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

“On 7 March, the military prosecution, calling the current sentence "excessiver lenient", filed an appeal seeking a three-to-five year term of imprisonment. While the resolution calls upon both parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement, and inflammatory rhetoric, such actions continued during the reporting period. The reactions of Hamas officials to terror attacks against Israelis have been particularly reprehensible and deserve condemnation. A recent sermon by a Hamas leader and member of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza included appalling and racist language inciting violence against Jews. Statements were issued by Hamas and a number of other Palestinian factions celebrating as "heroic" the terror attacks in Jerusalem and in Petah Tikva.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“This period saw a total of over 260 Palestinians killed by the Israeli security forces, 170 of whom were carrying out or reportedly carrying out attacks. One case, against Sergeant Elor Azaria, has led to an indictment and conviction for unlawful killing. On 4 January, Azaria was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead an incapacitated Palestinian assailant in Hebron in March 2016. On 21 February, he was sentenced to prison for 18 months and demoted. As noted by the Spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 24 February 2017, such a lenient prison sentence "is difficult to reconcile with the intentional killing of an unarmed and prone individual".”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“After over three months of calm, between 6 February and 19 March Palestinian extremists in Gaza fired 10 rockets towards Israel, five of which impacted without causing injury. In response to these attacks, the Israeli Defence Forces conducted 18 airstrikes at militant locations inside Gaza. In total, two Palestinians in Gaza were killed and 24 injured as a result of various Israeli military actions. On 16 January, in the village of Tuqu', near Bethlehem, a 17 year-old boy was shot dead by the Israeli security forces. The Israeli authorities have opened an investigation into the incident, bringing to at least 17 the number of investigations opened into similar incidents since September 2015.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“In addition, one Palestinian was killed by an Israeli civilian while attempting to carry out a stabbing attack, and two Palestinians died of wounds they had sustained in October and November 2016 from Israeli security forces. Four Israeli soldiers were killed and 70 other Israelis were injured in attacks by Palestinians. On 8 January, a Palestinian man killed four Israeli soldiers and injured another 15 in a ramming attack in Jerusalem. On 9 February, in a terror attack in Petah Tikva, a Palestinian from Nablus shot and stabbed six Israelis. On 6 March, in a two-hour exchange of fire, a Palestinian activist, Basel Al-Araj, was killed during an arrest operation by Israeli security forces in Al-Bireh, which is near Ramallah, in Area A.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“The law marks a significant shift in the long- standing Israeli position concerning the legal status of the occupied Palestinian territory. Allow me to turn to the problems of violence and terror, inflammatory rhetoric and provocations that remain a hallmark of the conflict. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on all to refrain from such acts and undertake efforts to combat them. During the reporting period, the security situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory remained relatively calm. There was a rise, albeit from a low level, in certain categories of incidents, namely, rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza. Eleven Palestinians were killed and over 273 injured by the Israeli security forces, including during attacks or purported attacks, clashes and security operations.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“In occupied East Jerusalem, 48 structures were demolished and two seized, displacing 80 people and affecting 210 people. There were also a number of concerning legislative developments during the reporting period. On 6 February, the Israeli Parliament approved the so- called Regularization Law, which, if implemented, would effectively authorize the taking of privately owned Palestinian land in occupied territory that has been used for settlement purposes. It contravenes international law and is deemed unconstitutional by many Israeli legal experts, including the Attorney General. Estimates suggest that the law could enable the retroactive regularization of thousands of housing units and the gradual legalization of dozens of settlement outposts.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“Overall, the past three months have seen a high rate of settlement-related activity, especially when compared to 2016, which saw tenders for only 42 units issued and some 3,000 units advanced over 12 months in Area C. The reporting period also witnessed large-scale demolitions of structures in Palestinian and Bedouin communities in Area C of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to acquire. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 145 structures were demolished in Area C. It has affected the homes of some 220 people, while another 4,000 people were impacted, directly or indirectly, by the destruction of other property and infrastructure.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“Let me reiterate that the United Nations considers all settlement activities to be illegal under international law and one of the main obstacles to peace. On 1 February, the Government announced its intention to establish a new settlement for the residents of the illegal Amona outpost, following its demolition by order ofthe Israeli High Court of Justice on 2 February. While there was no advancement of settlement plans in occupied East Jerusalem during the reporting period, construction in at least four East Jerusalem settlements was enabled by the granting of building permits for over 900 housing units in Pisgat Ze'ev, Ramat Shlomo, Ramot and Gilo southern slopes.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to take steps to "cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem". No such steps were taken during the reporting period. In January, two major announcements were made for a total of 5,500 housing units in settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank. Within three weeks, some 3,000 housing units were advanced through the various stages of the planning process and over 240 units reached the final approval stage. Separately, tenders for some 800 housing units were issued. Eighty per cent of the 4,000 settlement moves during the reporting period were concentrated in and around major Israeli population centres close to the 1967 line, while some 20 per cent were in outlying locations deep inside the occupied West Bank.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Today, on behalf of the Secretary- General, I would like to devote my regular briefing to the Council on the situation in the Middle East to reporting on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). In this first report, I will focus on developments on the ground, in accordance with the provisions of the resolution, including on regional and international efforts to advocate and 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 - namely, the stalled peace process, the lack of dialogue between the parties and the increased radicalization on all sides. The reporting period witnessed a notable increase in statements, announcements and decisions related to settlement construction and expansion.”
