  {"id":277133,"date":"2022-06-27T16:26:27","date_gmt":"2022-06-27T20:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&#038;p=277133"},"modified":"2022-06-28T17:20:21","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T21:20:21","slug":"all-parties-must-act-now-to-lower-tensions-reverse-negative-trends-undermining-prospect-of-two-state-solution-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-14948","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/all-parties-must-act-now-to-lower-tensions-reverse-negative-trends-undermining-prospect-of-two-state-solution-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-14948\/","title":{"rendered":"All Parties Must Act Now to Lower Tensions, Reverse Negative Trends Undermining Prospect of Two-State Solution, Middle East Coordinator Tells Security Council &#8211; Press Release (SC\/14948)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong>9077TH MEETING (AM)<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>SC\/14948<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>27 JUNE 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/press\/fr\/2022\/cs14948.doc.htm\">Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/media.un.org\/en\/asset\/k14\/k148vqzfbz\">Video<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Security Council members today expressed their alarm with the escalating tensions and violence plaguing the occupied Palestinian territories as a top Âé¶¹APP envoy laid out the troubling trends that are undermining prospects for a peaceful two-State resolution of the conflict.<\/p>\n<p>Tor Wennesland, Âé¶¹APP Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking via video teleconference, told Council members it is crucial that all parties act immediately to lower tensions and reverse the negative trends undermining the outcome of a two-State solution, with a contiguous, independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State. \u00a0This means actions to defuse the crises and maintain calm, as well as intensified efforts to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and support a broader strategy.\u00a0 This strategy means collective efforts by the parties and the international community to create a two-State reality. \u00a0In his briefing, Mr.\u00a0Wennesland highlighted material from the Secretary-General\u2019s report, which covers the period between 19\u00a0March and 16\u00a0June, as well as developments since the reporting period ended.<\/p>\n<p>He said he is alarmed over the levels of violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel over the past months.\u00a0 Regarding the implementation of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) during the reporting period, he said the Israeli settlement\u2011expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains deeply troubling and flagrantly violates Âé¶¹APP resolutions and international law.\u00a0 It undermines the prospect of achieving a two-State solution by systematically eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State.<\/p>\n<p>He called on the Israeli Government to immediately cease the advancement of all settlement activity and end the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned property.\u00a0 He expressed concern over the potential implications of the Israeli High Court\u2019s ruling on Masafar Yatta and the humanitarian toll on the communities in question if eviction orders are enforced.\u00a0 He called on Israel to end the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned property and prevent the possible displacement and eviction of Palestinians, in line with its obligations.<\/p>\n<p>The delegate of the United States said the tension on the ground is palpable and dangerous.\u00a0 Expressing outrage over terrorist attacks against Israel and rocket fire from Gaza, he also condemned settler violence against Palestinians, noting that more than 1,000\u00a0Palestinians have been injured by live ammunition fired by Israeli forces in\u00a02021 \u2014 seven times the number in\u00a02020. \u00a0He urged that upcoming evictions do not take place and called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions. \u00a0He noted the upcoming visit by United States President Joseph R. Biden to the region and expressed strong support for a two-State solution.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of China noted Israel\u2019s plan to advance 4,000\u00a0housing units and threaten the eviction of 1,200\u00a0Palestinians.\u00a0 He stressed that settlements violate the right to self-determination and preclude a geographically contiguous independent Palestinian State, making it even harder to achieve a two\u2011State solution.\u00a0 He urged Israel to stop flouting resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) and condemned violence carried out by Israeli security forces and settlers.<\/p>\n<p>The representative of Kenya called for accountability to combat the continuing wave of terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, the Palestinian Jihad and other militant groups in Israel.\u00a0 He also called for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians that have tragically claimed both Israeli and Palestinian lives. \u00a0While quarterly Secretariat reports are essential to keep the Council informed, they should also lay out broader trends and give a sober analysis of the implications of the realities on the ground \u2014 including the prospects for a two-State solution.\u00a0 Reports should present clear objectives, timelines and feasible solutions to resolving pending issues. \u00a0Ending the conflict requires the political will of both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to succeed.