YouSaid · the spoken record

Feltman

lines on the record: 838
first: 2012-08-22
most recent: 2018-02-28
sittings or episodes: 59
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

“Recognizing that such decisions critically depend on the security environment, and without diminishing the United Nations primary objective to see the full lifting of all the closures in the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009), it is our hope that the Rafah crossing can be opened on a regular basis to help relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza. While overall progress in the reconstruction of Gaza remains far too slow, the establishment of the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism has been vital to facilitating the entry of material. As of 23 June, more than 88,500 homeowners have procured construction material. Furthermore, 135 construction projects out of 202 submitted have been approved by the Israeli authorities.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“The willingness and capacity of all Palestinian factions to resolve their differences, including those related to border crossings with Israel and Egypt, is integral to lifting the blockade of Gaza and advancing Palestinian efforts to achieve statehood. I note the 22 June decision of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization to form a committee to consult with all Palestinian factions in order to form a national unity Government. I encourage all factions to maintain a positive approach to those discussions, which are critical to the future of Palestinian reconciliation. The Secretary-General welcomed Egypt's decision, following consultations with President Abbas, to open the Rafah crossing from 13 to 19 June and for three days this week in both directions.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“He continues to believe that a flotilla would not help to address the dire situation in Gaza and reiterates his calls for the Government of Israel to lift all closures, with due consideration of Israel's legitimate security concerns. The ever-challenging circumstances in Gaza highlight the urgent need to strengthen Palestinian unity. Conflicts, poor governance and the closures have crushed Gaza's economy. Unemployment spiked to 43 per cent at the end of 2014. I am nevertheless encouraged by Prime Minister Hamdallah's commitment to overcoming these obstacles, including the issue of public-sector employees in Gaza, by reintegrating the governance framework under a single authority.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“Concerns are also mounting in relation to internal divisions within Gaza, including a potential developing threat from militant salafist individuals or groups. On 2 June, Hamas security forces reportedly killed a salafist accused of firing rockets at Israel and arrested a number of others suspected of carrying out those attacks. The Israeli security forces shot and injured 12 Palestinians. I call on Israel to implement measures to minimize incidents that result in injuries in the access-restricted areas on land and at sea. The Secretary-General is closely following media reports that suggest that a flotilla is expected to group and head towards Gaza in the coming days.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“I reiterate our concerns over the fate of 7,000 Palestinian Bedouin and herders in 46 residential areas of the West Bank, who may be at risk of forcible transfer as Israel advances its plan to relocate these communities to three sites in Area C. The plan may be linked to settlement expansion in the El area and others, which would seriously jeopardize the two-State solution. In the Gaza Strip, the desperate situation was exacerbated by a number of security incidents. During the reporting period, 10 rockets were fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza, thankfully without casualties or damage. The Secretary-General has publicly condemned those incidents. A further 11 rockets were test-fired towards the sea. The Israeli security forces responded by conducting 11 air strikes on militant sites in Gaza, again without resulting in injuries.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“The Israeli Government's decision on 14 June to reintroduce draft legislation to permit the force-feeding of prisoners on hunger strike under certain conditions would, if approved by the Knesset, contravene international standards. The demolition of homes and structures in the West Bank has also continued. This month, 52 structures, including 17 residences, were demolished, leading to the displacement of 29 Palestinians, including 17 children. On 9 June, the Israeli High Court of Justice rejected a petition to restore planning authority to Palestinian villages in Area C of the West Bank. The planning and zoning system as it stands makes it virtually impossible for Palestinians to build on or develop their land in Area C.