2017-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7908 (2017) · source
“The answer seems obvious but, as history has painfully demonstrated, the path to peace is riddled with hazards. The United Nations remains resolute in its commitment to helping Palestinians and Israelis strive to overcome these challenges.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Israel can take the necessary steps to stop settlement expansion and construction in order to preserve that prospect, while the Palestinian leadership can demonstrate its commitment to tackling the challenges of violence and incitement on its side. That would create an environment that would facilitate bilateral final status negotiations that the international community can support. As Palestinians and Israelis face another period of uncertainty and concern for what lies ahead. I urge leaders on both sides to carefully contemplate the future they envision for their people. Will it be a future built on perpetual conflict, rising extremism and occupation? Or will it be a future built on mutual respect and an appreciation for the unimaginable wealth of opportunities that would come with peace?”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Both sides, however, have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Conditions permitting, the full return of UNDOF to the area of separation remains a priority. Returning to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, recent developments should be of concern to all of us. Some may hold the illusion that the conflict can be managed indefinitely and that the absence of a clear strategy to advance peace is a strategy in itself. The Middle East Quartet report and Security Council resolutions have clearly outlined what is needed to advance a sustainable and just peace. The two-State solution remains the only way to achieve the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“On 19 January, UNIFIL deployed on both sides of the Blue Line to mitigate tensions, including weapons pointing-between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces in the context of the placement of a soil barrier near El Adeisse by Lebanese municipal workers, in violation of the Blue Line. Meanwhile, in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operations, the ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic is holding, albeit in a volatile security environment on the Bravo side. On 8 February, the IDF carried out a strike on the Syrian side of the Golan in response to a spillover fire incident involving a tank shell that landed in an open area in Israeli-occupied Golan. Spillover from Syria continues to heighten the risk of further escalation between the two sides.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Turning briefly to Lebanon, I note that the reactivation of State institutions has continued. The President and Prime Minister have expressed their confidence that an electoral law will be agreed with the aim of holding timely elections. On 11 February, in an interview, President Aoun stated "the need to maintain Hizbullah's weapons". The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon is in discussion with authorities on their continued commitment to relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004), which clearly call for the disbanding and disarmament of all non-State armed groups. Relative calm continued in the the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations and along the Blue Line, with the exception of some ground and air violations.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“The volatile situation in Gaza continues to be exacerbated by the persistence of a major humanitarian and development crisis, related in large part to the crippling closures of the Strip and the continuing political divide. This winter has borne witness to a serious electricity crisis, which in December left Palestinians in Gaza with only two hours of electricity per day. Tens of thousands of people came out in the streets in mass protests; many, including journalists, were detained. The crisis was temporarily resolved with a generous contribution of $12 million from the State of Qatar. As we speak, the United Nations is working actively with the Palestinian Authority, all stakeholders and key donors on a road map to ensure that Gaza's massive electricity problems are addressed in a sustainable manner.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“In Gaza, we have consistently warned that the situation is not sustainable and that another escalation is likely unless the pressing needs of the population are more systematically addressed. I also note that Hamas in Gaza has elected a new leadership. It is for that leadership to ensure that Gaza remains calm and avoid the risk ofspiraling into another conflict. Rocket attacks, tunnel construction and smuggling only heighten that risk. After over three months of relative calm, the launching of a rocket from Gaza towards Israel on 5 February - which landed without injury - reminded us all of the risk of further destabilizing an already combustible environment. In that environment, all sides should exercise maximum restraint.