has been invaluable for the stability, peace and security in the south of Lebanon. \u00a0Its role in de-escalating and reducing tensions and in preventing any miscalculation or escalation along the Blue Line remains indispensable and is key in the context of the daily Israeli violations of Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity.\u00a0 Expressing appreciation for UNIFIL\u2019s provision of additional non-lethal material and logistical support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, he said he had asked the Council in a 15\u00a0March letter that it consider extending this support for one more year.<\/p>\n

OSAMA MAHMOUD ABDELKHALEK MAHMOUD (Egypt<\/u>) pointed out that radical Jewish groups are storming into the Aqsa Mosque compound daily under the protection of Israeli occupying forces during Ramadan, which is reminiscent of the events of\u00a02021 that led to hundreds of deaths and injuries.\u00a0 All parties must show restraint and fully protect Muslim worshippers, who must be allowed to practice their faith in the Mosque.\u00a0 Noting that continued attempts to \u201cJudaize\u201d East Jerusalem portend a dangerous escalation, he underscored the need to respect the status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Further, all unilateral measures in the West Bank must cease\u00a0\u2014 namely, settlement\u2011expansion, attempts to expel Palestinian families from the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan and the demolition of Palestinian structures.\u00a0 For its part, Egypt has invested $500\u00a0million in the Gaza Strip and continues to work with international and regional partners to ensure the resumption of negotiations towards a two-State solution.\u00a0 He added that his country also works to support political solutions for the situations in Yemen and Libya.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED ENNADIR LARBAOUI (Algeria<\/u>) observed that this meeting is happening prior to the seventy-fourth anniversary of Nakba.\u00a0 Over the past five decades, Israel has continued to deny the Palestinians\u2019 right to self-determination.\u00a0 The Council is meeting today as Israeli forces continue to attack innocent Palestinians and storm mosques, preventing Palestinians from practising a religion.\u00a0 Such despicable practices are dangerous to the region and pose a threat to regional peace and security.\u00a0 Inability to implement Council resolutions is allowing Israel to continue its illegal acts.\u00a0 Following Israel\u2019s recent violent attacks against Palestinians, Algeria\u2019s President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in his statement to the Secretary-General, stressed the need for the Council to fulfil its responsibility to end such attacks.\u00a0 In the face of such violations, the Â鶹APP must respond firmly.<\/p>\n

FERIDUN SINIRLIOGLU (Turkey<\/u>), noting that Ramadan is the holiest of months for Muslims in Palestine and around the world, said that a time that should be defined by peace was instead marred by violence.\u00a0 Regretting that civilians, including children, lost their lives due to the actions of the Israeli security forces, he said further threats must be stopped.\u00a0 The Israeli authority\u2019s decision to close the Aqsa Mosque compound to non-Muslims is a step in the right direction, he said, noting his Government\u2019s efforts to secure a common ground between various parties.\u00a0 Underscoring the importance of securing lasting peace and stability, he emphasized that there is no alternative to a two-State solution.\u00a0 Also highlighting the life\u2011saving services offered by UNRWA, he pointed to Turkey\u2019s financial and political support for the Agency.<\/p>\n

OMAR KADIRI (Morocco<\/u>) said that recent events in the Aqsa Mosque compound represent serious provocations by Israel during this holy month.\u00a0 Escalating violence is the result of the impasse in the Middle East peace process, and he called for the avoidance of all actions that could lead to further tensions, as to do otherwise would fuel extremism, destabilize the region and widen the gap between Israelis and Palestinians.\u00a0 Noting that Morocco is committed to supporting the Palestinian cause, he said the Government works to ensure the protection of holy sites\u2019 historical and legal status and supports vital social, economic and health\u2011care projects for the residents of Jerusalem.\u00a0 He added that Morocco will continue working with all parties to guarantee the conditions necessary to revitalize talks between Israel and Palestine, which is the only way to achieve peace and security in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

BASSAM SABBAGH (Syria<\/u>) condemning the barbaric attacks on worshippers at the Aqsa Mosque compound, stressed that the practices of the Israeli occupation authorities and settler groups are illegal and immoral.\u00a0 The dubious silence of the so-called international community and the unlimited support of the United States for the occupation and Judaization of Palestinian lands will not change the established facts of history, he said.\u00a0 Reiterating the call to grant Palestine full membership in the Â鶹APP, he also noted the threat posed by Israel\u2019s actions to the security of his country and the region.\u00a0 Calling on the Security Council to enforce the 1974\u00a0Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, he pointed to a series of repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, the last of which occurred on 14\u00a0April, around the city of Damascus.\u00a0 Israeli measures aimed at changing the legal and demographic nature of the Golan, seizing land and property, looting natural resources and wealth, and implementing settlement plans are aimed at perpetuating the occupation and obliterating the Syrian identity of the occupied Syrian Golan, he said.<\/p>\n