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“While claims of responsibility have not been confirmed, some Palestinian factions, including Hamas, praised the attack, which the United Nations immediately condemned. On 22 June, an Israeli policeman was critically wounded when he was stabbed at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. The attacker also remains in a critical condition after being shot by the policeman. In total, six members of the Israeli security forces were injured. The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, notably those in administrative detention, including Khader Adnan, detained since 8 July 2014, who has now been on hunger strike for 51 days.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“The Israeli security forces conducted approximately 400 search-and-arrest operations, resulting in the arrest of 510 Palestinians. In three separate incidents, on 20 May, 10 June and 14 June, three Palestinian men were shot and killed by the Israeli security forces. First, a man was killed when an Israeli military Jeep overturned during an operation to arrest suspected militants. The second incident occurred as a result of clashes with Israeli military forces. The third man was killed after ramming his vehicle into two Israeli policewomen. On 19 June, a Palestinian shot at an Israeli vehicle travelling near a West Bank settlement close to Ramallah, killing one Israeli civilian and injuring another.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomes the measures taken by Israel to ease some restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, in particular during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, although some have been revoked in response to repeated rocket fire from Gaza. He encourages Israel to sustain and expand those confidence-building measures, which enable the legitimate movement of people and goods in and between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and improve the quality of life of Palestinians. The security situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remained tense. A total of 186 Palestinians, including 28 children and two women, were injured. Five members of the Israeli security forces were also injured.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“Mr. Feltman: Let me open with my best wishes to our Muslim colleagues on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadam - Ramadan Kareem. The Secretary-General is encouraged by the recent affirmations by Prime Minister Netanyahu of his commitment to "the idea of a sustainable two-State solution", but notes that this must be translated into actions. This includes a halt to sensitive and unilateral activities in the West Bank, including settlements, that could prejudice a final status agreement or prevent the establishment ofa viable, contiguous Palestinian State. That message was reaffirmed by major donor countries at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for assistance to the Palestinians held in Brussels on 27 May.”
2015-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7470 (2015) · source
“That deadline is less than six months away. As we have stated on a number of occasions, neither Ukraine nor the region nor the international community can afford to have this process fail. Above all, we cannot forget the tremendous human cost ofthe conflict, which can only begin to be addressed through respect of the ceasefire and fulfilment of the political, economic, social, humanitarian and human rights provisions of Minsk. I would like to close by reiterating the United Nations unwavering support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The people of Ukraine deserve nothing less.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“It was evident that, although the road ahead would be long and arduous, the full implementation of the Minsk agreements is possible if all concerned fulfil their obligations and engage in good faith. The Secretary-General will continue his good offices role on Ukraine, and remains open to considering how best to further support the OSCE, as well as the implementation of the Minsk agreements more broadly. The critical work of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, evinced by its latest report of 1 June, as well as of the humanitarian and development actors on the ground, remain priority areas for our Organization. The package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including the reinstatement of full control of the State border by the Government of Ukraine, has a deadline.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“The political working group has, we understand, focused its energies on the modalities of local elections, which also includes finding common ground on the special status law. Equally important efforts to fmd political solutions to some of the most pressing economic, humanitarian and security questions are also under way. From 7 to 10 May, the Secretary-General visited Poland, Ukraine and Russia. During his visits, he held a number of constructive meetings with regard to the conflict in Ukraine, including with Presidents Poroshenko and Putin. Although they had varying Views on the conflict in the east, both Presidents reassured the Secretary-General of their continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“On the political-diplomatic front, we are most encouraged by the continued and critical work in the Normandy format, with the next political director- level meeting scheduled for 10 June in Paris, by the diligent efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, and by the commencement of the four working groups on political, security, humanitarian and economic issues. In our View, these three interconnected mechanisms are all equally important pieces of the political and diplomatic process, and we are heartened to see that the international community is fully committed to these efforts. With regard to the working groups specifically, we understand that, although they have not been without challenges, each group has met at least twice and that the atmosphere has mainly been constructive.