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

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“Of the 40 projectiles fired during the reporting period, 27 were launched since Hamas called for an escalation. Four rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome system. One rocket and the remains of an intercepted rocket landed in the town of Sderot, causing damage to a kindergarten and to vehicles, but resulting in no injuries. At least eight more rockets landed in Israel. Allow me to now turn to some of the problems of inflammatory rhetoric and provocations. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on all to refrain from such acts and undertake efforts to combat them. During the reporting period, while on a visit to Iran Hamas leaders continued to make deplorable calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. The level of provocative rhetoric has heightened since 6 December, including with calls for escalation, violence and an intifada.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“On 31 October, a 25-year-old Palestinian man was shot dead by IDF while in his car near the settlement of Halamish. On 30 November, an Israeli civilian shot dead a Palestinian man in the northern West Bank and a group of Palestinians reportedly threw stones at a group of Israelis. Both shooting incidents are under investigation by Israeli authorities. During the reporting period, 28 rockets and 12 mortar rounds were fired from Gaza towards Israel. In response, the IDF continued to target a number ofHamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad military posts across the Gaza Strip, in which two Palestinian militants and one civilian were killed, and at least 28 people were injured. Since 7 December, there has been a visible increase in rockets fired by Gaza militants.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“Since 6 December, in the wake of the decision of the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the the capital of Israel, the situation has become more tense, with an increase in incidents, notably rockets fired from Gaza and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. Most recently, on 10 December one Israeli was seriously injured in a stabbing attack at the Jerusalem bus station. The Palestinian perpetrator has been detained. On 30 October, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed yet another tunnel that extended from Gaza into Israel. During the operation, at least 12 Palestinian militants were killed underground. According to statements by a spokesperson for Islamic Jihad, the group's aim in constructing the tunnel was to "kidnap Israeli soldiers". A second tunnel was destroyed on 10 December.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“This may clear the way for the retroactive legalization of settlement homes and possibly illegal outposts. Allow me to turn to the problems of violence and terrorism that remain a hallmark of the conflict. During the reporting period, the security situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory remained relatively calm. During the past three months, 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces, including in clashes and security operations, and one was killed by an Israeli civilian in the West Bank. Four Israelis have been killed by Palestinians in attacks. Last week, Israel reported that it had foiled a kidnapping plot by Hamas in the West Bank.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“The opinion came in light of a court decision by Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran, who determined that the confiscation of private Palestinian land for the public interest, including in the exclusive interest of settler communities, may under certain conditions be legal in the West Bank, if done proportionally and with fair compensations to the landowners. However, the Attorney General did not soften his stance on the Land Regularization Law. On 22 November, he wrote that "there is no alternative to a judicial ruling declaring the Land Regularization Law unconstitutional". Separately, and still in November, the Government informed the Court that, for the first time, it intended to implement a clause in military law allowing the confiscation of private land if it has been used by a third party unknowingly.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, during the reporting period the authorities demolished or seized 61 structures for lacking building permits. Consequently, 110 people, including 61 children, were displaced and the livelihoods of over 1,000 people were affected. Meanwhile, over 10 Bedouin communities, comprising some 1,500 residents, remain at heightened risk of demolition and displacement. This includes herding communities in Ain al-Hilwe and Um al-Jmal in the northern Jordan valley, as well as Jabal al-Baba in the sensitive El area. The reporting period also saw several potentially significant legal developments. In an opinion issued in November, the Attorney General approved the legalization ofan access road built on private Palestinian land, leading to the illegal outpost of Haresha.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“In East Jerusalem, preparations began for the construction of infrastructure in Givat Hamatos, which, if built, would solidify the ring of settlements isolating East Jerusalem from the southern West Bank. In October, the Jerusalem municipality conditionally approved building permits for 168 housing units in the settlement of Nof Zion located in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Jabel Mukaber; and in November, it also granted building permits for at least 418 housing units in Gilo and Ramat Shlomo. Let me reiterate that the United Nations considers all settlement activities to be illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace. As the Middle East Quartet report noted in 2016, all structures lacking permits from the Israeli authorities in Area C and East Jerusalem are potentially subject to demolition.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“Plans promoted included units in the new settlement of Amihai, a new neighbourhood in Kochav Yaakov, and a new site near Alon Shvut, north and south of Jerusalem, respectively. All three have been designated for either those evicted from the "illegal outposts" of Migron in 2012 and Amona in February of this year, or those soon to be evicted from the outpost of Netiv ha'avot, which has been planned for demolition and evacuation in March 2018. In October, the Government announced that it would issue a tender for 296 housing units in the Beit El settlement, adjacent to Ramallah. However, that tender has not yet been published. The authorities also conditionally approved building permits for 31 housing units in Hebron's H2 area, the first such approvals since 2001.