YouSaid · the spoken record

Mladenov

lines on the record: 1,041
first: 2013-11-25
most recent: 2020-09-29
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“I remain committed to supporting both sides to resolve the conflict and end the occupation, in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements, in pursuit of achieving the vision of two States — Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State — within secure and recognized borders, based on the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for the members of the Middle East Quartet, key Arab partners and the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to urgently re-engage and strengthen efforts to advance the goal of a negotiated two-State solution before it is too late.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“I would like to reiterate that the fate of two Israeli civilians and the remains of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza remains an important humanitarian concern. I call upon Hamas to provide full information on them, as required by international humanitarian law. I also remain concerned about Israel’s practice of holding the bodies of killed Palestinians and about reports of a recent expansion of that policy. I call for the return of the withheld bodies, in line with Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law. In conclusion, we are again at a pivotal moment in the search for peace as a convergence of destabilizing factors threatens to pull Israelis and Palestinians further towards a one-State reality of perpetual occupation and conflict.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“The United Nations firmly supports all such efforts, and I call upon all Palestinian factions to build on this momentum to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, democratic national Government and advance towards general elections, which are critical for restoring belief in the democratic Palestinian leadership and institutions. Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution. I am concerned about reports by Palestinian rights groups of arrests by Palestinian security forces in Gaza and the West Bank based on political affiliation, without clear charges or accusations. Such politically motivated arrests should stop, and the rule of law should prevail.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“I nevertheless remain seriously concerned about the fragile calm and the unacceptable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The risk of another major escalation has not been eliminated. No amount of humanitarian or economic support alone will overcome Gaza’s challenges. The fundamental problems are political. They require the necessary leadership to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single democratic, national leadership as well as to lift Israeli closures in line with Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). Ninth, I welcome the recent meeting of the PLO Executive Committee and the heads of Palestinian factions as well as the subsequent efforts made by the leadership to strengthen Palestinian unity. It is critical that the important Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts also continue.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“I reiterate that the Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and should use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life and also investigate all incidents of the possible excessive use of force swiftly, thoroughly and independently. Seventh, I also emphasize that the indiscriminate launching of rockets and incendiary devices towards Israeli population centres violates international law, and I call on all Palestinian militants in Gaza to halt such attacks. Likewise, children and schools should never be the target of violence by any party; children should not be exposed to violence at all. Eighth, I also welcome the 13 August understandings, which have de-escalated tensions in and around Gaza and appreciate Qatar’s continued generous support to the Gaza population.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Fifth, given the severe economic and health crisis faced by the Palestinian people, I take this opportunity to call on the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to urgently re-engage and strengthen efforts to advance the goal of a negotiated two-State solution. This financial crisis can and must end. Both sides should re-examine the nature of their economic relationship and improve it to the benefit of both peoples. Sixth, daily violence continues to fuel mistrust and drives us further from a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Settler-related violence continues, and I urge Israel, as the occupying Power, to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population and to hold the perpetrators of the attacks accountable.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Fourth, Israel’s suspension of plans to annex parts of the West Bank removed a critical threat that had the potential to upend peace and regional stability. Annexation would have constituted a most serious violation of international law and dealt a devastating blow to the prospect of the two-State solution. The threat, however, to the viability of the two-State solution posed by continued settlement expansion and demolitions remains. In that regard, I am concerned by recent discussions in the Knesset that demonstrate the intensifying pressure by the Government on Palestinians living in Area C.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“While over the past reporting periods we have seen limited settlement advancement, I remain concerned by plans for settlement construction in the E1 area and other sensitive locations in the occupied West Bank, which are pending approval by the Israeli authorities. As clearly set out in resolution 2334 (2016), the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Third, I am deeply concerned by the serious spike in demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I urge Israel to cease this policy immediately, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“It is important to focus particularly on Gaza, given the unique situation and extreme vulnerability of the population. Any increased responsibilities taken on by the United Nations should be limited, time-bound and not replace the responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority or the Government of Israel. I urge the parties to find a path forward to address this urgent health crisis. I also urge support for UNRWA as well as for the inter-agency COVID-19 plan and the United Nations development response plan in support of the efforts of the Palestinian Government. Second, we must also remain focused on addressing the steadily eroding situation on the ground.