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“Security Council members have repeatedly raised concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Yet the $3l6-million 2015 humanitarian response plan to assist victims of this conflict faces a shortfall of $221 million. The Secretary-General calls on Member States to urgently translate their concern into action and to fully fund the humanitarian response. This will ensure that the capacity and resources are in place to reach those in desperate need the moment that access is restored.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“Of immediate concern is the now complete lack of humanitarian access across the contact line in either direction, which has been preventing lifesaving humanitarian assistance from reaching those most in need. All parties to the conflict must immediately guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian personnel and cargo, both by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Government of Ukraine must remove all bureaucratic impediments to the delivery ofhumanitarian assistance, and the 2 June decree issued by the de facto authorities in Donetsk that prohibits international NGOs from operating in non-Government controlled Donetsk must be immediately revoked. Since this crisis began, we have seen the Council convene dozens of times.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“I would also like to stress that all concerned should refrain from using threats of violence and military leverage to influence the political process. The humanitarian situation also remains dire. Ukraine now ranks among the top 10 countries in terms of internally displaced persons (lDPs), with over 1.3 million IDPs. There were none just over a year ago. In the last week of May alone, 16,000 people were displaced. Similarly, nearly 870,000 Ukrainians have sought asylum, residence or other forms of legal stay in neighbouring countries; 10,000 of those were in the second half of May alone. The number of displaced will only grow if the violence continues.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“The latest death toll since the outbreak of the conflict stands at over 6,400 people. Since the signing of the Minsk package, some additional 400 lives have been lost. Sadly,just on Wednesday, 3 June, according to the latest figures from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, an additional 28 people, including nine civilians, were killed in deadly clashes around Marinka. This is a sharp increase over the past weeks, particularly as heavy shelling elsewhere in Donetsk reportedly continued throughout yesterday. We are either looking at a return to a deepening, intractable conflict or a momentary upsurge in parts of the conflict zone. We cannot afford either scenario. The ceasefire must be fully respected and the protection of civilians a priority.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“The full implementation of Minsk is sine qua non for leading eastern Ukraine and the country out of conflict. The continued non-implementation of various provisions of the agreement entails a dangerous limbo. Mr. Alexander Hug, Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special MonitoringMission,willbriefthe Council in detail on the security situation in eastern Ukraine, including on Wednesday's hostilities. However, I would be remiss not to note the grave concern of the United Nations about the ongoing, almost daily deadly clashes, the use of heavy weaponry, the laying of minefields on both sides of the contact line, the reported continued presence of foreign mercenaries on Ukrainian soil and the reported flows of heavy weaponry into eastern Ukraine, all of which run contrary to key provisions of the Minsk package of measures.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“Mr. Feltman: Since the Council last met on Ukraine on 6 March (see S/PV.7400), while the situation in eastern Ukraine has remained tenuous, we have had some grounds for hope. The ceasefire continues to largely hold in most parts of the conflict zone, and the number and pace of casualties have generally slowed. lmportantly, the political process aimed at full implementation of the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, adopted on 12 February, is finally under way. I also wish to reiterate that, had it not been for the continued diplomatic efforts of Ukraine, France, Germany and the Russian Federation in the Normandy format and the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), we would likely be faced with a more challenging situation.”