<\/p>\n<p>Several Council members urged the international community to support the Âé¶¹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA). \u00a0The United Kingdom\u2019s delegate said that during a recent visit to the region, his country\u2019s Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East observed first hand the Agency\u2019s vital work, which maintains a crucial role in extending assistance to the area.\u00a0 This week, the United Kingdom announced it multi-year funding arrangement and has provided \u00a350\u00a0million to the Agency.\u00a0 He called on all donors to provide predictable multi-year funding.\u00a0 The international community cannot ignore the conflict\u2019s toll on the people of Gaza and its significant impact on their living standards, he said, urging all parties, backed by the international community, to move back to dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>India\u2019s delegate, noting the increased work permits for Palestinians from Gaza to work in Israel, said more efforts are needed to ease the humanitarian situation. \u00a0That includes dialogue among relevant stakeholders and steps to address the precarious situation of UNRWA.\u00a0 India is committed to support the Agency and provided $20\u00a0million over the last four years while pledging $5\u00a0million for\u00a02022.\u00a0 He also called for direct negotiations between the parties, recognizing Palestine\u2019s legitimate aspirations to Statehood and Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Brazil\u2019s delegate also expressed concerned with the Palestinian Authority\u2019s financial crisis and said a broad political process cannot thrive without appropriate economic conditions.\u00a0 Coordinated international assistance is an integral part of efforts for peace and stability and is equally important to correct the structural impediments facing the Palestinian economy. \u00a0Support is needed to strengthen the economy\u2019s industrial and agriculture production.\u00a0 Joining other speakers in lamenting UNRWA\u2019s chronic lack of funding, he noted Brazil\u2019s recent announcement of additional funds and commended Palestine\u2019s Central Election Commission for successfully concluding the voting processes for local councils.<\/p>\n<p>Also speaking today were the representatives of Gabon, France, Russian Federation, Ghana, Norway, Ireland, Mexico, United Arab Emirates and Albania.<\/p>\n<p>The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and ended at 11:33 a.m.<\/p>\n<p><u>Briefing<\/u><\/p>\n<p>TOR WENNESLAND, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking via video teleconference, highlighted material from the Secretary\u2011General\u2019s report, which covers the period between 19\u00a0March and 16\u00a0June 2022, as well as developments since the reporting period ended.\u00a0 He expressed alarm over the levels of violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel over the past months. \u00a0Since mid-March, 49 Palestinians have been killed in demonstrations, clashes, Israeli security operations, including in Area\u00a0A, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis and in settler\u2011related violence. \u00a0The period has also been marked by the most serious terrorist attacks inside Israel in years, in which 11\u00a0Israelis and three foreign nationals were killed. \u00a0The firing of a rocket from Gaza towards Israel, the first since April, is a reminder of the fragility of the Gaza Strip\u2019s situation.<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Wennesland told Security Council members it is crucial that all parties take immediate steps to lower tensions and reverse the negative trends that undermine the outcome of a two-State solution, with a contiguous, independent viable and sovereign Palestinian State. \u00a0This means actions to defuse the crises and maintain calm, as well as redoubled efforts to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and support a broader strategy.\u00a0 This broader strategy would ensure collective efforts, by the parties and the international community, that aim to create a two-State reality.<\/p>\n<p>He then made several observations regarding the implementation of the provisions of Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) during the reporting period. \u00a0Calling Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, deeply troubling and a flagrant violation of Âé¶¹APP resolutions and international law, he said they undermine the prospect of achieving a two-State solution by systematically eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State. \u00a0He called on Israel\u2019s Government to immediately cease the advancement of all settlement activity and end the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned property. \u00a0He went on to express his deep concern by the potential implications of the Israeli High Court\u2019s ruling on Masafar Yatta and the humanitarian toll on the communities in question if eviction orders are enforced.\u00a0 He called on Israel to end the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned property, prevent the possible displacement and eviction of Palestinians, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law, and approve plans that would let Palestinians in Area\u00a0C and occupied East Jerusalem to build legally and address their development needs.<\/p>\n<p>He said he remains gravely concerned by continuing violence against civilians, which exacerbates mistrust and undermines a peaceful resolution to the conflict.