YouSaid · the spoken record

Carmon

lines on the record: 151
first: 2006-03-30
most recent: 2010-05-31
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Many here in the Council have mentioned resolution 1860 (2009), and I would like to remind members of the Council that that resolution addresses 10-38189 many aspects other than the humanitarian. Thus, we cannot ignore the threat to peace and security posed by Hamas, nor can we ignore the most basic necessity and obligation of Israel to safeguard its security by appropriate measures when threatened. Let us not become diverted from the need to continue advancing on the political track. While the complicated situation in and around Gaza persists - and today's incident is only one example of it - we should continue to embrace, as has been mentioned, the positive developments of the past few weeks so that we and the Palestinian Authority can sit together for direct talks for the benefit of our people and the region as a whole.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“The IDF operation was not a military attack, as some have said. The operation began as a preventive measure to counter illegal breakage of the blockade. Any responsible Government would act accordingly in similar circumstances. Let me add that it is the responsibility of the organizers - the provocateurs - some of whom are linked to terrorist organizations. The results of last night's events are tragic and unfortunate, and Israel deeply regrets any lose of innocent life. But it cannot compromise its security. Nobody would. The full picture of the circumstances that led to these consequences will continue, as I have stated before, to unfold over the next few days. However, it is important that, while assessing this particular event, not to lose sight of the bigger picture.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“The intentions were clear: to lynch the Israeli soldiers. This is definitively documented, and I am sure - I hope - that the media will publish it. This was intended to be a real lynching on the ships. Without any doubt, the soldiers acted in self- defence. According to reports, the unfortunate event resulted in death and injuries to the protesters, as well as grave injury to our soldiers. The seriously injured were evacuated and are currently being treated at Israeli hospitals. The IDF, as part of its standard operating procedures, will conduct debriefing on the matter that will shed more light on the occurrences we witnessed today. The information will, of course, be shared accordingly. Let me be very clear - this was not a peaceful protest. The IHH people on board one of the ships were not humanitarian aid activists.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“Alongside its legitimate humanitarian activities, it supports radical Islamic networks such as Hamas, and at least in the past has even supported global jihad elements, such as Al-Qaida. Being members of a so-called humanitarian mission, these champions of human rights also rejected in the initial planning stage an Israeli request to ask Hamas to allow the Red Cross to visit captured soldier Gilad Shalit. When it became clear that the protest flotilla intended to violate the blockade despite the repeated warnings, Israeli naval personnel boarded the vessels and redirected them to Ashdod. Unfortunately, the soldiers boarding one of the ships were attacked most violently with life-threatening means. Live ammunition, knives, clubs and others types of weapons were used against soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“Let me stress that in this case, Israel provided in due time not only information about the existence of the blockade - as it is supposed to do - but also appropriate notification to the relevant Governments and to the organizers of the Gaza flotilla. The organizers turned down Israel's repeated offers to transfer the aid to Gaza because they had other plans. Let me read out a quotation from a statement made prior to the events by one of the main organizer: "They [the Israelis] are going to have to stop us forcefully". So said the leader of the IHH, one of the primary organizers of the flotilla. Just prior to departure, he added: "We are going to resist, and resistance will win". Moreover, it should be noted that the organizing group, Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH) has a radical anti-Western orientation.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“Let me remind the Council that a state of armed conflict exists between Israel and the Hamas terrorist regime controlling Gaza. Let me remind the Council that rockets and mortars were still being launched by Hamas and others towards southern Israel as recently as a brief hour ago. That is the Gaza situation; that is the situation of armed conflict that we have to endure on a daily basis. Let me remind the council that Gaza is occupied by terrorists that ousted the Palestinian Authority in a violent coup, and that arms are continuously being smuggled into the territory, including by sea. Peace and security are being threatened. A maritime blockade is a legitimate and recognized measure under international law that may be implemented as part of an armed conflict at sea. A blockade may be imposed at sea, including in international waters.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“What kind of peace activists use knives and clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers and other weapons to attack soldiers who board a ship in accordance with international law? What kind of humanitarian activists, some with known terrorist histories, embrace Hamas, a terrorist organization that openly shuns a two-State solution and calls for Israel destruction, defying conditions set by the international community and the Quartet? The answer is clear. They are not peace activists; they are not messengers of good will. They cynically use the guise of humanitarian aid to send a message of hate and to implement violence. That is what we saw this morning. Indeed, it is a sad day. It is a sad day because of the results of this unwelcome provocation.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“Much material and merchandise enters Gaza daily through those mechanisms. And I would like to stress that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This Council heard, not long ago, from the Secretary-General's representative in the region, Mr. Serry, about positive developments on this aspect. The flotilla's organizers not only rejected this offer, but stated clearly that "this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, but rather about breaking the Israeli siege", as Greta Berlin, a flotilla spokesperson, told the media last week. What kind of humanitarian activists demand to bypass the United Nations, the Red Cross and other internationally recognized agencies?”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“The Security Council is convened this afternoon following a serious event that took place early this morning local time, when a convoy of six ships attempted to break the maritime blockade off the coast of Gaza. Although portrayed in the media as a humanitarian mission delivering aid to Gaza, this flotilla was anything but a genuine humanitarian-only mission. If it had indeed been a humanitarian-only mission, the organizers would have accepted weeks ago, during the planning stages for this flotilla, the offer by the Israeli authorities to transfer the aid to Gaza through the port of Ashdod, via the existing overland crossings, in accordance with established procedures. Many States and organizations, including the United Nations, are using those mechanisms on a daily basis, as we have heard before.”
