YouSaid · the spoken record

Jacob

lines on the record: 86
first: 2001-12-14
most recent: 2002-12-20
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“As this will likely be my last statement to the Council - barring another initiative before the end of the year - I would like to express, on my own behalf as well as on behalf of Ambassador Yehuda Lancry, who could not be here today because of the tragic loss of his son, our sincere appreciation for the cooperation of the members of the Council. While we have had our disagreements, the professionalism and cordiality that has characterized our interactions give me cause to hope that we can still find a peaceful way forward in the Middle East.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“Yet we continue to play the same cynical diplomatic games. The total lack of seriousness revealed by this latest manoeuvre here will similarly get us nowhere. We remain where we were more than two years ago. The only difference is the number of gravestones that stand as a testament to the failed policies of the past. The path forward is predicated on an absolute and irrevocable commitment to non- violence and dialogue. We hope the Council will encourage all concerned parties to contribute to an atmosphere of peace and non-violence and to the reinvigoration of the process of dialogue and reconciliation. On a personal note, I would like to say that my term as Deputy Permanent Representative is coming to an end.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“But no such future will be possible while the present is defined by violence, terror and bloodshed and while hatred and rejection of Israel and Jews is steadily and deliberately cultivated by the highest echelons of the Palestinian leadership and reinforced by the educational system and in the official media. The first step forward remains an absolute and total end to Palestinian terrorist campaigns. In more than two years of deliberate violence and terrorism, countless Israelis and Palestinians have lost their lives. Thousands more have been injured. The once promising Palestinian economy is in a shambles. The credibility of the Palestinian leadership is barely greater than zero. And the establishment of a Palestinian State, which in the summer of 2000 seemed well within reach, has been pushed further off into the future.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“Israel envisions a cooperative partnership between itself and the Palestinian Authority that would facilitate the necessary internal reforms, consolidate the various security and intelligence organs and collaborate in an intensive and unwavering campaign against terrorism. These steps could lead to further cooperation in the civil and economic area, to a scaling back of Israeli military action and to facilitating greater freedom and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Ultimately, and in the context of peaceful negotiations, Israel would be prepared, as it has proved in the past, to make painful concessions to bring about true peace and meaningful coexistence with our neighbours, on the understanding that similar concessions are required by other parties to the conflict.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“To take just one example, in April this year, when a Palestinian terrorist in a Palestinian police uniform, armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, opened fire on three members of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), killing two of them, no action was taken - and this despite undisputed testimony of a TIPH member riding in the vehicle that came under attack. The State of Israel is committed to achieving a genuine peace between ourselves and our neighbours. We have accepted and endorsed the vision articulated by the President of the United States in his speech on 24 June and are committed to the process he envisioned therein leading to the establishment of two States living side by side in peace and security.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“Israel has no desire to exacerbate the already difficult situation facing the Palestinian people, and we will do our utmost to facilitate the provision of all necessary humanitarian assistance. While it is right and proper to scrutinize the actions of States, the failure to hold accountable those armed groups that abuse the protected status of civilians and that endanger civilian life will only encourage terrorist groups to increase their reliance on such reprehensible tactics. Furthermore, while we accept that attention must be duly paid to Israel's actions, we cannot help but be distressed at what seems to be a singular attempt to focus on Israel to the exclusion of other parties.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“Israel has expressed great regret about the tragic death of the employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Mr. Iain Hook, and is engaged in a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to his death. Israel may make the findings of that investigation available to the relevant authorities once the investigation is completed. As concerns the damage caused to the installations of the World Food Programme, Israel and the World Food Programme have been engaged in discussions aimed at finding an acceptable resolution of the issue of the food warehouse. We are confident that a resolution can be arrived at in the near future.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“This does not, however, relieve us of the obligation to continue to improve our counter-terrorism techniques and strategies so as to avoid putting civilian lives at risk.