2015-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7457 (2015) · source
“Subsequent to that, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin held discussions with the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General Ladsous and me on this issue. We informed the Foreign Minister that it was a decision for the members of the Security Council and that the Secretariat would be guided by the Council's decision. To date, no formal request has been received from Ukraine. With reference to the OSCE briefings to the Council on 27 February and the call for the United Nations to do more, the Secretariat continues its close cooperation with the OSCE on what more could be done to support the OSCE's difficult and complex mandates.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“The history of this conflict has taught us that the window of opportunity to make those processes irreversible is limited. Eastern Ukraine still appears to be in limbo as we await the full implementation of the Minsk package of measures. The road ahead will be difficult, but it is critical that all concerned strictly adhere to, and commence the good-faith implementation of, that agreement. We welcome the continued efforts of the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, as well as the crucial role played by the OSCE. Let me also take this opportunity to touch briefly on President Poroshenko's 17 February statement noting that Ukraine will be requesting a possible deployment of a United Nations-mandated peace mission to Ukraine.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“The Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has monitored some withdrawals of heavy military equipment from the line of contact but, due to a lack of access and freedom of movement for its monitors, the Mission remains unable to verify the true extent of that process. It is also yet to receive baseline information regarding the sides' inventory, routes for withdrawal and where the weapons will be stored. As per the commitments undertaken by the parties in Minsk, full and unfettered access must be given to the OSCE and the withdrawal of heavy weaponry must commence urgently, transparently and comprehensively. We are aware that there will be no significant traction on the political track unless the prerequisite ceasefire and withdrawal of weapons are fully implemented.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“However, as we converged in this Chamber on that same day (see S/PV.7384), the fight for Debaltseve reached its climax, with hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. As Ambassador Tagliavini, one of the signatories to the 12 February Minsk agreement, remarked to the Council on 27 February (see S/PV.7395), the rebels' unabated attacks for control over that strategic area were in clear violation of the agreement they had signed only five days before. Since 18 February, the situation appears to have calmed. However, as we are all well aware, the ceasefire remains fragile, not yet having taken hold firmly across the region. Sporadic violations are reported frequently, including in the south near Mariupol and, once again, near Donetsk airport.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“Mr. Feltman: In the six weeks since I last briefed the Council, on 26 January (see S/PV.7368), there have been a number of significant developments related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The most pivotal was the signing, in Minsk on 12 February by the Trilateral Contact Group and rebel representatives, of a package of measures for implementing the Minsk agreements. The agreement, the result of tireless diplomacy on the part of Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, President Poroshenko and President Putin, provides a road map for lasting peace in eastern Ukraine. Recognizing that fact, on 17 February the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2202 (2015), thereby providing the peace process in eastern Ukraine with a binding international framework for further engaging all sides to find an urgent and lasting solution to the conflict.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“We hope that the international community, possibly through a reinvigorated Quartet, can help the parties avoid a downward slide and support a return to negotiations. The Secretary-General is determined that the United Nations will continue to play an active role in supporting those efforts. However, international efforts cannot succeed in isolation. Genuine and lasting peace can be reached only through the commitment of the parties to overcome their mistrust and make the difficult compromises necessary to achieve a resolution I now invite Council members to informal to this conflict. consultations to continue our discussion of the subject.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, we see the circumstances in Gaza as becoming increasingly worrisome as we approach the six-month mark since the end of last summer's conflict The combination of the failure to rectify the persistent governance and security issues and the slow pace of reconstruction has created an increasingly toxic environment. While the primary obligation evidently lies with the parties, a key component of reversing those negative trends is to implement the financial commitments made by donors at the Cairo conference. A failure to deliver the necessary support is putting an almost unbearable strain on an already highly fractious environment. Establishing a framework that could lead to comprehensive peace must once again become a priority.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“Politically, the dialogue between the Future Movement and Hizbullah has so far led to consensus on security issues and steps to lower sectarian tensions. Meetings between the leaders of Lebanon's major Christian parties continued, but without success on the presidential stalemate. The prolonged vacuum in the highest office of the State is of serious concern for the stability of Lebanon. The Secretary-General looks to the continued unity of the Security Council to preserve Lebanon from the impact of conflicts in the region and help it to address the multiple challenges it faces.