SILVIO GONZATO, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, expressed concern over the increasingly high number of casualties and recalled that the use of force must be a proportionate last resort to protect life when otherwise unavoidable.\u00a0 Urging both parties to demonstrate their stated commitment to a two-State solution through concrete action and avoid unilateral acts that threaten the same, he also called on all parties to take necessary steps to produce a fundamental change to the political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip while addressing Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns.\u00a0 Further, until a just, realistic solution to the refugee issue is found, UNRWA remains crucial for providing necessary protection and essential services to Palestinian refugees and for supporting peace and stability in the region.\u00a0 As such, he called on all partners to increase their contributions to the Agency.<\/p>\n

Turning to the conflict in Syria, he stressed the need to ensure that the country\u2019s people are not forgotten amid other international crises.\u00a0 He called on all participants \u2014 particularly the Syrian regime \u2014 to engage in good faith in the political process with the aim of achieving meaningful progress on constitutional reform.\u00a0 Noting that continued hostilities across Syria render ordinary life impossible for the civilian population, he called for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the cessation of attacks on civilian objects.\u00a0 Additionally, all parties to the conflict must cease indiscriminate air strikes and the shelling of civilians and humanitarian workers.\u00a0 He went on to call on such parties to allow rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access \u2014 including across conflict lines \u2014 to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches people in need through the most direct routes.<\/p>\n

MAJID TAKHT RAVANCHI (Iran<\/u>) said that the Â鶹APP reports indicate that, in the first three months of\u00a02022, the Israeli regime continued its oppressive and expansionist policies and unlawful criminal practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, killing innocent people including women and children, requisitioning Palestinian people’s properties, seizure and demolition and forcible eviction of their homes. \u00a0In addition, as a collective punishment against the innocent people of Gaza, the inhumane blockade continues. \u00a0This is a crime against humanity, a violation of all international laws and norms, he said, stressing that any sacrilege and desecration of Muslim holy sites, and hurting the feelings of Muslims around the world, is repulsive and should not be tolerated. \u00a0The Israeli regime also continues its destabilizing activities in the region by violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and by threatening openly to use force against other regional countries. \u00a0The conflict in Palestine can only be resolved if the occupation ends. \u00a0This, however, will not be achieved so long as the Security Council’s inaction remains an option. \u00a0The atrocities against the Palestinian people are well-documented and regarded as war crimes under international law.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s representative has once again to make bogus claims against Iran, which he categorically rejected.<\/p>\n

TAREK LADEB (Tunisia<\/u>), condemning the profanation of the Aqsa Mosque compound during the month of Ramadan, urged the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibility to the Palestinians.\u00a0 Highlighting the excessive use of force against women and children, he added that the Palestinian issue has been on the table for seven decades, causing untold suffering. \u00a0Also drawing attention to the repercussions of this crisis on regional stability, he said that the Quartet and the Council must make stronger efforts to resolve this issue.\u00a0 Noting the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, he called for more assistance to the Palestinian Authority.<\/p>\n

SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID (Malaysia<\/u>), noting escalating Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians and worshippers \u2014 particularly around the Aqsa Mosque compound \u2014 condemned such unprovoked, unjustified attacks as \u201ccontemptuous to all humanity\u201d.\u00a0 The principles of the Â鶹APP Charter and international law must be consistently applied to all conflicts, and the international community cannot advocate for respecting human rights through a rules-based order while ignoring Israeli atrocities against Palestinians.\u00a0 Thus, he called on Member States to ensure Israel\u2019s accountability for grave violations of human rights.\u00a0 He also called on the Council to intensify efforts to create the conditions necessary for peace talks between relevant parties.\u00a0 Every Palestinian is entitled to live in security, dignity and freedom.\u00a0 However, he pointed out that such people continue to live under brutal occupation, and their systematic oppression is equivalent to crimes of apartheid.<\/p>\n

MAGED ABDELFATTAH ABDELAZIZ, Permanent Observer of the\u00a0League of Arab States<\/u>, said a lack of international accountability is allowing Israel to continue its illegal activities.\u00a0 The League rejects Israel\u2019s practices of changing the legal status quo of holy sites and condemns recent aggressions by Israel.\u00a0 Citing a lack of progress on the political horizon, he warned against escalating economic pressure on Palestine.\u00a0 The League calls for a relaunch of direct negotiations between the two sides and restoration of confidence in the Â鶹APP and the peace process.\u00a0 As the Security Council devotes its attention to the recent development in Europe, the organ must also address the protracted conflict in the Middle East.\u00a0 The League urges the Security Council to protect Palestinians from the occupying forces and preserve the legal status quo of East Jerusalem, he said, calling for the Council to organize a field visit to East Jerusalem.\u00a0 The organ should also intensify efforts to help revive direct dialogue between the two parties and should support Palestinian refugees and UNRWA.<\/p>\n