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Failure to hold accountable those armed groups that abuse the protected status of civilians and thus endanger civilian lives will only encourage terrorist groups to increase their reliance on this reprehensible tactic. Our goal must be to explore ways to isolate terrorists from the civilian populations they endanger. This is a task fraught with difficulties - difficulties which are compounded by the tireless efforts of terrorists to make our task as hard as possible. This is especially so in relation to the horrific phenomenon of suicide terrorists, who have shown utter disregard for any civilian life and who pose a unique challenge to the mechanisms of prevention and deterrence available under international humanitarian law.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“How can States exercise their legitimate right to take defensive measures against terrorism without causing undue harm to the civilian population? How can States secure a sufficient supply of food, medicine and assistance while ensuring that supply lines are not compromised by terrorist elements? There are no easy answers to these questions. All States must endeavour to strike a proper balance between their obligations to fight terrorism and protect their citizens, and their responsibilities under international humanitarian law. This process would be greatly advanced if the international community took care to ensure that it places primary responsibility for the harm caused to civilians in such situations on the shoulders of those who have deliberately obscured the distinction between civilian and combatant.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“But the Secretary- General's report also recognizes that humanitarian workers and the access routes they use can be employed in a manner that poses a threat to other civilian populations. It is imperative that measures be taken to ensure that humanitarian workers are empowered to perform their functions but are also protected from exploitation by any local actors whose objectives and tactics are the very antithesis of those of humanitarian personnel. These considerations highlight the difficult dilemmas facing States engaged in the global campaign against terrorism. How are States to effectively fight terrorist organizations that deliberately endanger both the civilian populations they target and those behind whom they shield themselves?”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In choosing locations for training and organization, terrorists routinely situate themselves in the midst of civilian areas for the express purpose of defending themselves against possible preventive action. Restoring respect for the essential distinction between combatants and civilians, as required by international humanitarian law, is critical to our efforts both to fight against international terrorism and to protect civilians from its deadly effects. Access of humanitarian workers and assistance in areas of conflict is also of great importance. Israel recognizes the need to provide such assistance as well as the potential long-term benefits of a humanitarian presence in areas of conflict.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Israel has joined with other nations participating in control regimes intended to stem the illicit revenue generated by the illegal export of natural resources. Finally, the growing threat of terrorism poses unique challenges to our efforts to protect civilians from the ravages of conflict. Terrorism blurs the fundamental and critical distinction that must be maintained between civilian and combatant, an issue which the Secretary-General's report covers in some detail. Terrorists seek to blur this distinction not only in the objects they target - which are often crowded public places, office buildings and modes of mass transit - but also in their non-combat operations.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The focus on sexual exploitation of women and girls in situations of armed conflict arises out of an increased awareness in recent years of the disparate effects of conflict on men and women. As a country that has taken great strides to mainstream gender in all sectors of society, Israel believes that the increased participation of women in decision-making at the highest level will serve not only to promote our common interest in advancing the status of women, but also to mitigate some of the disproportionate effects of armed conflict on women. Similarly, the focus on commercial exploitation comes from the recognition that the illegal exploitation of natural resources serves to fuel conflicts that might otherwise have petered out. This is a particularly worrisome concern on the African continent.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In particular, we support the steps taken to consolidate the work of various departments and agencies, and to increase coordination and cooperation among different sectors of the Organization whose work relates to the protection of civilians. We are encouraged by the fact that the Security Council has taken an active role in seeking to reduce the intolerable impact of armed conflict on innocent civilians. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on this topic represents yet another step forward. Israel is pleased to see the report focus on the new challenges posed by sexual exploitation, commercial exploitation of resources, and the rise of terrorism. Establishing guiding principles and accepted standards of behaviour in all these areas will greatly enhance the protection afforded to civilian populations.