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In the final statement, participants reinforced the commitment of all Arab League States to ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and stated that the Arab Peace Initiative remains the basis for achieving a lasting, just and comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace. I would like to share some broad observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. First, the resurgence of COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on the ground. The United Nations and its partners will continue to support the Palestinians in responding to the pandemic, including by addressing critical gaps in medical supplies and equipment.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“The agreements between Israel and Bahrain and between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which were formalized in a signing ceremony at the White House on 15 September, highlight the criticality of achieving a just, comprehensive and enduring resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples. On 27 August and earlier today, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss these latest developments and agreed to remain engaged on the matter and chart a way forward. On 9 September, the League of Arab States held a ministerial meeting.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In another negative development, the media reported that Israel’s Security Cabinet passed a motion on 2 September to withhold the bodies of Palestinians killed in armed attacks, or alleged armed attacks, that caused injury or death to Israelis, expanding its existing policy to withhold the bodies of Palestinians whom Israel identifies as known militants. In its resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council called upon all States “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967”. No such steps were known to have been taken during the reporting period. Resolution 2334 (2016) also called upon all parties to continue, inter alia, “to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations”.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) faces a $200 million financial shortfall in its 2020 core programme budget and is seeking an additional $31 million to cover its 2020 emergency appeal for critical humanitarian needs in Gaza. UNRWA’s extended COVID-19 response plan for $94.6 million to cover needs through the end of the year is only 5 per cent funded. Concerning arrests have also taken place. On 19 July, Israeli police arrested and detained the PA Governor of Jerusalem. On 9 September, the Internal Security Force (ISF) further notified the Governor of an order restricting his movement. Later, on 21 September, the Palestinian Security Forces arrested seven members of the Fatah Democratic Reform Bloc.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In early September, the Palestinian Authority also re-engaged in its support to donor-funded projects in Gaza. Still, the lack of coordination has significantly compounded the challenge of confronting the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. During the reporting period, three patients, including two children, who needed urgent medical treatment outside Gaza died because of related delays. On 6 September, however, the United Nations brokered arrangements to enable patient transfers from Gaza with the support of the World Health Organization.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“It is unclear whether the Government will have sufficient resources to make any future salary payments or carry out its functions in the coming months. In Gaza, COVID-19-related restrictions halted the crossing of workers and traders into Israel and prevented revenue transfers to Gaza’s exporters. The absence of coordination also delayed critical infrastructure projects, exacerbating the high unemployment rate in the Strip, which is nearly 50 per cent. In response, the United Nations has engaged with all sides to ensure the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance. Agreements were reached with the PA to enable the coordination of humanitarian deliveries under United Nations auspices and with Israel to streamline its administrative procedures.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“As a result, Israel allowed the delivery of fuel, reinstated the fishing zone and reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing for goods, and Hamas agreed to halt to incendiary balloons and other attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of coordination between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel in response to the plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank have contributed to worsening the already dire humanitarian, economic and political situation in Gaza and impacted the health and socioeconomic situation in the West Bank. The PA’s decision to stop accepting the clearance revenues that Israel collects on its behalf has exacerbated an already concerning fiscal crisis, with an 80 per cent reduction in Palestinian revenues, which has impacted salaries and service provision.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“On 3 September, for the first time in nearly a decade, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee held its first meeting together with the heads of all Palestinian factions. Speakers focused on the need to restore unity and reform the PLO. President Abbas reiterated his known position that he is ready to launch negotiations with Israel under United Nations or international auspices, while also calling for popular resistance to confront the annexation threat. Following an escalation in violence between Hamas and Israel, Qatar mediated a de-escalation arrangement announced on 31 August and provided significant assistance to Gaza, including to support COVID-19 response and to vulnerable families.