2010-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6325 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, Israel will continue to seriously address the issue of the protection of civilians in a constructive manner. For Israelis, as victims of terrorism, the protection of civilians is not a theoretical exercise; it is a reality that we have been grappling with for over 60 years. It is unfortunate that, on a daily basis, terrorism presents us with the dilemma arising from the need to uphold human rights while protecting civilians on all sides. Israel takes the issue to heart, whomever it concerns and wherever they may be. We expect substantial improvements in future reports so that the international community can engage in a relevant, accurate and in-depth debate on this important issue.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“They also know the difficulty of confronting this new enemy, which considers innocent civilians to be legitimate targets. None of those States would tolerate a politicized, unjust and biased treatment of its struggle against terrorism. Neither does Israel. Let me stress that the issues contained in this statement have been addressed to our Secretariat colleagues in the past two weeks, highlighting the deficiencies of the report. We understand that we were not the only ones to have done so, to say the least. We also understand and trust that coordination within the Secretariat will improve in the future and that misrepresentations will not be repeated, thus avoiding futile politicized semantics, wrong accusations and deliberate omissions.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“With those and other deficiencies, the report does not help civilian protection, which the report acknowledges is increasingly challenged by asymmetric conflicts involving States with obligations, on the one hand, and non-State armed groups, on the other. In spite of that recognition, the report fails to seriously address the actions of non-State parties who have made a mockery of the concept of protection of civilians. Many States around this table, as well as in the wider membership of the Organization, know exactly what terrorism is all about. They have paid the terrible price levied by terrorism and have decided to confront this phenomenon. Like Israel, they have felt the importance and urgency to protect their own citizens, which is the primary obligation of any responsible State.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In that regard, it is worth noting that the most recent report on children and armed conflict (S/2009/158) found that Palestinian families were too terrified of Hamas retribution to speak publicly against the group's use of Gaza's children. It is regrettable that the current report on the protection of civilians does not see fit to mention that fact. Moreover, while clear evidence exists of Hamas's cruel misuse of civilian infrastructure, contrary to the most basic humanitarian values, the report shies away from addressing that practice in an appropriate manner. The report is fundamentally flawed. It is flawed for its omissions, it is flawed for its errors and it is flawed for its selective use of language.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“The report makes no mention of Israel's extraordinary efforts to avoid civilian casualties or of its implementation of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) own operational standard procedures in the aftermath of any military operation. As part of its normal practice, the IDF has conducted five in-depth investigations concerning the recent conflict. These reflect Israel's democratic oversight, which ensures rigorous attention to Israel's laws, as well as those of the international community. Not only does the report omit any mention of Hamas's terrorism perpetrated against Israeli civilians, but its weak treatment of Hamas's terrorism practised against Gaza's civilians is inexplicable. It is troubling that, in the face of overwhelming evidence, the report finds only that concerns exist as to whether Hamas used civilians as human shields.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“During those months, the majority of the international community acknowledged the perilous humanitarian situation of the citizens of southern Israel. The very least OCHA should do in a report entitled "The protection of civilians in armed conflict" is to acknowledge that humanitarian problem. If the authors of the report do not consider the daily bombardment of Israeli civilians an issue related to the protection of civilians, then what is? We demand a clarification of that omission. Moreover, the report ambitiously verges on drawing judicial conclusions concerning international humanitarian law, although it is unclear on what mandate, expertise and procedure those are based.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“We were dismayed to find that the report does not acknowledge the Hamas terrorist organization's actions against civilians of my country. It does not note that for eight consecutive years those terrorists subjected the southern part of my country to a ceaseless barrage of rockets and mortars fired from Gaza into Israel, terrorizing, maiming and killing Israeli civilians. Israel's civilians - men, women and children - are not accidental casualties. Hamas, in the old terrorist tradition, deliberately targets Israeli civilians and has proudly acknowledged that strategy on a number of occasions. Those actions, which provoked last winter's military campaign, should have warranted at least a brief mention in the report, but they did not.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In its latest report, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations recognizes the important role of the Secretariat in promoting protection activities in peacekeeping, particularly relating to children and gender. Israel supports the progressive enhancement of mission activities in these areas, including through the strategic deployment of child protection advisers. We also endorse the addition of grave sexual violence to the triggers for the listing of parties on the Secretary- General's annexes related to children and armed conflict. I would like to turn to the recent report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians (S/2009/277), a document that contains a number of deficiencies and inaccuracies that must be addressed here.