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“As 23 December will mark one year since the adoption of the resolution, I will also take this opportunity to address some of the broader trends we have witnessed during the past year. In its paragraph 2, the resolution reiterates its demand that Israel "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem". No such steps were taken during the reporting period. Some 1,200 units in the occupied West Bank were approved for construction, approximately 460 of them in the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. Israel also advanced, through the various stages of the planning process, some 1,400 housing units in Area C of the West Bank.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: On behalfofthe Secretary-General, I devote my regular briefing on the situation in the Middle East today to presenting the fourth report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 20 September to 18 December. I will focus on developments on the ground in accordance with the provisions of the resolution, including on regional and international efforts to advance the peace process. Let me note from the outset that none of the developments on the ground can be divorced from the broader context in which they are happening: uncertainties about the future of the peace process, unilateral actions that undermine the two-State solution, occupation and violence.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8138 (2017) · source
“The Secretary- General and the United Nations are committed to supporting Palestinian and Israeli leaders in returning to meaningful negotiations in order to achieve a lasting and just peace for both peoples. We remain deeply committed to working with the parties and with our international and regional partners to realize that objective.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“There is a serious risk today that we may see a chain of unilateral actions that can only push us further away from achieving a shared goal of peace. In the coming days, it will be critical that leaders demonstrate their wisdom and make every effort to reduce the rhetoric, prevent incitement and rein in radical elements. In its 2016 report (S/2016/595, annex) the Middle East Quartet called for steps to reverse negative trends that undermine the two-State solution, so as to build the conditions necessary for successful final-status negotiations. Today that call remains as valid as ever. I urge the international community to fulfil its historic responsibility to support the parties in achieving peace and a comprehensive agreement.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“It is up to us all in the international community, as much as it is up to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, to urgently advance ajust and lasting resolution ofthe conflict. The Secretary-General clearly stated that realizing a two- State solution with Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and Palestine is the only way that such a Vision can be achieved. I have warned many times in the past - and I will do so again today - that ifthe Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not resolved in line with relevant United Nations resolutions and in a manner that meets the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, it risks being engulfed into the vortex of religious radicalism that has taken over the Middle East.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“The United Nations remains strongly committed to supporting all efforts to achieve a negotiated two-State solution. That is the only way to achieve the legitimate national aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. That point has been clearly reaffirmed by Secretary- General Guterres. I again stress his view that there is no plan B for the two-State solution. Palestinian and Israeli leaders, as well as the international community, have an important responsibility to advance peace efforts to that end. Only through constructive dialogue can we hope to achieve peace. I call on all parties to remain engaged. Today we stand at another critical moment in the long-running history ofthe conflict. We are yet to see if the prospects for peace can be preserved and advanced.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“Nevertheless, I urge all political, religious and community leaders to refrain from provocative action and rhetoric that could lead to escalation. I call on all of them to exercise restraint and to engage in dialogue. It is now more important than ever that we preserve the prospects for peace. It will be ordinary Israelis and Palestinians - their families and their children - who will ultimately have to live with the human costs and the suffering caused by further violence. They will look to their leaders to find the strength and the will to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that addresses all final-status issues, that ends the occupation of Palestinian territory that started in 1967 and that brings security and stability to both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least one Palestinian was killed and more that 140 have been injured. There have also been protests in Arab cities and villages within Israel, as well in cities around the region and beyond, from Lebanon and Jordan to Malaysia and Bangladesh. On 7 December, six rockets were reportedly fired from Gaza towards Israel. All but one landed short of Israel, without causing damage or injury. The Israel Defense Forces responded by shelling a Hamas military installation in the Gaza Strip and by bombing another from the air, causing damage but no injuries. We continue to follow developments on the ground very closely. We all understand and respect the symbolic, religious and emotional charge that Jerusalem holds for people across the region and beyond.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Trump for the decision. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the status quo at the holy sites, while President Rivlin said that Jerusalem was not an obstacle to peace. I am particularly concerned about the potential risk of a violent escalation. In anticipation of the United States decision, Palestinian factions called for three days of rage to take place from 6 to 8 December. Some called for 8 December to be the start ofa new uprising, or intifada. Since the decision, we have seen widespread demonstrations and violent clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“The announcement also signalled the start of preparations to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, while renewing the six-month waiver by which the Embassy remains in Tel Aviv. Without doubt, that decision has been widely welcomed in Israel. It has also caused much anger among Palestinians and anxiety across the Middle East and beyond. Palestinian President Abbas condemned the move and stressed that the United States had withdrawn from its role as a mediator in the peace process. He warned of the potential consequences for security and stability in the region and underlined the need to immediately work towards national reconciliation. Hamas described the proclamation as an attack against the Palestinian people and called on the Palestine Liberation Organization to withdraw its recognition of Israel.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“As stated by the Secretary-General, the United Nations position is clear: Jerusalem is a final-status issue, for which a comprehensive, just and lasting solution must be achieved through negotiations between the parties and on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions and mutual agreements. On 6 December, United States President Donald Trump announced that the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. In that recognition, he said that final-status issues, including the boundaries of Israeli sovereignty, remained for the parties to determine. He made clear his commitment to advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians and called for the status quo at the holy places to be respected.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“For both Israelis and Palestinians, Jerusalem is, and will always remain, an integral part of their national identity. For billions of people around the world, it also serves as a symbol and a cornerstone of their Christian, Jewish or Muslim faiths. That is why it remains one of the most sensitive places in the world. For decades, there has been broad agreement among Member States about the particular status of Jerusalem, including through resolutions 252 (1968), 476 (1980) and 478 (1980), as well as General Assembly resolution 181 (II). The United Nations has repeatedly declared that any unilateral decision that seeks to alter the character and status of Jerusalem could seriously undermine the current peace efforts and may have repercussions across the region.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Jerusalem is one of the most complex, and perhaps captivating, cities in the world. Of all the final-status issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as identified in the Oslo Accords - refugees, settlements, security arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbours and other issues of common interest - Jerusalem is the most emotionally charged and difficult subject. For the Jewish people, it is, and will always be, the centre of their faith and life. For centuries, they have looked to it as a symbol of hope for the future. It is also the centre of life for Palestinians and, since the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, many have lived in fear of losing their livelihoods and their connection to the city.”
2017-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8128 (2017) · source
“I believe and hope that a genuine change in Gaza, including full security control by the Palestinian Authority, will contribute to restoring confidence in the feasibility of a comprehensive peace agreement. That is a Palestinian-owned process. All Palestinian factions must seize this opportunity to open a new page for their people.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“If it does, it will most likely result in another devastating conflict. Whether that conflict would be triggered by a meltdown of law and order in Gaza, by the reckless action of extremists or by strategic choice, the result will be the same - devastation and suffering for all. That cycle must be avoided at all costs. All of us, especially Palestinian leaders, Israel and the international community, have an important responsibility to advance the peace efforts. In that context, I am concerned about the implications of the latest developments related to the Palestinian Liberation Organization representative office in the United States. Only through constructive dialogue can we hope to advance peace, and I call on all parties to remain engaged in the peace effort.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“We cannot allow this current effort to become another missed opportunity. From the outset, Ihave consistently engaged with Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, the region and all stakeholders. Everyone understands that failure today will destroy hope for the foreseeable future. That division damages the Palestinian cause for statehood. Two million Palestinians in Gaza have high hopes that the Government's return will improve their lives. After living in abject misery under Hamas control and locked in by the closures, their situation is close to exploding. With all the difficulties inherent in the Egyptian-led process and concerns about the timing and modalities of the Palestinian Authority's assumption of full civilian and security control of Gaza, the process must not be allowed to fail.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“The security situation in the Golan remains of concern. Fighting between the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and armed groups and between different armed groups in parts of the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side continues. In recent weeks, there were reported incidents of spillover fire from the Bravo to the Alpha side and retaliatory fire across the ceasefire line. Those developments undermine the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces and have the potential to escalate tensions and jeopardize the long-standing ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Let me conclude with a few observations on Palestinian unity efforts. I again commend Egypt for its leadership throughout the process. Many previous attempts to bridge the Palestinian divide have failed.