{"id":291276,"date":"2023-11-29T16:14:57","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T21:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=291276"},"modified":"2023-11-30T16:15:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T21:15:21","slug":"security-council-hears-fresh-calls-for-ceasefire-two-state-solution-during-ministerial-meeting-on-israel-gaza-war-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/security-council-hears-fresh-calls-for-ceasefire-two-state-solution-during-ministerial-meeting-on-israel-gaza-war-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Council Hears Fresh Calls for Ceasefire, Two-State Solution During Ministerial Meeting on Israel-Gaza War – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"
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9489TH MEETING* (AM)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SC\/15506<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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29 NOVEMBER 2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Warring Parties Must Abide by International Law, Secretary-General Asserts<\/h4>\n

Fifty-three days since the Israel-Gaza war began, speakers called today for the current humanitarian pause to become a sustained ceasefire \u2014 and for renewed efforts to be made for a two-State solution in the Middle East \u2014 during a ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council that coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.<\/p>\n

Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the Â鶹APP, recalled that through resolution 2712 (2023), adopted on 15\u00a0November, the Council demanded that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably regarding the protection of civilians, especially children. \u00a0\u201cIn a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict, since I have been Secretary-General,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Noting that Â鶹APP facilities are sheltering more than 1\u00a0million civilians seeking protection, he said that the 111 UN employees killed in Gaza represented the largest loss of personnel in the Organization\u2019s history.\u00a0 Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies, he said, underscoring the importance of a true humanitarian ceasefire as well as the two-State solution.<\/p>\n

Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, emphasized that a political and security framework is needed to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas. \u00a0Welcoming the agreement to secure the release of Israeli hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners, he said that \u201csuch respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue\u201d.<\/p>\n

He pointed to heightened tensions across the occupied West Bank where settler violence has continued at high levels. \u00a0Also highlighted in his briefing was Israel\u2019s decision to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority, which has further weakened that body in the wake of the economic collapse of Gaza.<\/p>\n

Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that the Prime Minister of Israel\u2019s selling point for retaining his position is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood.\u00a0 \u201cThe man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Accountability will not come from a Government whose agenda reflects the agenda of West Bank settlers, he said, emphasizing that the current truce must become a ceasefire.<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s delegate \u2014 noting that today marked 76 years since the General Assembly decided to partition Palestine into two States, one Arab and one Jewish \u2014 said that it was paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace because \u201cevery call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day\u201d. \u00a0The war could end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre.\u00a0 He added that the leaders of Hamas, as well as the Houthis in Yemen and the Ayatollahs in Iran, are all driven by the same goal \u2014 Israel\u2019s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews. \u00a0While Israel strives for peace, the Palestinians strive for war, he stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?\u201d asked Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, as he detailed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by his country, Egypt and the United States in the last few weeks. \u00a0Palestinians have gone through hell since the conflict erupted on 7\u00a0October, he said, noting that the agreement has so far\u00a0led to the release of more than 90 hostages in Gaza and more than 210 women and children held in Israeli prisons.<\/p>\n

Sameh Hassan Shoukry Selim, Egypt\u2019s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank. \u00a0Rejecting any plans to transfer Palestinians away from their land, he said that unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed \u2014 and unless the Israeli occupation ends \u2014 new cycles of violence will unfold.<\/p>\n

Along similar lines, Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of T\u00fcrkiye, said that if this problem is not fixed, the world will be haunted again by aggravated radicalism.\u00a0 Noting that millions of people worldwide have rallied in support of Palestine, he said Member States must actively engage in a peace process based on a two-State solution.\u00a0He also highlighted T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s proposal for a guarantorship mechanism that would prevent breaches by either party.<\/p>\n

Several delegates, including Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Council President for November, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. \u00a0The current pause in the fighting in Gaza proves the value of dialogue, and it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire, he said.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States said that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza will deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better.\u00a0 She envisioned a two-State solution, in which Gaza and the West Bank would be reunited under a single Governance structure under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.<\/p>\n