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“I welcome the Palestinian decision to hold the postponed local elections on 13 May. However, I also take note with regret of Hamas' rejection of that decision. Let me urge all factions to work together in good faith to uphold democracy and to overcome the internal divisions that are undermining Palestinian national institutions and the legitimate aspiration to statehood. Local elections, if held simultaneously in both Gaza and the West Bank, and conducted in line with international standards, could contribute to advancing reconciliation. Gaza and the West Bank should be reunited under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian Authority on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization principles and the rule of law, in accordance with existing agreements.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“In the West Bank, three Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli security forces in recent weeks, two allegedly attempting attacks on Israeli soldiers, while a teenager was killed during clashes with Israeli security forces. I once again call for the calibrated use of force and stress that live fire should be used only as a last resort, in situations of imminent threat of death or serious injury, and that any resulting death or injury should be properly investigated by the authorities. The trend of demolishing Palestinian-owned structures continues. Some 57 structures have been torn down, displacing 108 people. Last year saw over 1,000 demolitions, the largest annual number of demolitions on record and nearly double the figure for 2015. I once again urge Israel to cease this destructive practice.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Settlement activities are illegal under international law and, as stated by the Middle East Quartet, they are one of the main obstacles to peace. All core issues should be resolved between the parties through direct negotiations on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions and mutual agreements. I continue to be concerned by the daily violence. So-called lone wolf attacks against Israeli civilians, though greatly reduced as compared to 2016, continue. On 9 February, in the market of Petah Tikva in central Israel, an 18-year-old Palestinian from Nablus shot and stabbed six Israelis, who were injured in the attack.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“If the law stays in place, it will have far-reaching consequences for Israel, while seriously undermining prospects for the two-State solution and for Arab-Israeli peace. This period also saw Government statements announcing significant settlement expansion, which were quickly followed by action. Within a three-week period, the Israeli authorities promoted some 4,000 housing units in Area C, including tenders for around 800 units, the advancement of around 3,000 units and the approval of plans for an additional 230 units. These numbers are all the more worrying if compared to the whole of 2016, when 42 units were tendered and some 3,000 were advanced in Area C. Settlements were also advanced in East Jerusalem during the reporting period, with the issuance of building permits for over 900 units.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“On 6 February, the Israeli Parliament adopted the so-called Regularization Law, which enables the use of privately owned Palestinian land for Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank without the owners' consent. The law has the potential to retroactively "regularize" -under Israeli law-thousands ofexisting settlement units built on land owned by Palestinian individuals living under occupation, as well as dozens ofillegal outposts. Its passage marks a significant shift in Israel's position concerning the legal status of the West Bank and the applicability of Israeli law therein. It contravenes international law and, according to the Israeli Attorney General, it is also unconstitutional. It is expected that the Supreme Court of Israel will rule on its constitutionality soon.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Although leaders on both sides agree on the need to continue Israeli-Palestinian security coordination, there is increasing anger in the street, and radical views are hijacking the discourse as moderate voices are increasingly vilified and cast aside. It is critical that we all understand that we must never allow the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to drift into the abyss of the extremism and radicalism sweeping the region. Palestinians, Israelis and the international community have a duty to act responsibly, avoid escalating tensions, refrain from unilateral actions and work together to uphold peace. Today, however, unilateral actions are returning the parties to a high- stakes collision course.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: On the night of 8 February, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and its affiliates in the Sinai launched a series of rockets towards the Israeli coastal resort of Eilat. Thankfully, no one was injured or killed. I begin today's briefing by unequivocally condemning this act, as well as those who inspired, implemented and celebrated it. I recall this incident because it is a chilling reminder of the need for States to work together and stand firm against terror. The Middle East continues to be plagued by extremism, bloodshed and displacement, which feed intolerance, violence and religious radicalism far beyond the region. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sadly, is not immune to these sweeping regional threats.”