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Donor-funded structures serving as schools that are also threatened with demolition are of particular concern. Turning very briefly to Lebanon, Prime Minister Hariri's resignation, while on a trip to Saudi Arabia on 4 November, shocked Lebanon and the region. While new uncertainties have arisen, the people of Lebanon have united behind President Aoun's call for Hariri to return. Following the Secretary-General's statement of 5 November, international statements of support for Lebanon's security, stability, sovereignty and independence have been issued at the highest levels. Prime Minister Hariri is now in Paris and expected to return to Lebanon later this week. The Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, my colleague, Philippe Lazzarini, is scheduled to brief the Council on 29 November.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“They constitute a substantial obstacle to peace and should cease. Unfortunately, legislative action that undermines the viability of the two-State solution also continues. The Knesset considered a legislative amendment that would require a majority of 80 out of 120 members to approve any transfer of territory currently included in Israel's defined municipal boundaries of Jerusalem to a "foreign entity". Against that backdrop, the Israeli authorities demolished or seized 30 Palestinian structures, displacing 53 persons, including 31 children, across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Three Bedouin herding communities in Area C, including Ain al-Hilweh, Um al Jmal and Jabal al-Baba, are at risk of having a total of 520 structures demolished after receiving removal-of-property orders in recent weeks.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Violence and incitement remain one of the hallmarks ofthe conflict, and they need to be addressed in order to rebuild trust between both sides. Turning to the question of settlements, Israeli planning authorities have approved building permits for at least 418 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlements of Gilo and Ramat Shlomo. They also issued a conditional approval of 178 housing units in the settlement of Nof Zion, located in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Jabel Mukaber. On 10 November, the Israeli Prime Minister pledged to advance $226 million for the construction of infrastructure in the occupied West Bank that improves the connectivity of settlements to Israel, potentially facilitating their expansion. The United Nations considers all settlement activities illegal under international law.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“At a time when Palestinians in Gaza - who have lived with closures for a decade, survived three conflicts and have had to struggle to merely exist - are seeing hope for the future, such actions and statements risk a dangerous escalation that could destroy the prospects for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. In other developments, on 31 October, a 25-year- old Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli security forces while in his car near a West Bank settlement. The Israeli authorities launched an investigation after an initial IDF probe indicated that the driver did not appear to have been attempting a vehicular attack when he was killed. On 17 November, two Israelis were injured in a ramming attack in the West Bank; the Palestinian driver was shot and injured by the security forces.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“That is a positive development, as coordination is critical to the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike. In a very worrying development, however, on 30 October, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) uncovered yet another tunnel that extended from Gaza into Israel. During the operation, at least 12 Palestinian militants were killed underground. According to statements by a spokesperson for Islamic Jihad, the group's aim in constructing the tunnel was to "kidnap Israeli soldiers," and it also stated that it will continue to pursue that goal. I call on the international community to join the United Nations in condemning the continued construction of tunnels and the utterance of such reckless statements.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Secondly, the donors also discussed the need to see a realistic plan by the Palestinian Authority on how it intends to take up its responsibilities in Gaza, which the international community can support financially and technically. Thirdly, our common goal remains the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. Difficult issues - including security and putting all weapons under Government control, the rule of law and the functioning of the judiciary, civil service reform and other complicated challenges - will have to be dealt with in a step-by-step manner. Turning to broader political dynamics on the ground, I welcome the restoration of full security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It was publicly announced that that started on 8 November.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“I urge donors to support the appeal in order to save lives. Last week, as co-Chair of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee, Norway convened a donor meeting in Ramallah to discuss how to support returning Gaza under Palestinian Authority control. The discussion focused on three themes. The first theme was the need to immediately alleviate the humanitarian situation on the ground, namely, by increasing electricity supply to at least pre-crisis levels, and accelerating the delivery of projects that have direct impact on the lives of Gaza's residents. The envoys of the Middle East Quartet have already tasked the Office of the Quartet with producing a list of projects that can be expedited. I encourage donors to do the same. Such actions are necessary to sustain support for the Cairo-led process on the ground.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Power outages of 18 to 20 hours a day continue; most of the population has access to piped water for only three to five hours every five days; untreated sewage continues to flow into the Mediterranean Sea at catastrophic levels; 45 per cent of essential drugs and medical supplies have now reached zero stock in Gaza. Only the most critical health, water and sanitation facilities are functioning, thanks to donor-funded emergency fuel distributed by the United Nations. As the Palestinian Government seeks to return to Gaza, it should take immediate action to reverse measures that add to the burden of Palestinians living there. The United Nations humanitarian appeal for Gaza for 2017 calls for $25 million in new funding to meet the most critical priorities - almost $11 million of which remains unmet.