\u00a0 \u201cI am appalled by the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and disturbed by the behaviour of some Israeli security services in the context of her funeral,\u201d he said. \u00a0He reiterated the Secretary-General\u2019s call for an independent and transparent investigation into her killing and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.<\/p>\n<p>The situation in Gaza remains fragile and the risk of escalation persists. \u00a0More needs to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation and enable the economy to grow, with the eventual goal of a full lifting of the Israeli closures, in line with Council resolution\u00a01860\u00a0(2009), he said.\u00a0 The Palestinian Authority\u2019s financial crisis \u2014 compounded by the constraints of the occupation, the absence of serious Palestinian reforms and unclear prospects for donor support \u2014 requires urgent attention. \u00a0He welcomed the European Union\u2019s renewed financial support, which will give the Palestinian Authority critical temporary relief.\u00a0 As commodity prices spike, humanitarian needs and costs are rising across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \u00a0Shipping costs alone have increased more than 25\u00a0per\u00a0cent over\u00a02021.\u00a0 To sustain current operations in the region until the end of\u00a02022, and offset increasing costs, the World Food Programme\u00a0(WFP) requires an additional $36\u00a0million. \u00a0The Âé¶¹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u2019s\u00a0(UNRWA) shortfall remains at $100\u00a0million.\u00a0 He thanked all Member States that have already funded UNRWA in\u00a02022 and those States that confirmed additional funds at the recent pledging conference in New York last week.<\/p>\n<p><u>Statements<\/u><\/p>\n<p>RICHARD M. MILLS, JR. (<u>United States<\/u>) said the tension on the ground is palpable and dangerous.\u00a0 He expressed outrage over terrorist attacks against Israel and rocket fire from Gaza, ending a two-month break, noting Israelis near Gaza live in constant fear, a situation that must end.\u00a0 He also condemned settler violence against Palestinians, as over 1,000\u00a0Palestinians have been injured by live ammunition fired by Israeli forces in\u00a02021 \u2014 seven times the number in\u00a02020.\u00a0 Urging that upcoming evictions do not take place, he called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions.\u00a0 Citing an upcoming visit by United States President Joseph R. Biden to urge calm, he expressed strong support for a two-State solution, with a democratic and Jewish State of Israel alongside a viable Palestinian State.\u00a0 He further called for accountability in the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, also voicing over concern over the ongoing practice of using human remains as a bargaining chip by both sides.\u00a0 With 1.8\u00a0million Palestinians suffering food insecurity in March, he observed that UNRWA\u2019s capacity to deliver food and health care is hindered by its long-standing financial instability, while the United States is its largest donor, providing $338\u00a0million in\u00a02021 and already promising $79\u00a0million for\u00a02022.<\/p>\n<p>JAMES KARIUKI (<u>United Kingdom<\/u>) said his country\u2019s Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East, Amanda Milling, visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories last week and met many inspirational Israelis and Palestinians carrying out vital work to improve the situation. \u00a0Yet, this visit took place against increased violence and instability across the occupied Palestinian territories. \u00a0There are continuing negative trends and there is unnecessary loss of life. \u00a0The protection of human rights is essential, she stresses. \u00a0Turning to UNRWA, he said the Minister observed first hand the Agency\u2019s very important work, noting that it maintains a crucial role in providing assistance to the area. \u00a0The United Kingdom this week announced it multi-year funding arrangement and has provided \u00a350\u00a0million to the Agency. \u00a0He called on all donors to provide predictable multi-year funding. \u00a0The international community cannot ignore the toll the conflict has taken on the people of Gaza, he said, stating there has been a significant impact on their living standards. \u00a0He urged all parties, backed by the international community, to move back to dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>ALLEGRA PAMELA R. BONGO (<u>Gabon<\/u>) said Israeli authorities\u2019 approval of plans to advance more than 4,000\u00a0units to various locations in the West Bank exacerbates its territorial fragmentation, calling on them to renounce any expansionist project, any demolition or dispossession of property belonging to the Palestinians.\u00a0 Police violence, which accompanies the multiple mass arrest operations with the use of live ammunition on Palestinian civilians, in particular women, young people and children, is unacceptable, as is any act of terrorism or rocket fire on Israel from Gaza.\u00a0 Calling on politicians on both sides to prevent, combat and suppress hate speech and intolerant rhetoric, which fuel belligerence and undermine peace efforts, she welcomed the condemnation by the President of the Palestinian Authority of terrorist acts targeting Israeli civilians, as well as condemnation by members of the Israeli Government of racist and stigmatizing speech against the Palestinians. \u00a0She further noted results of the Âé¶¹APP preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the death of Ms.\u00a0Abu Akleh, calling on both parties to work together to ensure justice is done.<\/p>\n<p>NICOLAS DE RIVI\u00c8RE (<u>France<\/u>) expressed his country\u2019s concern with the escalating violence in the area and defends the two-State solution in the absence of viable alternatives.