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Briefings<\/u><\/p>\n

ANT\u00d3NIO GUTERRES,\u00a0Secretary-General of the Â鶹APP<\/u>, said that more than 1,200 people were killed and thousands were injured in the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7\u00a0October, and more than 14,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the start of the Israeli military operations.\u00a0\u201cIn a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict since I have been Secretary-General.\u201d\u00a0 Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.\u00a0 It is clear that before the pause, there were serious violations, he said, adding that beyond the many civilians killed and wounded, 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent of Gaza\u2019s people have been forced from their homes.\u00a0 This growing population is being pushed towards an ever-smaller area of southern Gaza, but of course, \u201cnowhere is safe in Gaza,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Â鶹APP facilities are sheltering more than one million civilians seeking protection, he said, adding that 218 internally displaced people sheltering in Â鶹APP Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools have been killed.\u00a0 Moreover, 111 members of the UN family have been killed in Gaza \u2014 \u201cthe largest loss of personnel in the history of the Organization\u201d.\u00a0Underscoring the importance of protecting civilians, he said that the pause has enabled the Organization to enhance the delivery of aid into and across Gaza.\u00a0 For the first time since 7\u00a0October, an inter-agency convoy delivered food, water, medical supplies and shelter items to northern Gaza \u2014 specifically to four UNRWA shelters in the Jabalia camp.\u00a0 Expressing appreciation to Egypt for making this assistance possible, he said that the level of aid to Palestinians in Gaza remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs of more than two million people.<\/p>\n

Recalling that resolution 2712 (2023) calls for \u201cthe immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups\u201d, he said that the arrangement that was announced on 22\u00a0November has so far led to the release of 60 hostages held by Hamas and other groups, with another 21 hostages released outside the arrangement.\u00a0 The arrangement also saw the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails, mostly women and children.\u00a0 Going forward, Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies.\u00a0 Calling on the international community not to look away from the epic humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he called for a true humanitarian ceasefire.\u00a0 It is essential to move in a determined and irreversible way toward establishing a two-State solution, on the basis of Â鶹APP resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.\u00a0 Failure to do that will condemn Palestinians, Israelis, the region and the world to a never-ending cycle of death and destruction, he said.<\/p>\n

TOR WENNESLAND,\u00a0Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process<\/u>, via videoconference, acknowledged the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States in facilitating the agreement to secure the release of hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners and detainees.\u00a0\u201cSuch respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue.\u201d\u00a0 In addition to the fighting in Gaza, there are also heightened tensions, intensive violence and widespread movement restrictions across the occupied West Bank.\u00a0 \u201cThe period has been marked by some of the most intensive Israeli operations in the West Bank since the second intifada\u201d, including armed Palestinians using improvised explosive devises and Israeli security forces\u2019 drone strikes.\u00a0 Settler violence has continued at high levels, driving mounting intensity, increased violence and Palestinian displacement.\u00a0 During this reporting period, 154 Palestinians, including 37 children, were killed, nearly all of them in the context of Israeli army operations, many involving armed exchanges with Palestinians.\u00a0 Israeli settlers have killed two Palestinians, while three Israelis, including two security forces personnel, were killed by Palestinians in attacks, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmid the surging violence and extensive Israeli movement restrictions, the Palestinian Authority\u2019s long-standing fiscal crisis has worsened significantly, as economic activity in the West Bank has ground to a halt, and the economy of Gaza has collapsed.\u201d\u00a0 The 2\u00a0November decision by the Israeli security cabinet to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority further weakened that body\u2019s revenues, impacting many critical services and the payment of public sector salaries.\u00a0 \u201cThe situation is boiling and getting worse rapidly,\u201d he said, emphasizing that more must be done to stabilize the situation in the West Bank.<\/p>\n

On potential regional escalation, he said that in Israel\u2019s north, tensions along the Blue Line have calmed over the last few days, but the situation remains volatile.\u00a0 About 100,000 Israelis remain displaced in the north and 50,000 Lebanese are displaced from southern areas near the Blue Line.\u00a0 On the Golan, he said, firing from Syria towards the Israeli-occupied Golan and strikes by Israel against targets in Syria took place.\u00a0He said missiles and drones were reportedly launched from Yemen towards Israel, most being intercepted but with a drone strike recorded on a school in Eilat on 9\u00a0November claimed by the Houthis.\u00a0 An Israeli-affiliated ship was seized by Houthi forces in the Red Sea on 19\u00a0November.<\/p>\n