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Some ministries, with low numbers of employees, have already accomplished the task, and others are expected to finish within a set time frame. I encourage all sides to use tomorrow's meeting in Cairo to reinforce their commitment to a gradual process of implementing the Cairo agreement and to ensure that positive momentum is sustained by upholding commitments and ensuring follow-up. Regrettably, there is also some not-so-good news. Despite progress in implementing the Cairo agreement, Gaza residents have not seen any improvements to their daily lives. The lack of electricity has been devastating for the provision of basic services.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Another important step happened on 2 November when the Palestinian committee tasked with rationalizing and integrating Gaza's public sector held its first meeting. Meanwhile, the transfer of responsibility at Gaza-based public institutions is slowly proceeding as well. Ministers of Education, Health, Transport and Environment, among others, as well as technical teams from ministries in Ramallah, have travelled to Gaza to begin restoring Government control. Some 150 PA-employed teachers have returned to work for the first time since 2007. A 10-day registration period for all PA employees in Gaza began on 12 November to determine staffing numbers, based on an evaluation of qualifications against needs. The process is proceeding in an organized manner.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“If success is to be achieved, the failed policies of the past must be avoided, security for Palestinians and Israelis must be preserved, and all sides must be willing to compromise in the interest of peace. Let me start with the good news. On 1 November, we witnessed a landmark step as the Palestinian Authority regained control over Gaza crossings. For the first time in more than a decade, on 18 November, the Rafah border crossing opened under PA control. The handover has eased access at the crossings for Palestinians with permits and ended the illegal taxation imposed by Hamas at the crossings since June 2007. The handover, if translated into full civilian and security control by the Palestinian Authority of Gaza, could be a step towards the normalization of movement in and out of the Strip.”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I brief the members of the Security Council today as critical infra-Palestinian talks are scheduled to open in Cairo tomorrow. The United Nations, the Middle East Quartet and the international community continue to support Egyptian efforts to sustainably implement the recent infra-Palestinian agreement and return Gaza under the control of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. By signing the Cairo agreement on 12 October, Palestinians embarked on a long road that could lead to reconciliation. First, however, they must resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and return the Strip to the full civilian and security control of the Palestinian Authority (PA).”
2017-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8108 (2017) · source
“With that responsibility comes an obligation to do what is necessary in order to establish a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for Palestinians, Israelis and the entire region.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“It is critical that the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, most notably the crippling electricity crisis, be addressed as a priority. In closing, I would like to emphasize that collective and determined action on the part of the parties, the region and the international community is needed in order to initiate a serious political process, drawing upon all relevant United Nations resolutions, that will realize a two-State solution and end the occupation and resolve all final status issues. As the Secretary-General said on his recent visit, "the international community cannot simply turn away and allow the situation to deteriorate. We have a role and a responsibility to support the parties in resolving this conflict".”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“Intra-Palestinian reconciliation remains critical to preventing the continuing militant buildup and restoring hope for the future. In that regard, I welcome the recent statement by Hamas announcing the dissolution of the administrative committee in Gaza and agreement to allow the Government of National Consensus to assume its responsibilities in Gaza. I commend the Egyptian authorities for their tireless efforts in creating such positive momentum. All parties must seize the opportunity to restore unity and open a new page for the Palestinian people. That should facilitate the removal of Israeli closures on Gaza, in line with resolution 1860 (2009). The United Nations stands ready to assist all efforts in that respect.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“I once again urge both parties to demonstrate their commitment to rejecting violence, inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions. The Jenin agreement was an important first step towards a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian power- purchasing agreement that would lead to greater Palestinian energy autonomy. I encourage the parties to fully implement the Red Sea-Dead Sea agreement to enable the delivery of much-needed water to the West Bank and Gaza. While all initiatives to improve the Palestinian economy are welcome, much more needs to be done as part of a political process aimed at establishing a Palestinian State. Economic development, as critical as it is, is no substitute for sovereignty and statehood. As the Secretary-General has called for, efforts aimed at achieving both sovereignty and statehood must proceed in parallel.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“It was also noted that socioeconomic conditions cannot be adequately addressed without progress in the peace process. In conclusion, I would like to share some broad observations on the reporting period. Continuing settlement expansion, most notably during this period in occupied East Jerusalem, is making the two-State solution increasingly unattainable and undermining Palestinian belief in international peace efforts. In addition to illegal settlements, the practice of demolishing Palestinian structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and displacing Palestinians undermines the prospects of peace. Continued violence against civilians and incitement perpetuate mutual fear and suspicion, while impeding any effort to bridge the gaps between the two sides.