\u00a0 It is the only just and sustainable solution that responds to the interests of both peoples, he noted.\u00a0 France will never waver when it comes to Israel\u2019s security, however he said it must bring a halt to the extension of settlements.\u00a0 France is also concerned with violence against civilians.\u00a0 Israel must suspend the eviction of Palestinian families, as these evictions foster despair and can lead to violence, he said, noting that it makes the emergence of political solutions difficult. \u00a0More must be done to improve the lives of Palestinian people. \u00a0France continues to provide support to civil society and has increased its support to UNRWA, providing $35\u00a0million in\u00a02022. \u00a0Justice must be carried out and in investigation made into the death of Mr.\u00a0Abu Akleh.\u00a0 Furthermore, he said there should not be any change to the 1967\u00a0lines other than those agreed to by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>ZHANG JUN (<u>China<\/u>) said that, under Israeli occupation, Palestinian viability is being squeezed, with 18\u00a0per\u00a0cent of Sector\u00a0C designated for military exercise and 50\u00a0per\u00a0cent for other purposes, effectively closing it for Palestinian activities.\u00a0 With Israel entrenched in its plan to advance 4,000\u00a0housing units, threatening eviction of 1,200\u00a0Palestinians, he stressed that settlements violate the right to self-determination and preclude a geographically contiguous independent Palestinian State, making it even ever harder to achieve a two-State solution. \u00a0Urging Israel to stop flouting resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), he condemned violence by Israeli security forces and settlers, and called for that country to launch a criminal investigation into the killing of Ms.\u00a0Abu Akleh, and explain itself before the international community.\u00a0 Citing the question of Palestine as a litmus test for international justice and fairness, he noted UNRWA has existed for over 70\u00a0years \u2014 meaning the issue has not been settled for that long.\u00a0 A generation has grown up under violence and blockade, he said, calling for serious attention, requiring urgent decisive action to prevent the situation from falling completely off track.<\/p>\n<p>DMITRY A. POLYANSKIY (<u>Russian Federation<\/u>) observed that, in the past year, Israel approved the creation of more than 12,000\u00a0housing units; more than 1,000\u00a0Palestinian homes have been destroyed.\u00a0 Also noting that, by\u00a02026, the Israeli Government has plans to double the number of Israelis living in the West Bank and the occupied Syrian Golan, he said that the Russian Federation does not recognize Israel\u2019s sovereignty of the Golan Heights. \u00a0Further, the level of violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has increased, he said, criticizing the arbitrary arrest of Palestinians and the recent killing of Ms.\u00a0Abu Akleh. \u00a0On 10\u00a0June, the Israeli air force attacked Syrian territory and seriously damaged the Damascus International Airport. \u00a0This stopped all flights, including humanitarian flights, into the area. \u00a0There is the sense that these unilateral unlawful actions are being taken with the silent consent of Washington, D.C., essentially blocking any possibility for the revival of the peace process.\u00a0 The fact that the international community ignores the systemic violation of Palestinian rights is a clear example of the Western States\u2019 double standards towards human rights, he said, adding that his country is experiencing this situation in Ukraine, as well. \u00a0Expressing support for the initiative of Egypt and Algeria for the region, he said that the Moscow formula remains on the table.<\/p>\n<p>RAVINDRA RAGUTTAHALLI (<u>India<\/u>), noting that violent attacks have taken the lives of many Palestinians and Israelis during the reporting period, reiterated the call for their complete cessation.\u00a0 Tensions are rising over the potential eviction of Palestinian families from Masafer Yatta and unilateral actions on the ground that threaten the viability of the two-State solution must be eschewed.\u00a0 The international community and the Council must send a strong signal against any State that would endanger that goal.\u00a0 Taking note of increased work permits for Palestinians from Gaza to work in Israel, he stressed that more is needed to alleviate the humanitarian situation, with dialogue among relevant stakeholders, as well as addressing the precarious situation of UNRWA.\u00a0 He reiterated his country\u2019s commitment to support the Agency, providing $20\u00a0million over the last four years and pledging $5\u00a0million for 2022.\u00a0 He also called for direct negotiations between the parties, recognizing Palestinian legitimate aspirations to Statehood and Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns.<\/p>\n<p>HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (<u>Ghana<\/u>), describing the Secretary-General\u2019s latest report as troubling, said it reflects a further departure from the Council\u2019s expectation in 2016 that Israel would cease settlement activities.\u00a0 Calling for utmost restraint, he recalled the duty of the Israeli authorities to take significant steps \u2014 consistent with the transition contemplated by prior agreements \u2014 against advancement projects, evictions and demolitions which undermine the prospects of a two-State solution.