JOS\u00c9 MANUEL RODR\u00cdGUEZ CUADROS (Peru<\/u>), expressing concern about the increasing tension and violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in Haram al\u2011Sharif, condemned all such acts that violate Council resolutions.\u00a0 Underscoring the importance of respecting the historic and legal status quo of Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, he also highlighted the crucial role of Jordan as custodian of the Aqsa Mosque compound.\u00a0 Jerusalem\u2019s holy sites must not be profaned with violence, he said, calling for an independent investigation to compensate the victims and hold those responsible accountable.\u00a0 Also calling for an end to all settlement activities, as well as the rocket launches from Gaza, he noted that, in\u00a02011, his country recognized the independence of the Palestinian State and established diplomatic relations with it.<\/p>\n

TIYANI RAYMOND SITHOLE (South Africa<\/u>), noting Palestinians\u2019 observance of the holy month of Ramadan and Orthodox Easter, called on Israel to allow them their right to worship and gather for prayers in peace.\u00a0 The systematic subjugation that Palestinians endure under Israeli occupation is inhumane and in violation of fundamental human rights and internationally adopted norms and principles.\u00a0 \u201cThe scenes of Israeli brutality aimed at innocent, unarmed Palestinian civilians is a stark reminder to the world that, in Israeli society, some are more equal than others,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Expressing particular concern over the Palestinian youth languishing in prisons and detention centres, he spotlighted the impact such detentions will have on these individuals and recalled South Africa\u2019s youth held in detention while fighting for their fundamental rights.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s continued disregard of Council decisions reflects a blatant disregard for multilateralism and an international law-based order.\u00a0 He stressed that, for the international community to maintain credibility, there must be consistency in upholding the international rule of law.<\/p>\n

ISHIKANE KIMIHIRO (Japan<\/u>) expressing concern over the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians, stressed that the sanctity of holy places should be respected.\u00a0 The negative impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on global food security has added to the economic difficulties for the Palestinian people, he said, pointing to a significant rise in food prices recorded throughout the region.\u00a0 Noting that his country will address the global food security crisis through a joint Group of Seven effort, he highlighted that Japan will contribute $3.35\u00a0million to UNRWA for humanitarian aid including food support.\u00a0 At $50.5\u00a0million, Japan\u2019s total support for UNRWA in\u00a02021 was the largest contribution over the past five years to the Agency, he said, calling for further international efforts, including by countries in the region, to implement pledges and make fresh contributions.\u00a0 Japan will also continue to provide assistance for Palestinian State-building efforts, he said, highlighting the Jericho Agro Industrial Park, which is a part of the flagship project of Japan\u2019s \u201cCorridor for Peace and Prosperity\u201d initiative, as well as its Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMED ABDULAZIZ ALATEEK (Saudi Arabia<\/u>), reaffirming his country\u2019s commitment to a two\u2011State solution and the right of return of Palestinian refugees, he condemned the violence that took place in the prayer halls of the Aqsa Mosque compound during the sacred month of Ramadan.\u00a0 Calling on the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for such aggression, he added that resolving the Palestinian crisis is crucial to enable the people of the entire region to achieve development.\u00a0 Underscoring the role of regional organizations such as the League of Arab States, as well as the Al-Quds Committee, he condemned the terrorist attacks conducted by the Houthi militia, with the support of Iran.\u00a0 His country has launched an initiative to support the Yemeni central bank, he said, also noting Saudi Arabia\u2019s support various development projects to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.<\/p>\n

IBRAHIM ZUHUREE (Maldives<\/u>) expressed grave concern about the recent deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. \u00a0Condemning the recent escalations of religious tensions in Haram al-Sharif and the Aqsa Mosque compound, he called for immediate de-escalation and maintenance of the historical status quo in the Old City of Jerusalem. \u00a0He urged the Security Council to redouble its efforts to support the relaunch of the peace process, recalling resolutions\u00a0476\u00a0(1980) and 478\u00a0(1980) and resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016).\u00a0 He also drew attention to the fact that the conflict in Syria has entered its eleventh year, with an estimated 14.6\u00a0million people in dire need of humanitarian aid.\u00a0 He called on the international community to undertake urgent efforts to ensure that those people receive the required assistance and do not perish in refugee camps, especially women and children.<\/p>\n