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“In September, Egypt hosted delegations from Hamas and Fatah in an effort to advance Palestinian unity, which led to the breakthrough decision by the de facto Gaza leadership to dissolve the administrative committee and invite the Government to return to the Strip. On 18 September, Norway convened the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians in New York with Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Ziad Abu Amr; Palestinian Authority Minister of Finance and Planning, Mr. Shukri Bishara; and Israeli Minister of Regional Cooperation, Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, in attendance. Those at the meeting agreed that additional concerted action was needed to make progress on fiscal sustuinability, economic development and Gaza's reconstruction and recovery.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“He strongly reaffirmed the United Nations position that there is no alternative to the two- State solution and suggested a three-track approach to end the occupation and advance the prospects for peace: first, a serious political process with a clear end goal of two States living side by side in peace and mutual recognition; secondly, a simultaneous effort to improve the socioeconomic conditions of Palestinians; and thirdly, active engagement with regional partners. He conveyed his personal commitment to helping the parties return to meaningful negotiations, based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and prior agreements.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“Meanwhile, the international community has continued its efforts to advance the goal of peace. The envoys of the Middle East Quartet continue to meet to discuss current efforts to advance peace, as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza. In August, a United States delegation travelled to the region and met with regional interlocutors, with a focus on reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. All parties agreed to continue working towards a sustainable peace and to promote security and stability across the region. Shortly thereafter, on 27 August the Secretary- General arrived in the region for his first official visit to Israel and Palestine.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“To end the standoff, the Palestinian Authority has remained firm in its demands for Hamas to dissolve the administrative committee it established in March and allow the Government of National Consensus to take up its responsibilities in Gaza. On 17 September, Hamas officially accepted these conditions. It now remains to be seen whether the agreement will be implemented and electricity supply to Gaza restored. I have just returned from a trip to the Gaza Strip, and I am happy to brief the Security Council in closed session on developments related to Palestinian reconciliation and the Government returning to Gaza. During the reporting period, there were no developments related to Member States' distinguishing, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories it occupied in 1967.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“The chronic energy deficit has been substantially worsened by the decision of the Palestinian Authority to reduce electricity supply to the Strip. While Egyptian fuel has enabled the Gaza power plant to resume operations, electricity supply is still down to about four hours per day. Basic services in some 190 health, water and sanitation facilities continue to rely on back-up generators powered by United Nations- provided fuel. As part of the Gaza emergency appeal issued in July, an additional $4 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has been released to support critical services. The appeal is now 51 per cent funded.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated the call of the Middle East Quartet on both parties to take steps to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperiling the two-State solution. On 10 July, an interim power-purchasing agreement was signed between the Palestinian and the Israeli electricity companies, energizing the first Palestinian-owned and operated sub-station in Jenin and allowing for an increase in electricity supply in the northern West Bank. On 13 July, the United States facilitated an agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, allowing for an increase in water supply for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza as part of the 2013 Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance project. In Gaza, the situation remains extremely fragile.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“On 3 August, the Israeli Prime Minister delivered an inauguration speech at the launch of the construction of 1,000 new housing units in the Beitar Illit settlement, in which he praised the achievements of his Government in promoting settlement construction. On 28 August, he said that "there will be no more uprooting of settlements in the land of Israel . We will deepen our roots, build, strengthen and settle". Other senior Israeli politicians also made repeated calls for annexation of the West Bank, with one Member of the Knesset expressing his desire to "destroy" hopes for Palestinian statehood, and stating that "there is room to define and realize the national aspirations of one people only - the Jewish people".”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“At the height of the July crisis around the holy sites of Jerusalem, officials and representatives on all sides employed provocative rhetoric. In the midst of what were largely peaceful protests, Hamas and senior Palestinian Authority officials called for an escalation and a day of rage across the occupied Palestinian territory. Hamas and others continued to openly glorify terror attacks, describing the murder of three Israelis at their home in Halamish as "heroic". Meanwhile, President Abbas explicitly condemned the 14 July attack and, in an attempt to calm tensions at the holy sites, some Palestinian leaders and religious authorities on both sides called on protestors to avoid violence and provocation. With regard to settlements, Israeli officials continued to use provocative rhetoric in support of expansion.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source