\u00a0 He also expressed concern over the recent spate of killings of more than 60 Palestinians and called on the Israeli authorities to thoroughly investigate all instances of alleged disproportionate use of force. \u00a0\u201cThe Middle East peace process cannot also be brought back on track in an environment of insecurity, instability and mistrust,\u201d he stressed, emphasizing that the recent spate of terrorism in Israel \u201ccannot under any circumstances be considered useful to the Palestinian cause\u201d. \u00a0Condemning all acts of terrorism, he called on the leadership of the parties to demonstrate zero tolerance for such acts and for all acts of violence.<\/p>\n<p>RONALDO COSTA FILHO (<u>Brazil<\/u>) voiced concern over continued violence and mounting tensions over the last month, while deploring all terrorist attacks and thoroughly condemning the launching of rockets that put civilians in harm&#8217;s way.\u00a0 He urged the parties to refrain from any acts that could further incite violence and tensions in the region, including the use of dangerous and hateful rhetoric and unilateral actions.\u00a0 Also expressing concern over the Palestinian Authority\u2019s financial crisis, he said a broad political process cannot thrive in the absence of appropriate economic conditions.\u00a0 Coordinated international assistance must be an integral part of efforts for peace and stability, and it is equally important to address the structural impediments imposed on the Palestinian economy, which needs support to strengthen its industrial and agriculture production.\u00a0 Joining other speakers in lamenting UNRWA\u2019s chronic lack of funding, he noted Brazil\u2019s recent announcement of additional funds and went on to commend Palestine\u2019s Central Election Commission for successfully concluding the voting processes for local councils.<\/p>\n<p>MONA JUUL (<u>Norway<\/u>) said resolution 2334 (2016) is clearly not being implemented, as settlement building, demolitions and evictions continue.\u00a0 Expressing particular concern about plans to demolish several villages in Masafer Yatta \u2014 and about Israeli military training that has already started in the area \u2014 she warned that if such plans are carried out, the humanitarian consequences will be dire.\u00a0 \u201cAll measures aimed at altering the demographic composition of the occupied areas are in violation of international humanitarian law,\u201d she stressed, urging Israel to refrain from carrying out its plan and to halt all settlement expansions, evictions and demolitions.\u00a0 She also noted the high number of Palestinian civilians killed so far in 2022 and condemned all terrorist attacks, including the ones that have killed 10 Israeli and three foreign civilians.\u00a0 Turning to UNRWA, she warned that the continued funding crisis could have dramatic impacts \u2014 including for regional stability \u2014 and encouraged all the parties to help move the Palestinian Authority onto a firmer fiscal footing.<\/p>\n<p>GERALDINE BYRNE NASON (<u>Ireland<\/u>) recalled that resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) demands that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 However, no such steps were taken during the reporting period, though settlements are illegal under international law and gravely undermine prospects for a two-State solution. \u00a0In\u00a02021, only 10\u00a0building permits were granted for Palestinians, compared to 2,526\u00a0housing starts in settlements.\u00a0 Further, the Masafer Yatta eviction case increases the risk of the forcible transfer of some 1,150\u00a0Palestinians.\u00a0 The establishment of a firing zone is not an \u201cimperative military reason\u201d to transfer a population under occupation.\u00a0 Also noting that during the reporting period, Israeli Security Forces killed nine children, she called for those responsible to be held accountable, while condemning attacks from the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 With economic hardship increasing for the Palestinian people, in the context of rising fuel and food prices, she urged the Palestinian Authority to do more and to intensify the process towards elections.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the tensions in Jerusalem and unacceptable challenges to the status quo in the Temple Mount\/Haram al-Sharif, she stressed that the custodian role of Jordan must be respected.<\/p>\n<p>JUAN RAM\u00d3N DE LA FUENTE (<u>Mexico<\/u>), expressing regret over the lack of progress in implementing resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), echoed calls on Israel to cease its settlement activities and related demolitions and evictions.\u00a0 Calling for the Israeli Supreme Court to reverse its 4\u00a0May ruling on Masafer Yatta, which threatens to evict some 1,200\u00a0civilians, he said the underlying causes of the conflict clearly remain unaddressed.\u00a0 However, frustrations cannot be used to justify terror attacks.\u00a0 He voiced concern over the high number of Palestinian minors detained by Israeli authorities, calling for those currently held to be immediately freed, as well as for an independent investigation into the killing of Ms.\u00a0Abu Akleh.\u00a0 The lack of structural reforms on the ground hampers the effectiveness of donor funding, he said, stressing that economic progress must be accompanied by steps towards an inclusive political process, characterized by the holding of free and fair elections with the broad participation of women and young people.<\/p>\n<p>MICHAEL KAPKIAI KIBOINO (<u>Kenya<\/u>) cited ongoing cycles of tensions, continued settlement activity and disturbing statistics stemming from violent incidents involving children and youth, while calling for accountability to combat the continuing wave of terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, the Palestinian Jihad and other militant groups in Israel.