Without an effective political and security framework for when the fighting ends, it will be impossible to sustainably end the violence and shape a new reality, he continued.\u00a0 Over the coming weeks and months, the international community must engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and regional partners on constructive and practical political solutions.\u00a0 Terror attacks must not happen again, Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State and there must be an end to the occupation and the realization of a two-State solution.\u00a0 Our past efforts have certainly not been enough, he said, adding that a new and different approach is needed now.<\/p>\n

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

RIYAD AL-MALIKI,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine<\/u>, said that the current truce must become a ceasefire and the massacres cannot be allowed to resume.\u00a0 Recalling that over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, he said that no one and nowhere is safe in Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cHow many times can the world afford to fail the test of humanity in Gaza, in Palestine?\u201d he wondered, adding that a solvable political conflict has been turned into a never-ending religious confrontation.\u00a0 In the General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Israel presented his vision for the new Middle East that wiped Palestine off the map \u2014 and now 1.7\u00a0million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are displaced.\u00a0Israel has turned Gaza into hell on Earth and the lives of Palestinian communities in the West Bank into a living hell.\u00a0 \u201cThe Palestinian people are here to stay, they are from this land and of this land and their destiny is to live in freedom and dignity on this land.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t it time we found a way to live side by side?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, he said that while the entire world rejects Israel\u2019s colonial policies and violence, accountability cannot come from a Government whose agenda is the settlers\u2019 agenda.\u00a0 \u201cWe need international protection and international action to end impunity so as to prevent the recurrence of these crimes that occur daily and in broad daylight,\u201d he said, adding that what the Palestinians are now enduring is the result of the international community\u2019s failure to provide such protection and accountability.\u00a0The current Government in Israel, more than any other, considers Palestinian statehood to be a strategic threat, and its Prime Minister\u2019s selling point to keep his post is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 \u201cThe man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres and continuing to deny Palestinian rights,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cHis interests do not only conflict with our inalienable rights but with all those who seek peace and security for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel<\/u>) recalled that on 29\u00a0November\u00a01947, the Â鶹APP adopted a partition plan and the establishment of the Jewish State.\u00a0 However, the Arab States rejected that resolution and tried to annihilate Israel.\u00a0Today, 76 years later, history is repeating itself.\u00a0 A century ago, more than one million Jews lived in Arab countries, but now there are only a couple of thousands left.\u00a0 The genocidal ideology of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, continues to poison many Arab minds and Israel is defending itself from this ideology.\u00a0 Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, the Houthis and the Ayatollahs in Iran are all driven by the same goal of Israel\u2019s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s time for the Security Council to address this evil, before another atrocity is committed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Anyone who supports a ceasefire supports Hamas\u2019 continued reign of terror in Gaza, he said, adding that it is paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace.\u00a0 \u201cEvery call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day.\u201d\u00a0Iran, which publicly supports the 7\u00a0October massacre, armed, funded and trained Hamas, he said, adding:\u00a0\u201cThis Council must also not remain silent about the Shiite elephant in the room.\u201d \u00a0Meanwhile, the Â鶹APP has been co-opted by those that have no real interest in a solution.\u00a0 \u201cEvery UN body has been weaponized against Israel.\u201d\u00a0 Reiterating that Israel strives for peace while the Palestinians strive for war, he said that his country has facilitated the establishment of field offices, opened humanitarian corridors and approved the entry of fuel.\u00a0 The only way to dramatically improve the situation is to support Israel\u2019s mission to eradicate Hamas\u2019 terror capabilities, he stated, adding that the war can end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre.\u00a0 \u201cDemand this from Hamas.\u00a0 This is the solution,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

WANG YI,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of China<\/u>, Council President for November, speaking in his national capacity, reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire.\u00a0 While the current pause in fighting did not come at the earliest, it nevertheless shows that dialogue is the best way to save lives.\u00a0 Calling on the international community to work for a comprehensive ceasefire, he warned that the resumption of fighting will likely turn into a calamity that will devour the whole region.\u00a0 The past days of pause should not just be a hiatus before a new round of violence; rather, it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire.\u00a0 The protection of civilians is a red line in international law that cannot be crossed, he added, expressing concern about the collective punishment of people in Gaza and the forced transfer of Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 Stressing the importance of humanitarian access, he drew attention to China\u2019s contributions to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.\u00a0 Justice demands the establishment of two States, he said, welcoming those Ministers attending today\u2019s meeting as well as their mediation efforts.<\/p>\n