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the outset, allow me to welcome you, Madam President, and to wish you much success as you guide the deliberations of the Council on this issue. I wish also to thank the Secretary- General, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross for the important statements they made this morning. Israel is pleased to be taking part in today's debate and welcomes the increased attention being paid by the international community to the issue of protecting civilians in situations of armed conflict. Israel also welcomes efforts to increase the effectiveness of the work of the United Nations in this regard.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In the absence of any steps by the Palestinian Authority to fight terrorism, Israel cannot be expected to take unilateral action that would drastically increase the risk to Israeli civilians. Such action has been shown to result directly in the increased loss of innocent life. What is needed is for the Palestinian Authority to act, to relieve Israel of the burden of acting against terrorists hiding out in Palestinian territory. Israel still believes that there can be no military solution to the conflict. And even with all the hatred that has been aroused by the resort to violence, Israelis still believe that peace can be achieved and that compromises should be made, provided there is a genuine partner on the other side that is prepared to do its part.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“But the notion that Israeli withdrawal should occur in a vacuum, independently of any Palestinian action, clearly contravenes President Bush's landmark speech, endorsed by the "Quartet" statement and Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002), all of which recognize that the Palestinian side also has clear obligations it must uphold so that we can ensure security for all and a resumption of a political dialogue. In that regard, the Security Council would not serve the interests of peace by focusing so intently on Israeli actions while ignoring the responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority. President Bush's speech set out a clear political horizon predicated on vital steps to be taken by both sides to ensure that progress is genuine and lasting.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Israeli withdrawal is merely one component of what is intended to be a multifaceted package aimed at returning the parties to a political process. Israel has begun to implement measures aimed at improving the situation of the Palestinians and at rebuilding mutual trust, including the release of funds to the Palestinian Authority, issuing more work permits for Palestinian labourers and loosening restrictions on movement, all in an effort to ease the hardships facing the Palestinian population. Israeli and Palestinian officials have been meeting to discuss ways to move forward, and Israel for its part is fully committed to that constructive dialogue.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“At Camp David in July 2000, Israel extended a far-reaching and comprehensive offer to the Palestinians. The Palestinian leadership not only did not reciprocate, but launched instead a long and bloody campaign of terrorism against the citizens of Israel, precisely at the moment that both sides were closer than they ever had been to reaching an agreement. Despite the bloodshed and mistrust that now exist, we can return to the period of hope that existed prior to the onset of violence and terror in September 2000. Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002), President Bush's statement, the Mitchell report and the Tenet plan collectively illustrate a way back from the abyss, predicated first and foremost on an end to violence and terror.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“While we recognize that military actions cannot stop every potential attacker, Israel forces have been successful in thwarting scores of attempted terrorist bombings. Without these operations, the civilian death toll on both sides would surely have been far higher. Chairman Arafat has demonstrated in the past that when he wants to he can be remarkably successful at preventing acts of terror that emanate from the territory under his control. His security forces know where terrorists reside, where they hide, and where they maintain their bases of operations. What is missing is the necessary political will to act against them. We are all aware of what can be accomplished in the absence of terrorism. We have seen the great lengths to which Israel was willing to go in the context of peaceful negotiations.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Salah Shehada demonstrated no more concern for the lives of those who were close to him than he did for the hundreds of innocent Israelis whose lives he destroyed. Responsibility also lies with the Palestinian Authority. It is the Palestinian Authority's chronic failure to do anything that might prevent future attacks against Israel that compelled us to act to protect our civilians from harm. Military actions would be entirely unnecessary if the Palestinian Authority were abiding by its signed commitment to root out terrorism from its territory. But the Palestinian Authority has not acted, and it is not abiding by its commitment, so it falls to Israel to take the steps necessary to fight terrorism and clear the path back towards political negotiations.