2017-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7885 (2017) · source
“Making the necessary compromises will never be easy. In recent weeks, the international community has expressed its continued commitment to the two- State solution, but resolutions and communique's alone will not achieve a just and lasting peace. What is required is action, first and foremost on the part of the parties themselves. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Israelis and Palestinians on the difficult road ahead.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic generally has been maintained, albeit in a highly volatile security environment. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to prevent tensions or their escalation, and to strictly abide by international law, particularly in respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries of the region. Both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. The full return of UNDOF to the area of separation remains a priority for the Mission. The long, bloody history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has offered us many lessons, some of which we have learned but too many that we have not. One lesson that we should all have learned by now is that opportunities to advance peace are rare and must be seized.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The visit paves the way for new engagement and support for Lebanon's stability and security. Both sides have described the meeting as successful and as opening a new page. The Government has outlined its priorities and vision for the country, reflecting its determination to tackle Lebanon's urgent challenges. These moves signal cautious optimism and the potential for consolidating Lebanese institutions. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Armed Forces successfully foiled an attack and arrested 11 members of a terrorist cell in Tripoli that was linked with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and the Al-Nusra Front. On the Golan, the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic has continued to affect significantly the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operation.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The United Nations is working to support such efforts. Against that backdrop, there have also been some positive developments. Israel has increased the entry of critical construction materials into Gaza in recent weeks, but donor funds for shelter remain critically low. The current $300-million reconstruction gap is far too large. Less than half of the $3.5 billion that were committed two and a half years ago at the Cairo Gaza pledging conference have been disbursed. Turning to Lebanon, the formation of a Government on 18 December 2016 was a positive development. It sustained the momentum of the appointment of Saad Hariri as Prime Minister on 3 November and the election of President Aoun on 31 October. The President visited Saudi Arabia in early January at the invitation of King Salman.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Russia's recent initiative in Moscow, which provided a forum for Palestinian factions to hold open discussions, is also a welcome effort in that direction. In Gaza, I remain greatly concerned by increasing tensions exacerbated by the continued closures and the protracted humanitarian and development situation. I am particularly concerned by Hamas' crackdown on recent peaceful protests after 2 million Palestinians were left with just a couple of hours of electricity per day in the middle of winter. The right to freedom of expression, peaceful protest and assembly in Gaza must be respected fully by all. While the immediate electricity crisis has been averted thanks to the generous and timely support of the State of Qatar, the responsible authorities must find a suitable, long-term solution to resolve the chronic electricity shortage.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Turning to internal Palestinian developments, the reported revocation in December of the parliamentary immunity of five Fatah-bloc members in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) renewed debate about the legality of the decision to lift parliamentary immunity in the absence of regular PLC meetings. Palestine has come a long way on its path towards building State institutions. Safeguarding their independence and checks and balances is vital to maintaining the public's trust. Much-needed preparations have begun on holding a regular session of the Palestinian National Council, which was last convened some two decades ago. I encourage all factions to seize this opportunity to achieve genuine reconciliation on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization principles.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“In particular, I note and appreciate the participants' welcoming of the Quartet recommendations. While these political developments were unfolding abroad, important events were taking place on the ground. After a relative lull, during the reporting period Israel conducted 24 demolitions, resulting in the displacement of 167 persons in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Yesterday the Israel Defense Forces fatally shot a 17-year-old Palestinian during clashes near Bethlehem. I reiterate that live fire should be used only as a last resort in situations of imminent threat of death or serious injury. Such incidents where use of force has resulted in death or injury must be properly investigated.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Such steps by both sides would have a powerful and positive impact on the prospects for peace. The Middle East Quartet has been calling for such steps - a call that the Security Council and the international community has now welcomed. In the aftermath of the vote, emotions on the ground have been heightened. Calls have been made for the annexation of parts of or the whole of Area C. Such divisive positions risk destroying the prospects for peace. All stakeholders must avoid any unilateral action that would prejudge a negotiated final status solution. Last weekend in Paris, France hosted over 70 countries and international organizations, not to impose conditions on Israelis and Palestinians but to reaffirm our collective support for the two-State solution and our readiness to support both parties in returning to meaningful negotiations.