MAURO VIEIRA,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil<\/u>, underscoring that the Council has to be held accountable to its main obligation to uphold peace and security, observed it did not unite in the past and it does not seem to be ready to do so now. \u00a0The violence in Gaza is at unacceptable levels \u2014 especially against children \u2014 and the plight of pregnant women is disturbing. \u00a0The Council and the international community must join forces to end violence and provide humanitarian help to Gaza. \u00a0He welcomed the release of hostages and the recent truce deal.\u00a0 It is a sign that agreement is possible, even when it seems unattainable.\u00a0 He also welcomed the extension of the truce and urged all parties to \u201ccling to this spark of hope\u201d.\u00a0 However, the Council must do more and unite for a more decisive course of action that can achieve gains, and sustainably address the crisis on the ground. \u00a0Solidarity is the Council\u2019s duty, not just a moral obligation, he stressed.<\/p>\n

TARIQ AHMAD,\u00a0Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and Â鶹APP<\/u>, stressed every innocent civilian life lost, Palestinian or Israeli, was a tragedy. \u00a0Thus, the ceasefire agreement should not be a one-off. \u00a0He reported that, last week, the United Kingdom\u2019s Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the Foreign Secretary announced another $38\u00a0million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and underlined the need to find a long-term political solution to this conflict based on the two-State solution. \u00a0Turning to the escalation in the West Bank, he called on Israel to hold accountable those responsible for the settler violence. \u00a0Underscoring that country\u2019s right to self-defence, he urged it to act in accordance with international law, pointing to the too many innocent civilians, including children, who have lost their lives. \u00a0A negotiated settlement in line with Security Council resolutions is a vision that needs to be turned into a reality, he stressed, noting that while peace may seem difficult, it is achievable.<\/p>\n

LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States<\/u>), noting that the humanitarian pause would not have been possible without the leadership of Qatar, Egypt and Washington, D.C., spotlighted direct, personal presidential diplomacy.\u00a0 Reporting that her country is airlifting UN medical items, food aid and winter necessities, she said that it delivered 54,000 pounds of assistance to the Humanitarian Logistics Hub.\u00a0 In addition, during the first five days of the pause, 1,000 trucks and regular shipments of fuel were provided to UNRWA.\u00a0 She further expressed concern over the possible regional spillover of the conflict, condemning violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. \u00a0Stressing that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza would deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better, she emphasized: \u00a0\u201cWe need a two-State solution where Gaza and the West Bank are reunited under a single Governance structure, ultimately under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.\u201d<\/p>\n

KHALIFA SHAHEEN AL MARAR,\u00a0Minister for State of the United Arab Emirates<\/u>, condemned Israel\u2019s policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, as well as attempts to displace them.\u00a0Stating that the future and governance of Gaza must remain in the hands of Palestinians, he underscored that any plans that seek to separate the Gaza Strip from the State of Palestine are \u201cunacceptable\u201d.\u00a0 He also stressed the need for the international community to adopt unified rules condemning violations of international humanitarian law, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, civilian objects and UN facilities.\u00a0\u201cApplying double standards across these matters causes chaos and undermines our international order,\u201d he observed.\u00a0 Turning to the truce recently reached by the parties, he underlined the need to build on this measure and, simultaneously, to work towards reaching an immediate, permanent ceasefire.\u00a0 Also urging persistent efforts to prevent the region from sliding into war, he underscored that ongoing skirmishes in Lebanon, the Syrian Golan and the Red Sea must cease.<\/p>\n

THOMAS GU\u0308RBER (Switzerland<\/u>), while recognizing Israel\u2019s right to ensure its security, underscored that respect for international humanitarian law is imperative.\u00a0 Civilians have paid the heaviest price since the start of these hostilities, including Israelis killed in the 7\u00a0October attacks, hostages taken, and the thousands of civilians killed in Gaza.\u00a0 Welcoming the release of hostages, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still being held.\u00a0 Further, calling for an extension to the humanitarian pause and the continuing, full implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), he voiced concern over increased settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \u00a0\u201cAll violations of international law committed in Israel and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 Finally urging a political solution to the conflict, he underscored the importance of Palestinian and Israeli women\u2019s participation in the process, as well as the Council\u2019s role in taking steps towards a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