JAMAL FARES ALROWAIEI (Bahrain<\/u>) called for an increase in collective efforts to lay the basis for peace, stability and security; to combat terrorism and its financing; and to bolster development cooperation in the region.\u00a0 For its part, Bahrain cooperates with friendly States to promote peace through the principles of dialogue and mutual coexistence, and these same principles are enshrined in Government policies and programmes.\u00a0 Condemning incursions by the Israeli police into the Aqsa Mosque compound, he stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, respecting holy sites and ensuring the freedom of worship for all religions.\u00a0 He also called on the international community to assume its responsibility to de\u2011escalate the situation and open new horizons for peace based on a two-State solution.\u00a0 He went on to welcome a proposed one-month truce in Yemen and supported the Presidential Council\u2019s efforts to manage the State, accomplish the transitional period and end the crisis in Yemen through a political solution.<\/p>\n

MUNIR AKRAM (Pakistan<\/u>) said reports of Israeli forces\u2019 raid and use of tear gas by drones against innocent worshippers in the Aqsa Mosque compound, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, must be condemned.\u00a0 These assaults are egregious violations of humanitarian norms and human rights laws.\u00a0 There is no question in anyone\u2019s mind that Israel\u2019s actions in the occupied Palestinian lands are all grave violations of Security Council resolutions and international law, including humanitarian law.\u00a0 In addition, there is no moral, legal or political equivalence between Israel, the occupying State, and the occupied and oppressed Palestinian people.\u00a0 The perpetuation of Israeli occupation will not bring peace to the holy land.\u00a0 The two-State formula is the only solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.<\/p>\n

ALYA AHMED SAIF AL-THANI (Qatar<\/u>), stressing that the aggressive actions of the Israeli forces in the Aqsa Mosque compound are violations of international law, said that they also comprise an attack on the religious feelings of millions of Muslims, during the holy month of Ramadan.\u00a0 This is the natural outcome of impunity, she said, condemning all attempts to distort the historic and legal status of Muslim and Christian holy sites.\u00a0 Highlighting the guardianship role of Jordan, she called for an end to the annexation of Palestinian territories, the destruction of Palestinian houses and the arbitrary arrests.\u00a0 Highlighting her Government\u2019s support for UNRWA, as well as for development and construction activities in Palestinian territories, she reaffirmed her country\u2019s support for an independent Palestinian State.<\/p>\n

JOAQU\u00cdN ALBERTO P\u00c9REZ AYESTAR\u00c1N (Venezuela<\/u>) spotlighted the excessive, unnecessary and indiscriminate use of force against Palestinian civilians, along with acts of vandalism against holy sites in East Jerusalem, including the Aqsa Mosque compound.\u00a0 He condemned these Israeli attacks and said that country is using the fact that the international community\u2019s attention is currently focused on other conflicts to step up its brutal aggression against Palestine.\u00a0 He went on to say that the United States continues to paralyse the Council\u2019s ability to act on this issue, which is not surprising as \u201cdouble standards characterize those who present themselves as champions of liberty, human rights and a supposed rules-based system\u201d.\u00a0 According to this racist vision, the suffering of people apparently varies based on the geographic location of the conflict.\u00a0 Against that backdrop, he stressed that the Council must end the impunity perpetuated by the Government of one of its permanent members, which ultimately encourages the daily crimes committed by Israel.<\/p>\n

BADER A. ALMUNAYEKH (Kuwait<\/u>), expressing concern about the crimes and aggression perpetrated by Israel, said the escalation of violence in the last couple of days undermines freedom of worship in the Aqsa Mosque compound and provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world.\u00a0 The latest violence is a link in a long chain of Israel\u2019s violations of international law and Council resolutions, he said, calling on the international community to hold that country accountable. \u00a0Stressing the need for collective efforts to de-escalate tension and revive the Middle East peace process, he added that the recent aggression demonstrates that Israel does not desire peace. \u00a0The Arab position is based on peace as a strategy, he said, reaffirming support for the legitimate political rights of Palestinians.<\/p>\n

BAE JONGIN (Republic of Korea<\/u>), noting that one year has passed since the May\u00a02021 conflict between Israel and Palestine that resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, called on all sides to refrain from actions that escalate tensions, particularly at this time of heightened sensitivity.\u00a0 He welcomed, however, confidence-building measures between Israel and Palestine, including the issuance of identification documents for the reunion of Palestinians.\u00a0 He went on to express concern over the possible deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to rising food and energy prices, and supported efforts to meet the Palestinian people\u2019s humanitarian and development needs.\u00a0 Turning to the situation in Yemen, he welcomed agreement on a truce and the establishment of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, while noting that his country will provide $20\u00a0million in humanitarian assistance in\u00a02022 for Yemen.<\/p>\n