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In response to these continuing challenges, and using the spotlight of this anniversary, it is now an appropriate time for stocktaking. In this regard, we look forward to the forthcoming study jointly commissioned by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations on the protection of civilians mandates of peacekeeping missions. The Secretariat and Member States should carefully consider its findings and conduct a meaningful review of strategies found to have fallen short of expectations. More resources might also be devoted to replicating, where appropriate, elements of protection mandates that have proven successful.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Mr. President, I would first like to thank you for convening this important meeting and for your leadership of the Council this month. On a personal note and since this is Israel's last intervention in the Council for the month of June, I wish to congratulate you personally on your many years of remarkable diplomatic service to your country and to the international community. This year marks a decade since the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict has been on the Council's agenda. During this period, there has been progress in some vital areas, such as child recruitment, and we have also seen an increased awareness of the horrific consequences of sexual violence used as a tool in conflict. In spite of these advances, it is clear that other areas of concern stubbornly resist our efforts to make improvements.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“Let me stress once again Israel's appreciation to the international community for its continued engagement through the present resolution and for the work of UNIFIL. Israel attributes great importance to the cooperation between UNIFIL and the concerned parties, including the cooperation carried out through the tripartite meetings. For its part, Israel remains 08-49182 committed to cooperating with the Security Council, the Secretary-General, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and UNIFIL on the ground in the fulfilment of resolution 1701 (2006), other relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Lebanon and this important resolution.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“The new policy guidelines of the Lebanese Government further complicate, inter alia, the efforts of UNIFIL to fulfil its mandate. That development contradicts the core elements of resolution 1701 (2006). Further, it raises concerns as to the commitment of the Lebanese Government to extend, under resolution 1701 (2006), its authority over all of its territory through its own legitimate armed forces so that there will be no weapons present without the consent of the Government of Lebanon and no authority other than that of the Government of Lebanon. Instead of encouraging one of the main elements of resolution 1701 (2006) - the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon - the new guidelines, in effect, support Hizbullah's actions. That should be of major concern to all.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“The report clearly identifies several incidents in which hostile groups equipped with unauthorized arms observed and monitored UNIFIL's activities and impeded its freedom of movement. Those incidents, which are only part of a larger phenomenon, not only represent ongoing violations of resolution 1701 (2006), but also constitute a danger to the stability in our region. In that regard, they also pose a threat to the safety of UNIFIL's personnel. In that light, Israel expects UNIFIL, under its renewed mandate, to exert its authority to take all necessary action in areas where its forces are deployed, to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind and to resist attempts to prevent it from discharging its mandate. As we all see, that is indeed a great challenge.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“The presence and massive redeployment of armed Hizbullah elements and their acquisition of capabilities both north and south of the Litani River, along with the continuous transfer of weapons from Iran and Syria to Hizbullah, are blatant violations of resolution 1701 (2006) and 08-49182 other relevant Security Council resolutions. In that context, let me refer members to the first report of the Lebanon Independent Border Assessment Team (LIBAT), which speaks for itself. I am confident that LIBAT's second report, which is expected shortly, will only strengthen the findings of its predecessor. The recent report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) (S/2008/425) highlights the challenges faced by UNIFIL.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“They have been fulfilling their mission serving the values of peacekeeping, which has been characterized by growing complexity and challenges, especially over the past year. Israel welcomes the extension of UNIFIL's mandate for another year. UNIFIL plays an important role in south Lebanon, with the main task of assisting in the establishment, between the Blue Line and the Litani River, of an area free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL. It has been more than two years since the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), and the situation in Lebanon appears to be one of ongoing concern. Today, more than ever before, we are witnessing challenges to UNIFIL's activities and mandate.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your able stewardship of the Council during the month of August. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General and the relevant Member States for their involvement and engagement and for their continuing commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). I would also like to express appreciation to the troop- contributing countries, the Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Strategic Cell in New York and the troops on the ground. Israel appreciates the difficulty of their task and values their dedication.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5967 (2008) · source