MAVIS NKANSAH-BOADU,\u00a0Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana<\/u>, said that the tears, suffering and deaths on both sides must end.\u00a0 She welcomed the humanitarian pause and appealed to Israel and Hamas to extend it.\u00a0She also emphasized the need to swiftly deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded that UNRWA facilities be separated from the conflict.\u00a0 The parties must respect international humanitarian law and renew constructive dialogue.\u00a0 Warning against a spillover of violence in the region, she said that Ghana sees no alternative to the two-State solution.\u00a0 The exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, the seizure of Israeli cargo ships in the Red Sea and drone and missile strikes on Israel must stop.\u00a0Voicing concern that more than 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent of Gaza\u2019s population has been displaced, she called on the Council to step up efforts so that Palestinians can enjoy their right to a homeland while ensuring Israel\u2019s security, including by appointing a rapporteur to unify its position on how to proceed with the two-State solution.<\/p>\n

UEMURA TSUKASA,\u00a0Special Envoy of the Middle East Peace of Japan<\/u>, said that he has been engaged in the region for four decades, with friends in both Israel and Palestine including in the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 \u201cI am convinced that sadness and hope are shared,\u201d he said, adding that Middle East peace should be built on this common ground.\u00a0Japan\u2019s approach to a two-State solution is based on three pillars:\u00a0 political dialogue, confidence-building and economic assistance to the Palestinian people.\u00a0He also cited Japan\u2019s efforts to promote important policies such as the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development.\u00a0 Calling for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and without conditions, he said that the humanitarian situation in Palestine must not deteriorate further.\u00a0 \u201cThe current conflict since 7\u00a0October must not block the path to peace\u201d, as there is no solution other than the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine, he said.<\/p>\n

LILLY STELLA NGYEMA NDONG (Gabon<\/u>) welcomed the agreement which allowed for the truce that began last Friday and the release of several Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, calling it \u201ca window of hope\u201d that must allow for a return to international humanitarian law in the ruins of Gaza.\u00a0 The lethal violence unleashed by the barbaric attacks of Hamas on 7\u00a0October has reached an unbearable level and it is time to stop the bloodbath.\u00a0 All parties must exercise restraint and respect their obligations under international law, she said, adding that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be political and diplomatic, and made through good faith negotiations ensuring respect for the legitimate concerns of each party.\u00a0 She reiterated condemnation of all indiscriminate murderous violence and called for the unconditional release of all the hostages.<\/p>\n

FERIT HOXHA (Albania<\/u>), welcoming the pause, said it has been six days without \u201cthe deafening noise of war\u201d.\u00a0 The continued release of hostages is very positive, he said, urging Qatar, Egypt and the United States to continue their efforts until all hostages are united with their families.\u00a0 Also welcoming the considerable increase of the volume of humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said that the horrific events of 7\u00a0October cannot be forgotten.\u00a0Civilians have paid an unprecedented price in this conflict and their protection must be a primary concern.\u00a0 While the attention is focused on Gaza, innocent civilians, including children, are also dying in the West Bank, he continued.\u00a0Israel must commit the same efforts to saving innocent Palestinian lives as it does in its efforts to decimate Hamas.\u00a0However justified the frustration and fatigue that Palestinians feel, they should not be fooled into believing in Hamas, he added.<\/p>\n

VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta<\/u>) commended the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which have led to the humanitarian truce and release of Israeli hostages and detained Palestinian women and children.\u00a0 She also welcomed the truce extension.\u00a0 \u201cWe urge the parties to continue to build on these steps,\u201d she said, adding that the truce must continue to be extended.\u00a0 She called for the release of all remaining hostages, adding that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is untenable.\u00a0\u201cWe cannot afford to lose more lives.\u00a0We cannot return to further bloodshed and insecurity,\u201d she said, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.\u00a0She noted violence in the occupied West Bank and underlined Israel\u2019s obligations to ensure the protection of Palestinians against all acts or threats of violence.\u00a0 Settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.\u00a0 It is imperative to consider a credible foundation for future peace and Malta remains committed to a two-State solution, she said.<\/p>\n