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“One Israeli member of the Knesset and former Minister incited to violence, deprecating a video showing restraint by soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the face of a 15-year-old Palestinian child throwing stones at them. Referring to the manslaughter conviction of a member of the IDF after fatally having shot a Palestinian assailant in Hebron, he said: “I would prefer 1,000 videos of Elor Azaria instead of an embarrassing and dangerous one like this one.” Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated calls by the Middle East Quartet for affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“During the reporting period, one senior Fatah official said that anyone who cooperates with Israel “should be shot”, and in its weekly guidance for Friday sermons, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Religious Affairs used anti-Semitic language in messaging on the recent normalization agreements that “there is nothing that harms Palestine and its holy sites more than making an alliance with the Jews, being connected to them, and relying on them.” Some Israeli officials also made provocative and concerning statements in support of the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and rejected the prospect of Palestinian statehood.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Approximately 100 attacks resulting in some 20 injuries and damage to property by Palestinians against settlers and other Israeli civilians were also reported. On 14 September, an Israeli court sentenced the convicted the killer of a Palestinian family in a 2015 gruesome arson attack in Duma village to three life sentences for murder and 20 years for attempted murder, as well ordering compensation to the family. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls for the parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement or inflammatory rhetoric.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Later in August, a 16-year-old Palestinian died, and two others were injured, after being shot in a village west of Ramallah. The Israeli security forces stated that the three were preparing to throw Molotov cocktails and set alight tires to attack passing vehicles. On 26 August, a Palestinian man from Nablus stabbed and killed an Israeli man in Petach Tikva. The perpetrator was later arrested. On 2 September, an Israeli police officer and a soldier were injured in an alleged ramming attack south of Nablus. The Palestinian driver was shot and apprehended. Settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank continued during the reporting period. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 73 attacks against Palestinians by Israeli settlers, with 30 injuries resulting from those incidents.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“The Israeli Justice Ministry subsequently submitted indictments against five border police officers. In early August, a 23-year-old Palestinian woman was killed by live fire in her home in Jenin during an Israeli security forces operation and the ensuing clash with residents. There are contradictory claims over responsibility for the shooting, and a Palestinian prosecutor is investigating the incident. On 17 August, a Palestinian man, who was attempting to carry out a stabbing attack against an Israeli border police officer, was shot and killed in the Old City of Jerusalem. On the same day, Israeli security forces shot and injured a 60-year-old Palestinian man with hearing and speech impairments at the Qalandiya checkpoint when he did not respond to their calls to halt.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the reporting period, four Palestinians, including one child, were killed by the Israeli security forces and 40 people injured by live ammunition. One Israeli was killed and 37 were injured by Palestinians, including three children, in stabbings, clashes, rocket attacks, and other incidents. On 23 June, a 27-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli security forces while reportedly carrying out a ramming attack at a checkpoint near Jerusalem in which one soldier was injured. On 9 July, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 34-year-old Palestinian man and wounded a 17-year-old in the West Bank village of Kifl Haris. Later in July, several Palestinian workers were severely beaten and robbed of their possessions near Mitar Terminal, south of Hebron.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Overall, 63 rockets and mortars were fired towards Israel from Gaza, 22 were intercepted by the Iron Dome system and 19 landed in Israel. At least eight Israeli civilians, two of them children, were injured and at least two houses were damaged, while over 400 balloons carrying incendiary devices were launched into Israel, causing hundreds of fires in the vicinity of Gaza. Israeli security forces launched over 160 missiles and tank shells against Hamas positions in Gaza. Ten Palestinian civilians, including four children and a pregnant woman, were injured, and at least two houses were damaged. Following one strike, an unexploded Israeli missile was found in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school in the Al-Shati refugee camp.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In 32 cases, Palestinians were forced to demolish their own homes so as not to incur the heavy Israeli demolition fees. Health and water facilities, as well as agricultural structures, were also demolished, affecting the services and livelihoods of up to 2,000 Palestinians. Resolution 2334 (2016), in paragraph 6, calls for “immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction”. Unfortunately, violence continues almost on a daily basis. In August, Palestinian militants resumed launching incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel, sometimes escalating to rockets and mortars. Israel retaliated by striking targets in Gaza and temporarily tightening the closures, until a temporary de-escalation was achieved at the end of the month.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“On several occasions during the reporting period, Israeli authorities removed or destroyed structures in illegal outposts, in some cases leading to violent clashes with the Israeli security forces and settlers. As highlighted in a statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory on 10 September, demolitions and seizures of Palestinian- owned structures by Israeli authorities continued across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, reaching the highest demolition rate in the past four years. Citing the absence of Israeli-issued building permits, which remain almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, 250 structures were seized or demolished, resulting in the displacement of 360 Palestinians, including 179 children and 87 women. Of the structures demolished, 181 were in Area C and 69 in East Jerusalem.