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Precautions are taken to ensure our operations entail as little harm as possible to the civilian population. Indeed, several previous attempts to target Mr. Shehada were called off after intelligence revealed that significant casualties would ensue. In this instance, however, Israel's precautions failed to prevent these casualties, and our regret is sincere and profound. But the pain of these losses, however severe, does not obscure the fact that Palestinian terrorists continue, callously and in contravention of all accepted international norms, to situate themselves among civilians in order to use them as human shields. Hamas members not only fail to distinguish themselves from civilians, but deliberately hide among them to avoid retribution.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Despite Shehada's long and bloody record of terrorism, and despite numerous requests by Israel that he be detained, the Palestinian Authority never lifted a finger to have him arrested. With Palestinian leadership refusing to do anything to impede the operations of a leading terrorist commander, Israel had no choice but to act. In planning yesterday's operation, Israeli forces did not anticipate the extent of the collateral damage that would result from the air strike. This matter is now the subject of an investigation by Israeli authorities. Had we known the result beforehand, we would never have carried out the operation. Unlike the terrorists we have been forced to confront, Israeli commanders take no pleasure in the loss of innocent lives. We do not celebrate the deaths of the innocent as a military victory, as do our adversaries.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Shehada also had no compunction when it came to recruiting children to carry out attacks, as in April 2002 when he dispatched three Palestinian youths on a suicide mission to attack Israeli positions. Shehada was also a figure who was well known to Palestinian security officials. On numerous occasions, Israel requested that he be arrested, but despite the Palestinian Authority being fully aware of his location and fully capable of bringing him to justice, this mass murderer remained a free man - free to roam the streets and plan further attacks against Israeli civilians, as he did most recently with the killing of five Israeli teenagers in the community of Atzmona.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Although the Security Council has never met to discuss the attacks for which he is responsible, there is no shortage of them. Shehada masterminded countless terrorist massacres that resulted in the cold-blooded murder of hundreds of innocent Israelis and other nationals. Over 300 mortar attacks on Israeli towns and villages were carried out under his direction. As the deputy to the spiritual leader of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Shehada was responsible for coordinating the activities of senior Hamas commanders in the West Bank, recruiting suicide bombers, drafting the group's attack policies, determining which Jewish communities to target, and helping Hamas enhance its arsenal of weapons.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Our profound sympathies and condolences go to the friends and loved ones of those who were lost. Yesterday's action was precipitated by the failure of the Palestinian Authority to respect its most basic obligation to prevent its territory from being used as a base for terrorist operations. As a consequence of that failure, hundreds of Israeli civilians have been killed, and thousands wounded, in scores of terrorist attacks carried out with the financial, logistical and moral support of the Palestinian leadership, including Chairman Arafat himself. In such a climate, Israel has been left with no choice but to take action to protect our people from the threat posed by individuals like Salah Shehada. Shehada was the military leader of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“At the outset, Sir, allow me to say that we are pleased to see you presiding over the deliberations of the Security Council for the month of July. In the pre-dawn hours yesterday morning, Israeli forces undertook military action as part of our ongoing effort to protect civilians from the unrelenting threat of Palestinian terrorism. The target of the attack was Salah Shehada, one of the most prolific and brutal terrorists in the history of the Middle East. Along with him, a second leading Hamas operative was killed. To our great regret, 14 Palestinian civilians were also killed in the attack. Israel's leaders, including Prime Minister Sharon and Foreign Minister Peres, have expressed their deep regret at the deaths of civilians, particularly those of children, and at the injuries caused to many others.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“He, too, was a problem and an obstacle to peace in the region. Indeed, every Israeli leader has been an obstacle to peace. Apparently, the only regional leader who has not been an obstacle to peace is the great liberal democrat Yasser Arafat.