ANDR\u00c9S EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador<\/u>) condemned the unjustifiable terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Israeli people and called for an immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas. \u00a0Underscoring Israel\u2019s right to self-defence, he emphasized the need to make every effort to prevent harm and casualties among innocent civilians. \u00a0The recent pause in hostilities is a hopeful first step towards peace, he said, urging the parties to seek its extension to give civilians \u201ca breathing space\u201d. \u00a0Highlighting the importance of implementing resolution 2712 (2023) to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza, he also called for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire. \u00a0Turning to the situation in the West Bank, he warned that any measure which undermines the viability of the two-State solution contributes to perpetuating the conflict. \u00a0In this regard, he urged all protagonists to show restraint and prevent expansion of violence to other areas, including the border between Israel and Lebanon.<\/p>\n

DOMINGOS EST\u00caV\u00c3O FERNANDES (Mozambique<\/u>), welcoming the four-day truce, extended for two more days, underscored that the situation remains worrying and urged all parties to persist in discussions. \u00a0Both Israelis and Palestinians should assess the humanitarian pause as a starting point to a more consistent and lasting solution which brings the war to an end. \u00a0The situation on the ground warrants a long humanitarian pause or agreed compromise to ensure that all those in a dire situation have access to basic needs, such as water, electricity, food, and medicine. \u00a0He called for the urgent implementation of resolution 2712 (2023) to facilitate the delivery of critical goods and services necessary for the health, survival, and protection of civilians, especially children.\u00a0 He also called for the imperative release of hostages and further affirmed that the two-State solution remains relevant and indispensable for a lasting peace and harmony in the region.<\/p>\n

NICOLAS DE RIVI\u00c8RE (France<\/u>) called for the extended truce to be permanent and lead to a ceasefire.\u00a0 Welcoming the release of three French children taken hostage, as well as all other hostages, he called for the rest held by Hamas and other terrorist groups to be released immediately without condition.\u00a0 Urging the Council to condemn without delay or ambiguity the terrorist attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7\u00a0October, he affirmed that Israel has the right and duty to defend itself in strict compliance with international law.\u00a0 He noted that France has deployed more than 100 tons of humanitarian freight and provided \u20ac100\u00a0million since 7\u00a0October, including \u20ac54\u00a0million for UNRWA. \u00a0Condemning the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, he further called for the guaranteed safety of the Â鶹APP Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Â鶹APP Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the Â鶹APP Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) peacekeepers.<\/p>\n

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation<\/u>), noting that Western delegations demand that every Council meeting includes the \u201cmantra about women\u2019s participation in decision-making\u201d, stressed that the right to life and security has been taken from the Palestinian women. \u00a0For the West, Palestinians are second-class people, he said, emphasizing that those nations have no interest in defending such people\u2019s interests.\u00a0 Recalling that the Russian Federation proposed two resolutions, he emphasized that the \u201cmaximum the Council has been able to bring forth is a toothless resolution\u201d.\u00a0He further suggested an expanded mandate for the Â鶹APP Truce Supervision Organization, also spotlighting the meeting of his country\u2019s Minister for Foreign Affairs with the members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh.\u00a0 Underscoring the importance of relaunching the peace process, he pointed out that an updated mechanism for a two-State solution must include regional stakeholders.<\/p>\n

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN AL-THANI,\u00a0Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar<\/u>, said that Palestinians have gone through hell in the past seven weeks. \u00a0Last week, relentless diplomatic efforts led by his country, Egypt and the United States led to an agreement that extended the humanitarian pause, led to the release of more than 90 hostages in the Gaza Strip and more than 210 women and children who were held in Israeli prisons, and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid. \u00a0The Council must take more steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, guarantee the flow of sufficient humanitarian aid and establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the humanitarian aid delivery through all the crossings, he underscored. \u00a0Further, the occupying Power must abide by its obligations under international law. \u00a0Instead of launching lies against Arab States, Israel must go back to the books, he said, asking: \u00a0\u201cWhere is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?\u201d\u00a0 The Gaza Strip is part and parcel of the occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.<\/p>\n