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“The Secretary-General addressed the developments of 28 January directly with both Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for a return to calm and for all concerned to act responsibly. Given the seriousness of the incident, we welcome the reaffirmation by Israel and Lebanon of their commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and to the stability of the Blue Line area. Neither country nor the region can afford another conflict. Elsewhere in Lebanon, the border with Syria remains impacted by security incidents and cross-border fighting. The Lebanese Armed Forces shelled positions of armed militants in the Bekaa outskirts of Arsal, Baalbeck and Al-Qaa. Lebanon's security authorities successfully carried out raids and arrests throughout the country to prevent terrorist attacks.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“UNIFIL is in the process of finalizing its investigation of the incident, with the cooperation of both parties. The Secretary-General condemned all violence and expressed his deep concern over the deterioration of the security situation in southern Lebanon and violations of the cessation of hostilities and resolution 1701 (2006). He deeply regrets the death of the UNIFIL peacekeeper, which the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms, and expressed his condolences to the Government and the people of Spain. The immediate engagement by UNIFIL and the Special Coordinator for Lebanon helped prevent a further escalation and to restore the cessation of hostilities.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“The Israel Defense Forces responded with artillery fire and, later, an airstrike. On 28 January, a serious breach of the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel occurred when Hizbullah launched several anti-tank guided missiles from the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) towards an Israeli military convoy south of the Blue Line. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and several other soldiers and civilians were injured in the attack. During subsequent retaliatory fire by the Israel Defense Forces into Lebanon, a UNIFIL peacekeeper serving in the Spanish contingent was killed. Hizbullah claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said had been in retaliation for the alleged Israeli airstrike of 18 January on the Golan.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“On 18 January, personnel of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force observed an air violation from the Alpha side across the ceasefire line, which coincided with a reported Israeli airstrike that killed six Hizbullah elements and a high-ranking Iranian officer on the Golan in Syria. The Secretary- General expressed his concern about the violation of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces and the potential consequences of the reported incident. He called on all concerned to refrain from any action that could undermine the stability of the area, in full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region and in adherence to all the relevant Security Council resolutions. On 27 January, rockets were fired from the Bravo side across the ceasefire line.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“I urge Israel to cease such demolitions and the displacement of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and Area C, and to facilitate international assistance to vulnerable communities. Area C is fundamental to the contiguity of the West Bank and the viability of Palestine and its economy. We are deeply disappointed by Israeli authorities' decision to issue on 30 January tenders for the construction of about 450 residential units in West Bank settlements, at a time when the situation is extremely volatile. As the Secretary-General has repeatedly expressed, settlement activity is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. It should be halted and reversed. The Council was briefed extensively on the situation in Syria by Special Envoy de Mistura yesterday. Allow, therefore, me to turn to recent developments on the Golan and Lebanon.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“Palestinians injured four members of the Israeli security forces, including one during a demonstration. On 21 January, a Palestinian man stabbed 12 passengers on a commuter bus in Tel Aviv - three were seriously injured. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers continued to take place on an almost daily basis, resulting in eight Palestinians injured, including four children, and nine Israeli settlers injured, including one child. The Secretary-General strongly condemns all those acts of violence. The Israeli authorities continued to demolish Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. A total of 62 structures, 33 of them residences, were demolished, leading to the displacement of approximately 88 Palestinians, including 49 children.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“While acknowledging Egypt's legitimate security concerns, I also reiterate the Secretary-General's call for Egyptian authorities to reopen the Rafah crossing. The previously reported humanitarian concerns persist, with some 1,400 patients currently awaiting hospital care referral to Egypt and with over 15,000 people otherwise registered and unable to exit Gaza. The Secretary-General is concerned about the continued clashes in the occupied West Bank during the reporting period. Israeli security forces conducted approximately 470 search-and-arrest operations, resulting in the arrests of some 535 Palestinians. Reportedly, one Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli security forces on 31 January, after throwing Molotov cocktails towards Israeli vehicles in the area. Some 156 Palestinians were injured, including 31 children and 5 women.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“In that respect, both the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the League ofArab States, the Foreign Ministers ofNorway and Egypt through a joint letter, and the Quartet all made appeals to donors to honour their financial commitments to Gaza without further delay. UNRWA urgently needs $100 million for its cash assistance programme. Support is also needed for United Nations agencies tha are providing vital humanitarian assistance to the non-refugee population. On 12 February, the United Nations, in partnership with the Government of Palestine, launched the strategic response plan for 2015, which aims to address the humanitarian needs of 1.6 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The plan requests $705 million, 75 per cent of which is for Gaza.