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It reiterated some of the key obstacles to achieving a negotiated two-State solution that were also identified in the July 2016 report of the Middle East Quartet, namely, the construction and expansion of illegal settlements; continued acts of violence and terrorism; and incitement. The international community has clearly said that both sides must do their part in creating the necessary conditions to launch final status direct negotiations. It has called on Israel to demonstrate its commitment to the two-State solution by ceasing settlement activities and by implementing policy shifts consistent with prior agreements. It has called on the Palestinian leadership to demonstrate its commitment to a peaceful two-State future by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism and taking significant steps to curb incitement.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“This vital work would have been impossible without the cooperation and support of both Israeli and Palestinian authorities and our counterparts. On behalf of the teams on the ground, I would like to thank the Security Council and all Member States for their invaluable and continuing support. In the Council, I have repeatedly warned that the failure of leaders on both sides to reverse the current negative trajectory will ensure that Israelis and Palestinians continue to live as prisoners of fear, trapped in a perpetual cycle of conflict. On 23 December, the Security Council adopted resolution 2334 (2016).”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Every quarter, the United Nations provides food assistance to 1 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank. Yet, we also plan for the future. The United Nations in Palestine implements programmes that will bring about sustainable solutions to the economic challenges facing Palestinian households. United Nations programmes have supported the Palestinian Government in the creation of approximately 14,000 businesses and 45,000 jobs for people who were previously reliant on humanitarian assistance. We help strengthen Palestinian institutions and prepare them for the future. The United Nations facilitates emergency preparedness and regional disaster-risk cooperation between Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian emergency authorities. The services that we provide to Palestinians touch thousands oflives across the West Bank and Gaza.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Most importantly, we all have a responsibility to prevent the conflict from being engulfed in the nexus of violent extremism and religious turmoil that is sweeping across the Middle East. In this first briefing to the Security Council in 2017, I would like to begin by honouring the critical efforts of the United Nations country team on the ground. The United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, which work in a challenging security and political environment, deserve our full support and recognition. Every day, the United Nations provides free basic education to over 300,000 students in 350 schools and family health services to almost 1.7 million people in 64 health centres. Every month, we deliver an average of 780,000 litres of fuel to sustain health, water and sanitation, and municipal services.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I report to the Security Council today in the aftermath of the appalling truck-ramming attack on 8 January that killed four Israelis and injured 17 others in Jerusalem. Such attacks can never be justified and must be universally condemned. This act of cowardice was neither courageous nor heroic. Such terrorist attacks must be unequivocally condemned by all. It is regrettable that some Palestinian factions and leaders have chosen to praise the attack, to glorify it or simply to ignore it. Despite the relative tranquility of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict compared to developments in the region, the spectre of Violence is always near. Leaders on all sides have a responsibility to reduce tensions and provide a political horizon to their people.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in peace; we must spare no effort in helping them reach that goal. As ever, the United Nations remains committed to advancing that objective.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“They need the international community to restate its consensus that the two-State solution is the only outcome that legitimately meets the national aspirations of both peoples, and to speak clearly against the obstacles to peace: settlements, the taking of land, violence and incitement. They need to hear from us that development cannot be a substitute for statehood and that democracy, human rights and the rule of law must be respected. They need courageous Israeli and Palestinian leaders who together can chart a clear strategy to peace and security. I urge all those who are committed to ending the conflict, including the Council, to consider carefully what it will take to advance the prospects for peace, and to begin, in consultation with the parties, to develop an agreed path forward. Time is running out.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“As the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, as Gaza's chronic challenges show little sustainable progress, and as the voices of extremism on all sides intensify their efforts to destroy any remaining hope for the two-State solution, I would like to conclude with a call to both parties and all stakeholders to stand up to those promoting a hate-driven agenda that threatens to prolong this conflict. A carefully worded statement or a well-crafted speech will not reverse the current trajectory. What people long for is concrete action. They need to see a plan to rebuild trust and create the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations by focusing on positive changes on the ground and an engagement with the region.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“On the Golan, I remain concerned by the current precarious situation, which undermines the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and clearly jeopardizes the ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. I urge both parties to maintain liaison with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and to refrain from any action that could escalate the situation across the ceasefire line and the already volatile regional environment.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“Since the Council was last briefed, on 10 November, there have been further signs of the country overcoming its political crisis. Following the election of President Aoun, progress has been made towards the formation of a Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. It is hoped that this positive momentum will translate into a full reactivation of institutions, including parliamentary elections by May 2017. The situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations remains unchanged, mostly quiet with some violations by both sides. The UNIFIL investigation into a firing incident across the Blue Line on 26 October near Kafer Kela is ongoing. In a tripartite meeting, Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed their commitments to calm and stability along the Blue Line.