SAMEH HASSAN SHOUKRY SELIM,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt<\/u>, said that the destruction of Gaza and targeting of civilians are flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law that cannot be justified under any pretext. \u00a0\u201cThis tragedy is happening amidst the silence of the international community,\u201d he said, adding that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank. \u00a0Egypt totally rejects any plans to transfer Palestinians from their land, he added, calling on the international community to oppose such actions. \u00a0He called on the Council to support efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to consider a draft resolution, tabled by Egypt, focused on the humanitarian aspect in Gaza.\u00a0 Double standards must be avoided and sympathetic statements must be turned into actions. \u00a0The only alternative for the day after is to address the root causes of this conflict and end the Israeli occupation. \u00a0\u201cIf not, new cycles of violence will unfold,\u201d he said, calling for vain statements to be put aside and for international efforts to be directed towards achieving the two-State solution.<\/p>\n

PRINCE FAISAL BIN FARHAN AL SAUD,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia<\/u>, whose country is Chair of the Ministerial Committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, said that in an absence of international accountability measures, a summit of leaders was convened in Riyadh resulting in resolutions which reaffirmed the will to stand with the Palestinian people, their demands to take back their occupied territory and to establish an independent State.\u00a0 An immediate and permanent ceasefire that paves the way for a credible peace process is urgently needed, he said, adding that while a humanitarian pause is a good first step, it is insufficient. \u00a0Moreover, the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid is required to match civilian needs.\u00a0 In that regard, resolution 2712 (2023) must be fully implemented.\u00a0 Rejecting weak pretences of self-defence in the face of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, he rejected Israel\u2019s assertion that humanitarian aid will not bring peace.\u00a0 Saudi Arabia is a peace-loving nation and wants it to be Israel\u2019s choice as well, he said, calling for a two-State solution and for the convening of a UN-mediated peace conference.<\/p>\n

AYMAN SAFADI,\u00a0Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan<\/u>, said Israel\u2019s aggression has become more barbarous and deadly than before.\u00a0 Israel considers the Council\u2019s silence to be authorization for its crimes, he said, adding that the occupying Power has no right to self-defence according to international law.\u00a0 Ending the occupation is the viable way for peace for Palestinians and the entire region. \u00a0This is not a religious conflict; rather, it is due to the unfair occupation and injustice.\u00a0 He urged the Council to call for a ceasefire and the international community to end the occupation and conflict.\u00a0 A new peace process instrumentalized by Israel is not the solution.\u00a0 Rather, the Council needs to adopt a resolution recognizing the Palestinian State and end unilateral Israeli actions that further enshrine the occupation.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s acceptance of such a resolution would ensure peace. \u00a0If Israel refuses, the result will be ongoing violence, he said.<\/p>\n

HAKAN FIDAN,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of T\u00fcrkiye<\/u>, said that Israel\u2019s brutal attacks on Gaza and its population constitute war crimes. \u00a0Pointing to the Council\u2019s failure to call with one voice for an effective ceasefire, he said that this paralysis will reverberate on other global crises and further erode the Council\u2019s credibility.\u00a0 If this problem is not fixed, the world will soon be haunted again by aggravated radicalism feeding on impunity and injustice. \u00a0Millions of people have rallied in support of Palestine and they expect the Council to act, he said, adding that this \u201cdark episode\u201d is an opportunity to address the root cause of the conflict. \u00a0When the Palestinians have their own functioning State, most of the current challenges will disappear.\u00a0 Member States must actively engage in a peace process based on a two-State solution that ensures the safety of both Israel and Palestine, he said, highlighting his country\u2019s proposal for a guarantorship mechanism that would prevent breaches by either party.<\/p>\n

RETNO LESTARI PRIANSARI MARSUDI,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia<\/u>, said that she wants to be on the right side of history, defending justice and humanity for the Palestinian people.\u00a0 While prisoners in Israel are being released during the humanitarian pause, almost the same number of new prisoners are being detained in the West Bank.\u00a0 \u201cWhen can this atrocity be stopped?\u201d she asked, adding that \u201cout of the small glimpse of peace, we could see hope\u201d. \u00a0However, the humanitarian pause is too narrow and fragile and it will not create a better situation in Gaza.\u00a0 The Council must ensure that hostilities do not return with a vengeance and its members must work together for a durable ceasefire.\u00a0 \u201cAnother day without fighting is a day worth fighting for.\u201d\u00a0 Palestine has the right to an independent State, she continued, adding that now is the right time to restart the peace process.<\/p>\n