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“His statement is a clear defiance of resolution 1402 (2002), which also calls for a meaningful ceasefire and an end to terrorism and incitement and cooperation with General Zinni as reciprocal steps, which the Palestinian leadership refuses to take. Such assertions are typical and enable the Palestinian leadership to continue to perpetuate the fiction that a succession of Israeli leaders are solely to blame for the situation. Today, it is Sharon for his refusal to make concessions to terrorism. Before him, it was Barak, who offered the Palestinians statehood in virtually all the West Bank, shared sovereignty in Jerusalem and a solution to the refugee problem, and was rewarded with terror. Before him came Netanyahu and before him Peres, both of whom were rewarded with Palestinian terror. And before them was Yitzhak Rabin.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Still, the Palestinian side chooses to place the full blame for the current crisis, not to mention the entire conflict, squarely on the shoulders of Israel, as if 54 years of rejecting Israel's very right to exist and fomenting hatred of Jews has nothing to do with the continuation of the violence and unrest in the region. In the Palestinian view, it is Israel alone that is responsible and Israel alone that had failed to take the necessary steps for peace. But the Council has told us otherwise. The Palestinians, too, have responsibilities - even if they exhibit no intention whatsoever of abiding by them. Yesterday, Ambassador Al-Kidwa informed the Council that the Palestinians would do nothing - there would be no negotiations and no action to combat terror - until Israel fully withdraws.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“How long can the Council ignore the continual incitement by the Palestinian media, the education of hatred in Palestinian schools and textbooks, the repugnant embrace of death and suicide, the glorification of suicide bombers and the legitimization of terrorism by political and spiritual leaders? For how long can we blame only the occupation? Occupation was not the problem between 1948 and 1967, and the Palestinians did not then establish a State. It was not a problem at Camp David, and still peace was rejected. The Palestinian side may have issued a condemnation of terrorism to placate Western Governments. But their actions speak louder than their words.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We deeply regret the death of any civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian, but we maintain that primary responsibility for their deaths lies with the terrorists, who have taken up residence in civilian areas and refugee camps, in violation of international law and Security Council resolutions and in callous disregard for those whom they endangered. We share the concern of the international community about the humanitarian situation, but, in our view, dead Israelis are also a humanitarian problem. If anyone is guilty of war crimes and terrorism, it is those elements of the Palestinian leadership that have provided the funding and the political and ideological support for terrorism. What motivates an 18-year-old girl to blow herself up in a supermarket?”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I apologize for responding at this late hour, but I am compelled to respond to some of the points raised by the Permanent Observer of Palestine. Israeli actions in Jenin and elsewhere were undertaken reluctantly and in self-defence against an unrelenting campaign of Violence and terrorism incited, supported and financed by the Palestinian Authority. They were taken only after the Palestinian Authority was given ample opportunity to fulfil its commitment and after we had exercised utmost restraint in the face of a wave of suicide-bombing massacres. We have not endeavoured to harm the Palestinian people. Rather, we have only tried to uproot the infrastructure of terror.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Israeli withdrawal is already under way, and Prime Minister Sharon has made clear than it will continue and be accelerated in the coming days. The rest of resolution 1402 (2002) is still awaiting attention from the Palestinian side. The best hope for peace will come from the international community's demand that both sides implement what they have already agreed, not from more concessions to terrorism. Let us build on the progress that was achieved by Secretary Powell and work for the implementation of the existing framework of agreements, which will lead us to a just and lasting peace for both peoples.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“It will continue to be a prolonged intifada of rage a prolonged intifada of independence an intifada of innumerable generations which will continue until our supreme national dream is fulfilled." Is this the voice of moderation and coexistence with whom Israel is expected to make peace? Is this the language of one who has renounced violence and terrorism, who seeks to negotiate a compromise solution? The Council will not serve the cause of peace in the Middle East by condemning Israeli actions and ignoring the violence, terrorism and incitement that continues to emanate from the Palestinian leadership. Resolution 1402 (2002) implicitly recognized this by issuing a call for a meaningful ceasefire and for cooperation with General Zinni, together with Israeli withdrawal.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“We have a war with terror and with those who are determined not to create the Palestinian State, but to destroy the Jewish one. It is time that the international community came face to face with the fact that unfortunately this rejectionism exists at the highest echelons of the Palestinian Authority. Allow me to share but one example, a selection from a document dated 13 September 2001 from Chairman Arafat's office addressed to notable Israeli Arab citizens. Chairman Arafat exhorts them to support the intifada, to "draw up with blood the map of one homeland" and to continue the steadfast resistance in "the cities occupied since 1948". Chairman Arafat wrote: "It will continue to be the intifada of the one people and one outburst of blood....”