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“On 9 June, the High Court of Justice struck down a 2017 law enabling the wide-scale expropriation of private Palestinian land and the retroactive regularization, under Israeli law, of thousands of housing units in settlements and unauthorized outposts. The Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional owing to its violation of the rights of Palestinians to property and equality as a protected population in the occupied West Bank. On 27 August, the High Court of Justice also ordered the evacuation of approximately 40 structures in the illegal settlement outpost of Mitzpe Kramim, illegal also under Israeli law, and the relocation of its residents. Meanwhile, two new outposts were established in Um Zaituna, between the occupied West Bank settlements of Ma’on and Carmel, and on Mount Eival, north of Nablus.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016), in paragraph 2, calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem” and to “fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard”. No steps were taken to that effect during the reporting period. During this and the previous reporting period, there were no settlement housing plans advanced, approved or tendered in Area C. On 21 June, however, the Jerusalem District Planning Committee advanced plans for a building with 72 housing units in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Beit Hanina.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Turning to the report, from the outset let me state that developments during the reporting period cannot be divorced from the broader context — Israel’s continued military occupation of the Palestinian territory; the illegal settlement activity and demolitions; the situation in Gaza, with more than a decade of control by Hamas over the Gaza Strip and ensuing rocket fire, militant activity and Israeli closures; unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts; severe challenges to the viability of the Palestinian Authority; and the persistent risk of military escalation. The global pandemic has further increased the needs and vulnerabilities of Palestinians. Those factors collectively erode the prospects for achieving a viable two-State solution, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Elections and legitimate democratic institutions are critical to uniting Gaza and the West Bank under a single national authority and vital to upholding the prospect of a negotiated two- State solution. However, I am concerned by the rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rates in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. The Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is working with the relevant stakeholders to address the needs in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I welcome the initial response from the donor community to the United Nations COVID-19 efforts, and I urge increased support, particularly as the health emergency is rapidly becoming a socioeconomic crisis. All efforts must be mobilized in order to respond to the pandemic, particularly in Gaza.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“He reiterates that only a two-State solution that realizes the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace between the two peoples and contribute to broader peace in the region. I am similarly encouraged by the call to restore hope in the peace process and resume negotiations on the basis of international law and agreed parameters, as made by the Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Egypt, France and Germany in Amman. The recent moves towards strengthening Palestinian unity, as demonstrated by the outcome of the Fatah-Hamas meetings calling for the long- awaited national presidential and legislative elections, are also encouraging.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: On behalf of the Secretary-General, I will devote this briefing to presenting his fifteenth report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 5 June to 20 September of this year. Before presenting the report, I would like to note the recent agreements between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The Secretary-General welcomes those agreements, which suspended Israeli annexation plans over parts of the occupied West Bank. The Secretary-General hopes that such developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations towards a two-State solution and create opportunities for regional cooperation.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“No amount of humanitarian or economic support on its own will neither resolve the situation in Gaza nor the broader conflict. Gaza ultimately requires a political solution. In the absence of progress towards resolving all final-status issues, our preventive diplomacy efforts continue to play an integral role in helping to ensure that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict does not escalate further and get pulled into the latest regional escalation. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis as they pursue a peaceful future.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“Today it is not enough to reaffirm the internationally agreed parameters on how the conflict can be resolved. It is time to find our way back to the mutually agreed mediation framework that ensures that meaningful Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can resume. While there may be different interpretations and proposals on how to achieve a two-State solution, that remains our shared objective. As stated by the Secretary-General, the United Nations position on the two-State solution is defined by resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. The past 48 hours have once again showed us how fragile the situation in Gaza is. Its population suffers under Hamas’ rule and Israeli closures, while militant activity forces Israeli communities to live in constant fear of the next rocket attack.