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“In October, at least 50 per cent of permit applications to exit Gaza were denied for national staff of international aid agencies alone, in sharp contrast to the average of less than 5 per cent of denials in 2015. That has significant impacts on the ability ofthe United Nations and the humanitarian community to deliver and monitor ongoing programmes. While acknowledging Israel's security concerns, I urge it to address this pressing issue without delay. I also welcome recent Egyptian efforts to relieve the suffering of the people in Gaza. The opening of the Rafah Border Crossing for lOcdays this month enabled thousands of people, including students and those seeking urgent medical attention, to cross into Egypt, and over 2,000 Palestinians to return back home to the Gaza strip. I now turn briefly to Lebanon.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“As I briefed the Security Council last month (see S/PV.7792), the amount of construction materials entering Gaza is woefully inadequate to meet the vast reconstruction needs. Due to limitations by Israel on imports of materials and approvals of construction projects, the volume of such building materials - primarily cement - has now fallen well behind demand. This creates tensions among approved beneficiaries over the limited availability in the market. At today's import rates, it would take at least seven months to clear the current backlog of 33,000 households in Gaza that have been approved to purchase cement to repair or reconstruct their housees. Thousands of households have been waiting for months to access the material they need, and economic activity in the Gaza strip is slowing ominously.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“I once again urge Israel to adhere to the repeated calls to cease illegal settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In recent weeks, Israel has also conducted over 80 demolitions of Palestinian structures in Area C and East Jerusalem, for a lack of building permits that are next to impossible to obtain. In this latest round 122 people have been displaced. This year to date, over 1,020 structures have been demolished, which is nearly twice last year's total. Let me now turn to Gaza, where I continue to be deeply concerned by the continuing militant buildup, smuggling and increased restrictions on the movement of people and goods in and out of the Strip.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“I urge all to conduct the proceedings in a fully transparent and representational manner that encourages moderate voices and respects opposing views. Recent developments in Israel are increasingly worrying. Last week, despite strong opposition, the so-called legalization bill passed a preliminary vote in the Knesset. If adopted, the bill would enable the expansion of illegal settlements and outposts on private Palestinian land. If ratified, it would constitute a breach of international law and, according to Israel's own Attorney General, would also be unconstitutional. Today, the local planning committee in Jerusalem decided to advance plans for 500 new housing units in the existing settlement of Ramat Shlomo, further encroaching into the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Beit Hanina.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“Only significant policy shifts by Israel and actions by the Palestinians to strengthen their institutions and the rule of law can sustainably reverse this cause. In its July report (see S/2016/595), the Middle East Quartet underscored the need for Palestinian unity: a single, democratic and legitimate Government that unites Gaza and the West Bank. That remains critical for the fulfilment of Palestinian national aspirations. Sadly, that unity continues to remain an elusive goal. On 29 November, Fatah is scheduled to hold its seventh party conference. That should be used as an opportunity for promoting unity, for strengthening the mainstream centre of Palestinian politics and paving the way for elections.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“While Israel has made important positive gestures, including retroactively legalizing two Palestinian schools and advancing a community outline plan for a Palestinian village in Area C near Jenin, such steps are only the beginning. They need to be expanded and encouraged. I welcome the important discussions being held between the parties on critical issues, such as water and electricity, that build on agreements from the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in September here in New York. While progress is being made, it remains slow. It is critical that these discussions become operational realities in order to meet the dire needs of the West Bank and Gaza. It is in no one's interest to allow the Palestinian economy and stability to crumble.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“The situation in the camps, however, is only part of the story. If current socioeconomic trends continue, the potential for serious deterioration of the situation in the West Bank will grow. The Palestinian Authority faces fiscal difficulties, as international assistance this year is down by some 30 per cent. The Palestinian Authority is dependent upon Israel for clearance revenues, and on the international community for financial support. Economic development in the West Bank remains constrained by Israeli restrictions on access to the most fertile lands, water and mineral resources in Area C, which constitutes approximately 60 per cent of the West Bank.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source
“Left without hope and mired in poverty, Palestine's most traumatized - its refugees - have seen their needs outpace the resources available to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Generations of residents have been educated by UNRWA and thousands have gained employment and a sense of security through its various activities. The most destitute have benefitted from its relief programme. I appeal to the international community to support UNRWA so that it can carry out its activities effectively and predictably. I welcome the generous commitments made by the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, in addition to Canada's resumption of support for UNRWA. That support is indispensable to maintaining the lives of Palestine refugees and to the stability of the region.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7820 (2016) · source