“Doing so, in concert with global efforts, will help to build and sustain an international commitment to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict situations.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Sexual violence is not an inevitable outcome of conflict. It can be stopped. States, regional bodies, non- governmental organizations and even individuals all have specific roles to play in seeing that an end is put to this detestable practice. The Council, in particular, can focus on reporting on sexual violence and seek to fully implement resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. In that context, my delegation welcomes and is pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution currently before the Council. For its part, Israel pledges to continue to fully implement resolution 1325 (2000) and to work to promote women's rights in all of its political and development work.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Indeed, resolution 1804 (2008) of 13 March 2008, which imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who commit serious violations of international law, including sexual violence against children, is a good example of how the Council can act more effectively. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported more than 32,000 registered cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence in the province of South Kivu, Democratic People's Republic of the Congo, alone. Lastly, we must consider the effects of sexual violence not only on the victims, but also on the children born of mass rape, sexual slavery and sexual exploitation. The impact of armed conflict on children born of rape and exploitation has economic, health and social implications that must be addressed.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the recent Wilton Park conference, recommendations were made that sexual violence be viewed as a security issue and that the international community should identify the circumstances under which sexual violence is a threat to national and international peace and security. In this context, the Council can play a greater role in ensuring that peacekeeping mandates specifically refer to the prevention of sexual violence, that peacekeepers are appropriately trained and informed about sexual violence and that sanctions and other tools are used against perpetrators. In this regard, my delegation fully supports the Secretary-General's call for peacekeepers to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Sources in the field confirm that, indeed, the number of incidents of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict is greatly underreported. Hence victims must be empowered to reclaim their human dignity. States should enforce the rule of law, bring the perpetrators to justice and end the cycle of impunity. Similarly, a change in societal attitudes and norms regarding sexual Violence must be effected, beginning with, as I just mentioned, the bringing of perpetrators to justice. Ending impunity will also encourage victims to come forward to seek justice and rehabilitation. At the same time, we must educate the world's children, at the earliest stages of life, on the rights, dignity and worth of every human being, without regard to their gender.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Such actions not only constitute gross violations of human rights, but they also undermine confidence in peace processes and raise huge barriers to reconciliation. While the international community has recognized that sexual violence can amount to a war crime, crimes against humanity, or constitutive acts with respect to genocide, numerous challenges remain with respect to ending sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. One particular obstacle is victims' reluctance to come forward. Survivors and victims of sexual and gender-based violence often feel ostracized, as they are forced to assume guilt and shame. This silence not only harms the victims and their families, but also leads to faulty statistics.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Israel continues to support the full implementation of this resolution. While progress has been made in some aspects, much more work needs to be done. One aspect in particular, which is the basis of today's debate, calls on parties to armed conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and emphasizes the responsibility of States to put an end to impunity. While sexual violence in armed conflict has occurred throughout history, brutal and systematic rape has become increasingly commonplace in some conflict and post-conflict areas. Moreover, sexual violence as a weapon of war is now perpetuated with almost universal impunity in some conflicts.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank the President for having convened this important debate and also to thank Secretary of State Rice for presiding over this morning's debate on such a pressing issue. I also thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership during this month of June. My delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly for their statements, and especially the former Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of 08-3908] the Congo for sharing insights from his personal experience and helping us to better understand the challenges before us. Eight years ago, the Council adopted landmark resolution 1325 (2000), which, for the first time, addressed the impact of war on women.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Similarly, when States support terrorist groups by providing safe haven, weapons, training and financing, they should bear responsibility for the actions of those groups and be held accountable for violations of international law. The international community must respond firmly to illegal threats to the safety and security of civilians, as its choice to firmly address those situations now could save the lives of countless civilians in the future. The failure to hold accountable those armed groups that abuse the protected status of civilians and thereby endanger civilian lives will only encourage terrorist groups to increase their reliance on those reprehensible tactics.