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“UNDOF also observed drones flying from the Alpha side across the ceasefire line with one drone being shot down on the Bravo side. On two occasions, 13 and 23 February, UNDOF personnel observed aircraft from the Alpha side crossing the ceasefire line and firing over the area of separation, as well as anti-aircraft fire launched from the Bravo side. On all occasions, the Israeli Defense Forces carried out strikes on targets in Syria, and not on the Syrian armed forces. UNDOF engaged both parties in order to prevent an escalation of tensions and reminded them of their obligation to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. As negative trends on the ground continue, I would like to reiterate what I said before the Council earlier this month.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“The individuals seized items, including one portable radio and one Global Positioning System device, from inside a patrol vehicle. One peacekeeper sustained minor injuries. Attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable. UNIFIL has requested a prompt investigation into the incident, the return of UNIFIL’s property and the prosecution of the perpetrators by the Lebanese authorities. Turning to the Golan, recent developments involving the breach of the ceasefire line and military activities in the area of separation have shown the continued volatility of the situation in that area. On 6 February, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) observed missiles fired from the Alpha side towards the Bravo side, as well as anti-aircraft fire launched from positions on the Bravo side.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“While the United Nations continues to support the Egyptian- led Palestinian reconciliation efforts, the Palestinian national movement continues to be weakened by the lack of progress on unity. It is time for leaders to engage positively with Egypt, reverse this negative trajectory and take concrete steps to end division. Turning to the region, in Lebanon, Prime Minister Hassan Diab formed a Government on 21 January, which subsequently secured the required vote of confidence from Parliament on 11 February. The new Government’s stated priority is to address the socioeconomic situation. Popular protests, however, continue throughout the country. In the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations, a serious incident occurred on 10 February in which about 15 individuals blocked a UNIFIL patrol in Baraachit, sector west.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“That would result in serious humanitarian repercussions, particularly for some of the most acutely vulnerable communities, among them female-headed households below the poverty line. I urge Member States to continue supporting UNRWA’s core programmes in order ensure that the Agency remains operational beyond April. Turning briefly to intra-Palestinian developments, I regret to note that the prospects of reconciliation and elections remain stalled. Renewing the legitimacy of Palestinian national institutions by holding legislative and presidential elections, which have not taken place since 2006, is indeed critical. Palestinians must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote and elect their leaders and representatives.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“The Secretary-General has consistently spoken out against unilateral steps and plans for annexation. Such steps, including the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank or similar moves, would have a devastating impact on the prospect for a two-State solution. They would close the door to negotiations, have negative repercussions across the region and severely undermine opportunities for normalization and regional peace. I also take this opportunity to remind the Council that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues to face major financial challenges. Without further financial support, critical services in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, will be suspended as of late April.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“He further declared that he would also allow the commencement of the planning process for 2,200 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Har Homa. Those projects, if implemented, would consolidate a ring of settlements cutting between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, significantly constraining the possibility of a future contiguous Palestinian State. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. Meanwhile, the threat of annexation remains. Israeli and United States officials have said that such a step would be advanced only after a joint committee completes a process of producing detailed maps of relevant areas of the occupied West Bank. On 15 February, the United States confirmed the formation of the joint committee.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“During the reporting period, the Jerusalem Magistrate Court ordered the eviction of two Palestinian families from their homes in the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, pursuant to a lawsuit brought by an Israeli settler-related organization. Some 80 other families in the area could be affected by similar eviction proceedings. On 5 February, Israeli authorities demolished two structures at the settlement outpost Ma’ale Shlomo, near the Kokhav HaShahar settlement, and clashed with dozens of settlers who protested the move, leading to three arrests. On 20 February, the Prime Minister announced that he had approved the construction of some 3,000 housing units in the settlement of Givat Hamatos, as well as some 1,000 units in Beit Safafa for its Palestinian residents.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“The police also arrested a former Israeli Knesset member for ignoring police directives while visiting the site. With no meaningful bilateral negotiations on the horizon, developments on the ground continued to undermine prospects for a two-State solution. Israeli authorities demolished or seized 28 Palestinian-owned structures, and 11 others were demolished by their owners following the receipt of demolition orders, which displaced some 47 people, including 12 women and 19 children. Of the structures demolished, 18 were in East Jerusalem. Most of them were targeted due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“I reiterate that violence against civilians, particularly against children, is unacceptable and must be condemned by all. Israeli security forces must also exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly necessary. All incidents must be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, the situation around the holy sites in Jerusalem remained tense throughout the reporting period. Amid calls by religious and political leaders for Palestinians to pray en masse at the Muslim sites, there were limited clashes and arrests reported, including after Friday prayers. The Israeli police also issued orders temporarily restricting access to the site for several Palestinians, including a religious leader and former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and cited incitement and disturbance of the peace as the reasons for the suspension.