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Israel has made it clear that we accept the idea of third-party, American monitors to supervise the implementation of Tenet and Mitchell, and we were willing to favourably consider an international presence in the context of a comprehensive settlement. But we cannot put our faith in a robust international presence which could not be effective in the face of a continuing strategy of Palestinian terrorism. If both parties have accepted the vision laid out in resolution 1397 (2002) of two States living side by side in secure and recognized boundaries, if they have accepted Tenet and Mitchell, how did we get where we are today? Israel has no war with the Palestinian people. We have no war with the Palestinian aspiration for statehood. We have proved this at Camp David and at Taba.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Would any international force confiscate illegal weapons, intercept suicide bombers and search for hidden explosives? Would it stop payments by Chairman Arafat himself to suicide bombers? Would it do anything other than deter the actions of Israel while enabling Palestinian terrorism to continue unhindered, in violation of signed agreements and resolution 1373 (2002), with the protection of an internationally sanctioned shield? As stated in the Mitchell report, and as repeated by virtually all members of the international community, the international presence could serve no useful role and cannot come about without the agreement of the parties.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“That is not to say that the situation has been resolved; far from it. Hizbullah's belligerency continues. The Government of Lebanon remains under international obligation to rectify this situation at once and to prevent any resumption of Hizbullah's illegal attacks across the Blue Line. The Council must also bear in mind that throughout the period of Hizbullah's attacks, an internationally recognized armed military presence in the area failed to bring these attacks to an end. In fact, despite Israel's full and confirmed withdrawal, and the presence of UNIFIL, terrorism emanating from Lebanon has continued virtually unabated. Is there any legitimate basis to believe that were such a presence to exist in the Palestinian territories the result would be any different?”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“So far, those inside have shown no interest in ending the crisis in a peaceful manner. Here too, the Security Council will do itself no credit by accepting baseless and distorted allegations as fact. During the visit by Secretary of State Powell to the region, progress was achieved. We are hopeful that his continued efforts and the engagement of the American Administration will ensure that the parties get back on the right track. In this regard, we hope there will be a positive response to Prime Minister Sharon's peace conference initiative, to his positive comments relating to the Saudi peace proposal to and his willingness to negotiate with moderate Arab leaders. Mr. Powell's visit also succeeded in quieting the situation on the northern border somewhat, despite the inaction of the Council.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“The pattern of distortion and abuse of civilian objects is nowhere clearer than with the situation at the Church of the Nativity, from which gunmen continue to fire at Israeli soldiers. Both customary and conventional law make it clear that using cultural property, such as holy sites, to support a military attack constitutes a war crime. Indeed, international law has made it clear - as have many States, including members of this Council - that when such objects are unlawfully used for military purposes they lose their protection as cultural objects and become legitimate military targets. Despite this, Israel has not returned fire at the gunmen holding hostage the Church of the Nativity. Rather, we continue to try to negotiate with those hiding inside in order to bring about a non-violent resolution of the stand-off.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Israel abhors the fact that it was compelled to use violence in response to the Palestinians' abject failure to live up to their commitments. We are obligated by international law - and despite the allegations we have done our utmost, in extremely difficult conditions - to protect the civilians and international personnel who were at risk from the situation on the ground. I could cite many examples of other countries that have mobilized their forces against terrorism in a far less careful and discriminating fashion, and have done so free from Security Council scrutiny. No one can deny that the situation is difficult and that civilians have suffered. Everything possible must be done to ensure their protection. Surely, this must begin by ending, once and for all, the use made by terrorists of civilians and civilian installations.