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“All States must act to strike a proper balance between their obligations to fight terrorism and protect their citizens and their responsibilities under international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a common interest of the international community, and much more can and should be done to achieve this shared commitment. Israel recognizes that it is the duty of all States first and foremost to protect their civilians from all harm. Equally important is the obligation incumbent upon all States to ensure that intentional attacks against civilians are not launched from their own sovereign territory. When sovereign States fail to govern responsibly according to their duties under international law, terrorists and other non-State actors seek to take advantage of the void.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is regrettable that this malicious tactic was not specifically mentioned in today's comprehensive briefing by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs among the other illegal constraints that violate international law that were mentioned. The tactics of terrorist groups, a few of which I have just alluded to, present a great challenge to those States that struggle to protect their civilians from the threat of terrorism. Our foremost obligation as a nation 08-35364 is to protect our civilian population from violence. Yet, we must also take great pains to minimize any harm to other civilian populations, thereby preserving the fundamental values and principles that define us as a nation, which we proudly embrace.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In Gaza, we have further seen the violence against Israel accompanied by manipulative activity orchestrated by Hamas to prevent the supply of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilians under its control and responsibility. Hamas is deliberately targeting those crossings that Israel uses in order to transfer the humanitarian supplies, and afterwards allocates the supplies for its own terrorist means, instead of allowing their distribution among the civilians who really need them. In this case, civilians are not merely used as shields to mask acts of Violence, but they are deliberately deprived of humanitarian assistance. They are, in fact, held hostage by terrorism. Hamas's Violent activity, aimed at blocking humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza, constitutes a manifest violation of international humanitarian law.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Moreover, the blatant disregard of terrorists for the sanctity of human life is not restricted to the civilians of their adversary, but is extended also to their own populations. Abuse, manipulation and endangerment of civilians are at the heart of terrorist thinking and tactics. In Lebanon, Hizbullah maintains its military activity from within the fabric of civilian life. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian terrorists use similar tactics and launch rockets and mortars from densely populated areas, while turning the civilians living in those areas into human shields. Only last week we observed a dreadful demonstration of the cruelty and disregard of the safety and security of civilians by the terrorist groups in Gaza when the Israel Defence Forces found weapons and ammunition hidden in a schoolyard in one of Gaza's neighbourhoods.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The efforts of the Security Council in this regard should be commended, above all resolution 1674 (2006), which marks a clear framework for action for all Member States. One of the primary threats to the safety and security of civilians in contemporary armed conflicts stems from the activity of terrorist groups, as for them nothing is more alien than the protection of civilians. Terrorism, in its essence, is the international targeting of civilians, as we have been witnessing throughout the world and in our region for so many years. The abhorrent celebrations of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip after the cold-blooded murder of eight Israeli students in Merkaz Ha-Rav seminary in Jerusalem, just recently, were a dreadful reminder of the true nature of terrorism.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“A quick snapshot of conflicts around the world reminds us of the almost daily deliberate Violence carried out against civilians, as well as the cynical exploitation of civilians by their own Governments and insurgents, who intentionally choose to operate from densely populated areas, to use civilians as human shields and to recruit children for military tasks. It further reminds us of the failure of a number of States to protect their own civilians from immediate threats to life and security brought about by forces of extremism and instability. The disturbing neglect of the duty to protect civilians in armed conflict does not originate from a lack of binding legal norms. It is the outcome of intentional and flagrant violation of existing norms.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It emanates from the universal understanding that acts of hostilities should be restricted, as far as possible, to armed forces in order to spare civilians from the horrors of war. This fundamental objective is reflected in the most basic principles and rules of international humanitarian law, in particular the principle of distinction between combatants and civilians. Regrettably, this fundamental principle is often ignored in practice, as evidenced by the troubling fact that civilians account for the vast majority of casualties in contemporary armed conflicts.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the outset, Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you on your able stewardship of the Council this month and to thank you for convening this debate. I also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General John Holmes for his informative briefing and to congratulate him and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on their important and ongoing humanitarian work. Israel assigns Vital importance to the protection of civilians in armed conflict and is encouraged by the continued efforts of the Council and the Secretary- General and his staff in this area. We believe that all individuals should live without fear of physical, sexual, psychological and other forms of abuse that stem from or are aggravated by conflict. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is one of the main objectives of international humanitarian law.