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“Notwithstanding the difficulties, the mechanism is now functioning and delivering concrete results. As of today, more than 75,000 individuals have been cleared to receive construction material for shelter repairs and more than 47,000 have already procured construction material to date. The processing of approximately 50 construction projects through the Palestinian Authority is ongoing, including housing projects, water networks and schools. Ofthose, 18 projects have been approved to date. Yet, despite the mechanism's continued expansion, four months after the Cairo conference donors have yet to fulfil the vast majority of their pledges. Frankly, that is unacceptable. It cannot continue if we hope to avoid another escalation in Gaza.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“The Israel Defense Forces reportedly shot and injured two Palestinians who were approaching the Gaza border fence on 16 and 23 January, and another two Palestinians were injured on 21 January after the Israeli navy fired warning shots at their boats. Meanwhile, the oft-repeated political challenges in Gaza endure and represent clear dangers for stability. They include the moribund effort to consolidate ceasefire arrangements and the absence of genuine intra-Palestinian reconciliation, including the outstanding issues of unpaid salaries to Gaza public sector employees and civil service reform. Absent the full reopening of the crossing points within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009), the temporary Gaza reconstruction mechanism continues to provide a measure of hope that genuine progress can be achieved in Gaza.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“Pending the much-needed full transfer of security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, we continue to hold Hamas fully responsible for the security and safety of all United Nations personnel and operations in Gaza. The Secretary-General is also alarmed at the reported failed firing by Palestinian militants ofrockets at Israel on 19 January and 16 February, as well as their renewed test firing at sea of some 37 rockets during the reporting period. Reportedly, militants also attempted to smuggle material that could be used to produce weapons. These are extremely dangerous developments.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“In a clear indication of mounting tensions on the ground and the corresponding risks to United Nations personnel and operations in Gaza, violent demonstrators forced their way into the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in Gaza on 28 January, in protest of the suspension by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of its cash assistance programme, which supports repairs and provides rental subsidies to refugee families. While, fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, the Special Coordinator temporarily withdrew United Nations monitors in light of this unacceptable incident until assurances were received that such attacks would not be repeated.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“But we must be clear that, absent concrete actions and a clear unity of purpose on the part of the international community, the Quartet will not be able to play an effective role. Even more imperative, however, is the need to obtain a firm commitment from Israelis and Palestinians alike to put aside their deeply entrenched mistrust and demonstrate the courage and leadership that is required at this time. Turning to Gaza, the Secretary-General continues to be very concerned about the fragile security situation, the volatile political dynamics and the persistently slow pace of reconstruction.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“The Secretary-General reiterates his call on both sides to refrain from taking unilateral steps or actions that may further aggravate the current divisions. Against a backdrop of growing disillusionment with the prospects for a return to dialogue, the Middle East Quartet met at the principals level on 8 February in Munich to examine ways to reverse the current negative trend. The Quartet prioritized the urgent resumption of negotiations and a strengthening of its engagement to prepare for a revival of the peace process, including through regular and direct outreach to the Arab States. It also called for the acceleration of reconstruction in Gaza. This engagement is an important and timely development and should be supported.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“This brings the total withheld to over $200 million. As a stopgap measure, the Palestinian Authority has since borrowed funds from private banks to pay a portion of the salaries of its civil servants. This approach is neither sufficient nor sustainable. As reported by the International Monetary Fund on 29 January, Palestinian economic activity contracted in 2014 for the first time since 2006. Paralysing the Palestinian Authority's ability to conduct essential Government business, including functions related to health services and law and order, is in no one's interest. Israel's action is a violation of its obligations under the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Accords, and we again call for an immediate reversal of this decision.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“Mr. Feltman: I brief the Council today after what has been another tumultuous and deadly month in the Middle East. Steadily increasing tensions and swelling violence have continued to affect the region. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians continues to threaten further escalation. As we warned the Council last month, if this occurs it may have highly damaging and potentially irreversible consequences for both parties and for the two-State solution. The Palestinians are facing acute fiscal challenges that must be urgently addressed. On 4 February, the Israeli Government announced that, for a second month, it would withhold the transfer of the tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority in retaliation for the Palestinian accession to the International Criminal Court.”