\u00a0 He also called for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians that have tragically claimed both Israeli and Palestinian lives.\u00a0 While quarterly reports remain essential in keeping the Council informed, there is also a need to present broader trends and offer a sober analysis of their implications within the context of the current realities on the ground \u2014 including the prospects for a two-State solution.\u00a0 Reports should present clear objectives, timelines and feasible solutions to resolving pending issues.\u00a0 Stressing that the onus of ending the conflict does not necessarily fall on the Council, he said it requires the political will of both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to succeed, and noted steps taken by the Israel\u2019s Government to approve work permits and improve the regular flow of goods and people through the Gaza crossings in line with resolution\u00a01860\u00a0(2009).<\/p>\n<p>GHASAQ YOUSIF ABDALLA SHAHEEN (<u>United Arab Emirates<\/u>) said the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements jeopardizes the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and deeply affects peoples\u2019 lives, especially women and children.\u00a0 These settlements are points of tension and perpetuate violence.\u00a0 They also undermine peace efforts and violate international law and Âé¶¹APP resolutions.\u00a0 He emphasized the necessity of abiding by Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), regarding the prevention of all acts of violence against civilians, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement and destruction, especially as tensions escalate.\u00a0 The fragile situation should not be left unaddressed and regional and international diplomatic efforts must be intensified to proactively maintain calm and contribute to the creation of an environment conducive to peace. \u00a0Regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially in the Gaza Strip, and with the spike in commodity prices, he stressed the importance of using concrete measures to revive the economy and ease the movement of workers and trade flows. \u00a0He reiterated the United Arab Emirate\u2019s permanent and historical commitment to the Palestinian people, including through humanitarian aid and support for the health and education sectors.<\/p>\n<p>FERIT HOXHA (<u>Albania<\/u>), Council President for June, speaking in his national capacity, expressed regret that resolution\u00a02336\u00a0(2016) has not been implemented, and that settlements continue to expand, dimming hopes for a meaningful peaceful resolution.\u00a0 The security of Israel will never be in question, but settlements do not contribute to it, leading to violence and loss of lives on both sides.\u00a0 Israel is a democracy, he observed, and the backbone of every democracy is the rule of law.\u00a0 He expressed concern over threats to the preservation of the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and incendiary and hate speech that further exacerbates tensions, also condemning terrorism in all its forms and incitement to commit such heinous acts. \u00a0The killing of Ms.\u00a0Abu Akleh and the storming of her funeral procession by Israeli police require an independent and impartial investigation to establish the truth, he said.\u00a0 Commending vital support from the European Union to the Palestinian people, including to UNWRA, he warned that such measures will never be enough, nor are they gamechangers. \u00a0However, they are important since they help reverse the negative trends, and keep the hope alive for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; 9077TH MEETING (AM) SC\/14948 27 JUNE 2022 Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0 Video Security Council members today expressed their alarm with the escalating tensions and violence plaguing the occupied Palestinian territories as a top Âé¶¹APP envoy laid out the troubling trends that are undermining prospects for a peaceful two-State resolution of the conflict. Tor Wennesland, Âé¶¹APP <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/all-parties-must-act-now-to-lower-tensions-reverse-negative-trends-undermining-prospect-of-two-state-solution-middle-east-coordinator-tells-security-council-press-release-sc-14948\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[657,723,759,834,5615,5533,882,894,915,981,1029,1074,1197,2321,2553],"document-category":[1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[1362,6169,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1829,2005,2029,1857,2613,2185,2385,2137,2729,2117,6245,6251],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-277133","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","country-albania","country-brazil","country-china","country-france","country-gabon","country-ghana","country-india","country-ireland","country-kenya","country-mexico","country-norway","country-russian-federation","country-united-arab-emirates","country-united-kingdom","country-united-states-of-america","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-house-demolitions","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-internally-displaced-persons","document-subject-legal-issues","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-shelter","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-violence","document-subject-west-bank","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/277133","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\/277133\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=277133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=277133"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=277133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}