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Israel remains poised and ready to continue working with the Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED to advance its objectives and improve its cooperation and engagement with Member States. We welcome the extension of the mandate and are confident that the revised organizational plan of CTED will contribute to that effort and situate CTED in a central position to assist Member States in combating the global scourge of terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Hence, it is incumbent on all States to adhere to their obligations under international law, including the relevant resolutions adopted by the Council, in particular resolution 1373 (2001), which calls on States to enforce their borders, prevent the movement of terrorists and refrain from supporting terrorists or their activities. Despite the real urgency and need for States to implement resolution 1373 (2001), it is alarming that some Member States of this world body are not only negligent in shouldering their responsibilities, but actually host, support and sponsor terrorism. Surely the international community must impress on all States the need to end such behaviour. There can never be any justification for terrorism, and any attempt to explain or excuse it should be condemned.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Over the years, Israel has learned how to confront terrorism, a global phenomenon that has unfortunately become known to many nations around the world. There are various tools available to confront terrorism, in addition to the venues we are discussing today. The Israeli experience has shown that there is great value and importance in the work of local authorities, national agencies and individuals on the ground, not only in preventing and responding to attacks and treating the victims, but more so in refusing to allow terrorism to derail and hijack our daily life. While Israel has experienced terrorism as a specific threat, it has been noted time and again that terrorism knows no geographical boundaries or limitations and transcends borders and nations.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“In fact, practically no family in Israel has been spared by terrorism, whether it be a loved one or friend, a neighbour or co- worker who was stolen away by a cruel, heartless and crushing act of terrorism. Beyond that, terrorism has disrupted and devastated daily life, as civilians must constantly live in fear of the next attack. Sadly, Israelis still feel today the threat of terrorism every day and everywhere, whether it be to our north, our south or even in the heartland of our country, as seen less than two weeks ago in the devastating and ruthless terrorist attack at the Mercaz HaRav seminary in Jerusalem, where eight boys were coldly murdered by a terrorist. We were disappointed, Mr. President, that, despite your efforts and those of many others, the Council was unable to condemn that heinous terrorist attack.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“The Strategy and Task Force are also fundamental in reminding us that terrorism has real consequences and grave effects on civilians, who are the primary targets and victims of terrorism. While our debate this morning focuses on the technical aspects of countering terrorism, we surely cannot forget the heavy price we all pay when terror strikes in the heart of our cities and towns. Every victim has a name, and each victim has his or her own story. We cannot forget the human dimension - the face, so to speak, of the victims - even when discussing the technical aspects of countering terrorism. Israel is a country that has been forced to live under the threat of terrorism since its inception. The vast majority of Israelis have firsthand knowledge of the devastating effects of terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Israel looks forward to reviewing its own preliminary implementation assessment and seeing how the assessment can be integrated into our national counter-terrorism strategies. Israel also welcomes the need for CTED to participate in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which was established to assist Member States in their implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The unanimous adoption by the General Assembly of the Strategy gave it a universal mandate and marks an important achievement for the international community. The challenge, however, remains in how the Strategy's commitments will be translated into concrete action to prevent terrorist acts and prosecute and punish those who carry them out.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Smith noted in his briefing, CTED today spends less time focusing on whether States understand the threat of terrorism and more on assessing their capacities and capabilities. In that respect, CTED plays a crucial role as a facilitator between donor and recipient countries on technical support and assistance. Israel, for its part, supports those efforts and is poised to provide assistance. As my delegation has previously noted, the preliminary implementation assessment will be useful in evaluating Member States' capabilities. We wish to stress that follow-up and review are crucial to the process. The preliminary implementation assessment must move beyond the paper stage to concrete and practical action.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Allow to me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your able stewardship of the Council this month, and thank you for convening this important debate. My delegation wishes to welcome the Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), Mr. Mike Smith, and thank him for his informative briefing and for all his efforts in reviewing the organization of the Directorate and its methods of work. Israel views the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate as fundamental pillars of the United Nations system's efforts to help Member States deal with the scourge of terrorism. As such, we strongly support the work of the Committee and CTED. Earlier this year, the Counter-Terrorism Committee endorsed the revised organizational plan for CTED, which will serve to strengthen CTED and improve its operations. As Mr.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source