MOHAMMAD KURNIADI KOBA (Indonesia<\/u>) calling on Israel to respect international law, said that Jerusalem should be a city of tolerance and mutual respect.\u00a0 Stressing the importance of preventing the situation from worsening, he called on all parties to act with restraint.\u00a0 Illegal occupation and territorial expansion by a Â鶹APP Member State is a breach of international law, whether in the Middle East or elsewhere, he said, calling on the international community to take action accordingly.\u00a0 The Council must not lose sight of the plight of the Palestinian people, he said, adding that the international community must show the same determination to resolve the Palestinian issue as it has shown in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

NEVILLE MELVIN GERTZE (Namibia), Vice-Chair of the\u00a0Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People<\/u>, said that the core problem is well-known:\u00a0 namely, Israel\u2019s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory and continuous human rights violations against Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the situation in Jerusalem, he called on political, religious and community leaders to help restore calm and on Israel to uphold and respect the historic status quo of holy sites and its obligations under international humanitarian law.\u00a0 He went on to stress that \u201cthe Israeli occupation is the main driver of human rights violations and conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory\u201d, and that the international community \u2014 and the Council in particular \u2014 must play a decisive role in resolving this conflict.\u00a0 New global crises should not divert attention from the grave situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he added, where Israel promotes policies and practices that are turning into a de facto annexation with different \u2014 and discriminatory \u2014 rights and legal systems applying to the population under its control.<\/p>\n

MOHAMED AL HASSAN (Oman<\/u>) called for a more effective international role to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, in line with various Council resolutions. Voicing concern about the deteriorating security condition caused by unjustified Israeli aggression, he stressed that attacking unarmed worshippers is a blatant violation of international law. \u00a0Expressing condolences to the families of victims, he reaffirmed his country\u2019s support for an independent Palestinian State, with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. \u00a0Calling on the Council to live up to its responsibilities, he added that it is high time to put an end to occupation.<\/p>\n

YUSNIER ROMERO PUENTES (Cuba<\/u>), aligning himself with the Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, spotlighted daily news confirming Israel\u2019s consolidating annexation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 It is regrettable that the Council has been unable to adopt measures to end Israeli occupation, and that the United States continues to prevent a broad, fair and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\u00a0 That country\u2019s repeated obstruction of Council action grants impunity to Israel and prevents the organ from fulfilling its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.\u00a0 Further, the United States\u2019 unilateral decisions to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital, to establish diplomatic relations in that city and to recognize Israel\u2019s sovereignty over the Syrian Golan violate the Charter of the Â鶹APP, international law and Council resolutions.\u00a0 He added that the United States\u2019 aggressive, unilateral and unjustified actions in the Middle East continue to jeopardize the legitimate interests of Arab nations.<\/p>\n

For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

9021ST MEETING (AM) SC\/14869 25 APRIL 2022 Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0 video Part I video Part II The status quo on Jerusalem\u2019s holy sites must be upheld at all costs, speakers told the Security Council today, following the recent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at Haram al-Sharif\/Temple Mount during religious holidays. Giving updates to the 15-member […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[657,660,690,723,759,780,810,834,5615,5533,882,885,888,894,897,906,909,915,933,963,981,996,1005,1029,1032,1035,1593,1050,1062,1065,1074,1098,1128,2241,1179,1182,1197,2321,2553,1218],"document-category":[1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[2505,4553,1362,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1829,2401,1857,1961,2385,6245],"entity":[1889,1985,1729],"document-language":[6541],"class_list":["post-274510","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-albania","country-algeria","country-bahrain","country-brazil","country-china","country-cuba","country-egypt","country-france","country-gabon","country-ghana","country-india","country-indonesia","country-iran-islamic-republic-of","country-ireland","country-israel","country-japan","country-jordan","country-kenya","country-lebanon","country-maldives","country-mexico","country-morocco","country-namibia","country-norway","country-oman","country-pakistan","country-palestine-state-of","country-peru","country-qatar","country-republic-of-korea","country-russian-federation","country-saudi-arabia","country-south-africa","country-syria","country-tunisia","country-turkiye","country-united-arab-emirates","country-united-kingdom","country-united-states-of-america","country-venezuela","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-european-union-eu","document-source-league-of-arab-states-las","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-holy-places","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-jerusalem","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-violence","entity-intergovernmental-organization-or-multilateral","entity-state","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/274510","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\/274510\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=274510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=274510"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=274510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}