TANJA FAJON,\u00a0Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia<\/u>, underlined the urgency of a permanent ceasefire.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the blockade and health situation in Gaza, she noted that aid delivered so far \u2014 while welcomed \u2014 still falls short.\u00a0 For its part, Slovenia has increased its humanitarian support and stands ready to play an active role in the psychosocial rehabilitation of children, she said.\u00a0 She also pointed out that the world is witnessing clear violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, underscoring: \u00a0\u201cEven wars have rules.\u201d\u00a0 Stressing that the international community must do more, she stated: \u00a0\u201cWe must recognize that we have failed the test of humanity.\u201d \u00a0Noting her country is an incoming Council member, she underscored that the organ \u201cmust step up\u201d.\u00a0 To that end, she expressed her support for the convening of an international conference to agree on a peace plan leading to a two-State solution.\u00a0 \u201cThe only guarantee of the safety and security of Israelis is a recognition of the Palestinian State,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

ZAMBRY ABDUL KADIR,\u00a0Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia<\/u>, voiced concern and distress over the 7\u00a0October attack against civilians, and the following vengeful and brutal slaughter of innocent lives in Gaza.\u00a0 Recalling heart-wrenching images of children killed, maimed and shell-shocked in the aftermath of indiscriminate Israeli shelling, he welcomed resolution 2712 (2023). \u00a0However, he stressed that must be the beginning of a lasting peace process and permanent ceasefire.\u00a0 It is outrageous that 15,000 civilians had to die before a deal for a humanitarian pause was reached, \u201cafter Gaza had become a hell on Earth and a graveyard for children\u201d, he stated.\u00a0 He further noted it is the deadliest conflict ever for UN employees, urging the Council to heed the resounding cry of concerned citizens of the world and the majority of UN Member States to relieve the dire humanitarian situation.\u00a0 Calling for an independent Palestinian State, he stressed that \u201cthe whole world is looking\u201d as the Council has failed Palestinians too many times.<\/p>\n

AHMED ABOUL GHEIT,\u00a0Secretary-General of the League of Arab States<\/u>, stated: \u00a0\u201cThis destruction, this killing, this collective punishment practiced by the Israeli occupation is sowing hatred and rage in Palestine and the region, and these will last for years.\u201d\u00a0 He called for all parties to work on ending the war and turning the humanitarian truce into a permanent truce and complete ceasefire. \u00a0Further, the Council\u2019s responsibility is not just to people in Gaza, but to achieve peace and stability in the region, he said, highlighting that life in Gaza is unbearable.\u00a0 People have no shelter or basic necessities.\u00a0 Thus, the delivery of humanitarian assistance could mean the difference between life and death for many.\u00a0 However, many people ignore the fact that the humanitarian assistance entering Gaza today is only the bare minimum needed to meet residents\u2019 needs.\u00a0 There must be delivery of enough aid to prevent death by starvation or disease, he stressed, adding that ending the occupation is the League\u2019s priority.<\/p>\n

It is important to look towards the future, he continued, calling on the Council to focus on the political horizon of this situation.\u00a0 The future must only mean one thing \u2014 a Palestinian State.\u00a0 Yet, the only State rejecting the two-State solution is the occupying State.\u00a0The Council needs to show courage and decisiveness with that State to remove any illusions concerning retaining the Territory, he emphasized, underlining that this is apartheid.\u00a0 In addition, decisive international will is needed to implement the solution and turn it into a reality as soon as possible by ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State. \u00a0The opportunity of this war needs to be seized to find a settlement. \u00a0An international conference should draw a timebound path to end the last colonial military occupation on earth, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

9489TH MEETING* (AM) SC\/15506 29 NOVEMBER 2023 Warring Parties Must Abide by International Law, Secretary-General Asserts Fifty-three days since the Israel-Gaza war began, speakers called today for the current humanitarian pause to become a sustained ceasefire \u2014 and for renewed efforts to be made for a two-State solution in the Middle East \u2014 during a […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":301,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[1362,6169],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,5449,1829,2005,6848,1741,5200,6771,6251],"entity":[],"document-language":[],"class_list":["post-291276","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-press-release","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance-to-the-palestinian-people","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-hostages","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-two-state-solution","document-subject-west-bank"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/291276","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\/301"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/291276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291283,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/291276\/revisions\/291283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=291276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=291276"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=291276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}