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Despite clear provisions of international humanitarian law and repeated Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1296 (2000) and 1208 (1998), the civilian character of these refugee camps has been seriously damaged. Does anyone inquire how it is that the large storehouses of weapons and explosives and bomb factories could exist in a supposedly civilian refugee camp administered by the United Nations? For weeks and months and years, as terrorists have armed themselves and taken up residence within these camps, we have heard barely a word from the international community, from the United Nations or any humanitarian agency. It is only now, after terrorist massacres have forced Israel's hand, that many have responded, pointing the finger at Israel's actions rather than those of the terrorists.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“The so-called reports of massacres have been contradicted by the facts, as has been confirmed by foreign journalists, and sources such as The Washington Post, Newsday and CNN. The Security Council will do itself no credit by accepting baseless and distorted allegations as fact. The real massacres here are committed by the suicide bombers who blow themselves up in crowds of Israeli civilians. Surely it is not an exaggeration to describe them as such. They are not searching out terrorists; they are not confiscating illegal weapons; they are looking for men, women and children to murder. For those who care about respect for humanitarian law, the real question with respect to Jenin and other Palestinian cities and refugee camps relates to how these civilian areas became centres of terrorist activities in the first place.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Surely, we can agree that our objectives are not served in that manner. The use of the term "massacre" in the context of the battle that took place in Jenin is of course politically convenient for the Palestinian side. It is a distortion that attempts to create a moral equivalence between the suicide bomber, who deliberately targets civilians, and the soldier, whose mission is to protect against them. What happened in Jenin was an intense gun battle between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian terrorists. The number of casualties which has been reported - as opposed to those alleged - the 23 dead Israeli soldiers, booby-trapped buildings and bodies, all attest to that fact.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Israel is completing its withdrawal from Palestinian cities in accordance with resolution 1402 (2002), and it will continue to do so in the coming days. But let us not forget that resolution 1402 (2002) did not call for withdrawal in a vacuum, and the Palestinians, in defiance of the Council, have failed to undertake even minimal steps in the implementation of the resolution, including a meaningful ceasefire and an end to terrorism and incitement. What should be the Council's response to this situation? Is it to adopt even more one-sided resolutions and make political concessions in the face of terror? Are our objectives served by making new and greater demands of Israel while systematically ignoring the Palestinian failure to do the one thing to which they have repeatedly committed themselves - namely, to stop violence and terror?”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Those who are genuinely interested in bringing peace to the Middle East must today think carefully about which steps would enhance this process, and which would be counterproductive. Both Israelis and Palestinians have declared their agreement to certain principles. At the outset of the Oslo peace process, and repeatedly since then, the Palestinians committed themselves to renouncing terrorism and violence. Everyone accepts that they have failed to do so. Both parties have declared their acceptance of the Tenet and Mitchell plans in all their aspects. And Israel has accepted the Zinni bridging proposal as a means to get there, in accordance with resolution 1402 (2002). The Palestinians have failed to do likewise.”
2002-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515 (2002) · source
“Israel is eager to share its know-how with others and to do its part to assist the international community in carrying out this important work. Israel hopes that its own struggle against terrorism, although unfortunate, will be of value to other States and, at the same time, that it will be able to learn from the knowledge and expertise of others in our shared challenge of combating terrorism. We must remember that a terrorist threat anywhere is a threat to States everywhere. We firmly believe that through the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, by increasing and enhancing international cooperation and by using the tools at our disposal to target State sponsors of terror, we can protect ourselves and succeeding generations from the horrors of terrorism.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Terrorists and their supporters must understand not only that is there nothing to be gained by attacking civilians, but that there is much to be lost as well. Terrorists cannot be allowed to operate with impunity, and they cannot be recipients of political concessions. While we must combat despair and poverty, we must make absolutely clear, in both our words and our deeds, that there is no grievance that justifies terror. Israel understands the challenges facing certain States that have little experience in battling terrorism. In that respect, Israel stands ready to assist those States in developing a counter-terror capacity. Our experience with terrorism is long; we have developed many strategies and techniques and have many experts with a wealth of experience in this field.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source