2015-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7386 (2015) · source
“We sincerely hope that the trilateral contact group will reconvene in consultations with rebel leadership, as envisaged this week, to work towards a sustainable ceasefire and the implementation of the broader Minsk accords. Most importantly, all sides must commit to the protection of civilians and letting assistance reach those in need. Finally, there must be full political recommitment to a peaceful and lasting solution to this conflict at the highest levels. I reiterate our encouragement of a convening of the Geneva format at the earliest opportunity. The United Nations also remains ready to support the consolidation of a sustainable and lasting peace process, as may be required. Over 5,000 lives have already been lost in this conflict. We must find a way to stop it, and we must do so now.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source
“We recognize the difficulty of diplomatic discussions aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict, given entrenched positions. Nonetheless, efforts to find a political solution must urgently be redoubled. President Poroshenko's announcement that an agreement has been reached on the necessity of holding negotiations in the Geneva format, with the participation of the European Union, the United States, Ukraine and Russia, is welcome. Before I close, let me share our assessment of the way forward, with an emphasis on reviving the Minsk accords. As agreed at Minsk, all sides must immediately cease hostilities, with the onus particularly on the rebels to recommit to the ceasefire and back down from their offensive.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source
“The Ukrainian leadership has been vocal about its commitment to the Minsk accords and has asserted that it remains in a defensive position. However, we note the recent emergency measures adopted by the National Security and Defence Council, particularly those in relation to "strengthening counter-terrorism measures", and appeal for the application of maximum restraint. In light of the just-declared state of emergency in Donbas, it has never been more important to guarantee humanitarian workers and goods full and unhindered access. Bureaucratic hurdles on both sides of the conflict line are impeding humanitarian access and must be eased. We also call on the Government of Ukraine to ensure that humanitarian operations are free from taxation.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source
“On 23 January, the leader of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic announced a boycott of future consultations with the trilateral contact group, a unilateral withdrawal from the ceasefire and threatened to seize further territory, with a plan that includes pushing the front line all the way to the borders of Donetsk oblast. As the Secretary-General stated on 24 January (SG/SM/l6485), this constitutes a Violation of their commitments under the Minsk accords. We call directly on the rebels to immediately cease their provocative and violent actions, to abide by international law and to make good on their commitments. We also urge the leadership of the Russian Federation to use its influence to call on the rebels to cease hostilities immediately. This will be a critical step in stopping the bloodshed.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source
“Dozens of people lost their lives, including women and children, and over 100 were wounded. The Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe reported, based on crater analysis, that the rockets originated from territory controlled by the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic". Mariupol lies outside of the immediate conflict zone. The conclusion can thus be drawn that the entity that fired these rockets knowingly targeted a civilian population. This would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. We must send an unequivocal message - the perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source
“Mr. Feltman: Throughout the conflict in Ukraine, and repeatedly in recent weeks, the Secretary-General has called for de-escalation, restraint and the protection of civilians. We deeply regret that these calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears. In just five days since we last met on 21 January (see S/PV.7365), close to 50 civilians have been killed and nearly 150 have been seriously wounded. On 22 January, over a dozen civilians died when rockets hit their trolleybus in Donetsk city. The same day, at least 10 civilians were killed amid heavy fighting in the city of Horlivka. On Saturday, 24 January, a barrage of attacks with multiple rocket launcher systems hit the city of Mariupol, destroying buildings and impacting a market filled with civilians.”
2015-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7368 (2015) · source