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“The following day, a Palestinian man was shot during clashes in Jenin, while in a separate incident a Palestinian Authority policeman died after reportedly being hit by a live bullet while he was inside a police station. The Israeli security forces have opened an investigation into the second incident. On 6 February in Jerusalem, 12 Israeli off-duty soldiers were injured, including one critically, in a car- ramming attack by a Palestinian, who was later arrested. Another Palestinian succumbed to his wounds after having been shot on 7 February during protests in the village of Qaffin in the northern West Bank. On 19 February, a 14-year-old Palestinian youth was killed by Palestinian security forces in Qabatiya, Jenin, during clashes with residents.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“That shipment will somewhat alleviate the dire situation; however, I take this opportunity to encourage the Palestinian Government to work with the United Nations and to increase its efforts to help resolve Gaza’s ongoing health crisis. Turning to the West Bank, violence has also continued. During the reporting period, seven Palestinians, including one child, were killed by Israeli security forces, and another 206 were injured in various incidents. Sixteen Israeli security personnel and seven civilians were injured by Palestinians. On 5 February, a Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli security forces after he reportedly threw a Molotov cocktail during clashes in Hebron.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“We have worked hard to provide electricity, ease restrictions and allow development in the Strip while reducing the risk of a military escalation. Women increasingly bear the brunt of the dire humanitarian conditions in the Strip. They are required to support their families while men are unemployed; many live with extended family and struggle to earn an income. Among our many humanitarian concerns, today I must highlight the ongoing health disaster in the Gaza Strip. According to local interlocutors, as of the end of January stock levels for 46 per cent of essential medicines had been completely depleted. Let me repeat that — 46 per cent of essential medicines had been completely depleted. On 18 February the IDF enabled a shipment of medicines worth some NIS 4 million, or $1.2 million, to enter Gaza.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“On 1 February, Israel restricted the entry of cement into Gaza, suspended some 500 crossing permits and reduced the permissible fishing area along Gaza’s southern coast from 15 to 10 nautical miles. Those decisions came only one day after the easing of restrictions on certain goods into Gaza had been agreed. By 18 February some of the restrictions had been removed and agreement reached to reverse the suspensions and also to increase business permits to 7,000, the highest since 2007, and restore the fishing zone to 15 nautical miles. Over the past two years I have briefed the Council on the continuing security, humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza and the United Nations response on the ground.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“Overall, during the reporting period more than 110 projectiles were fired from Gaza towards Israeli communities, injuring four people, including a woman and a child. More than 100 incendiary balloons were released towards Israel, many carrying explosive devices. In response, the IDF fired 102 missiles against Hamas and PIJ targets in Gaza, injuring seven Palestinians, including two children. In the same period, three Palestinians crossed from Gaza into Israel and threw an explosive device at security forces, who shot and killed them. On 31 January, a 14-year old Palestinian boy died from tear-gas-canister wounds he sustained during demonstrations held at the Gaza fence last year.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“As of now the IDF is responding by conducting multiple airstrikes in the Strip. Five injuries have been reported inside Gaza. Yesterday, the IDF also struck what it said were PIJ targets in Syria, where two fatalities were also confirmed. The situation is escalating as we speak, with continuing projectiles being fired from Gaza and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes. The United Nations team on the ground is in touch with our Egyptian counterparts in an attempt to restore calm. I take this opportunity to call for an immediate stop to the firing of rockets and mortars, which only risk dragging Gaza into another round of hostilities with no end in sight. The indiscriminate launching of rockets against civilian population centres violates international law and must end.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Two weeks ago I briefed the Security Council following the release of the United States “Peace to Prosperity” vision for Israelis and Palestinians (see S/PV.8717). Today I will provide a regular briefing on the situation on the ground. Let me begin, however, by addressing the developing situation in and around Gaza. On 23 February, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it had fired at two Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants who were attempting to place an explosive device along the Gaza perimeter fence. The PIJ later stated that a member of its military wing had been killed in the incident, and Israeli officials confirmed that IDF had retrieved the body of one of the militants. Since then more than 60 rockets have been fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants towards Israel.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8730 (2020) · source