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

“Gaza's hardships seem to have no limits. Palestinians in Gaza are growing ever more desperate as they see their prospects for living normal lives and recovering their economy blocked by Hamas's military build-up, by Israel's security measures and closures, by the lack of Palestinian unity and the insufficient fulfilment of aid pledges by donors. Recent events clearly demonstrate that the spectre of violence looms ominously over the territory. Unless radically more is done to address the chronic realities in Gaza, it is not a question of if, but rather of when, another escalation will take place. I once again encourage donors to fulfil their commitments to support Gaza's reconstruction, recovery and development.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“Individuals or groups seeking to benefit from the deviation of construction materials - for corruption, for building tunnels or other reasons - must understand that they selfishly compound the suffering of their own people and sow the seeds of further violence. Reconstruction is a lifeline for the people of Gaza. However, Gaza's chronic energy and water crisis needs to be tackled without delay. Today, residents receive at most 8 to 12 hours of electricity. On 6 May the crisis turned to tragedy, as three children from the Al-Hindi family burned to death when their house in Gaza City caught fire from a candle lit during a power cut. It is deeply regrettable that some political factions have sought to use the tragedy to trade accusations and score points, instead of uniting to address the energy crisis.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“We have a responsibility to assist them in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods and, ultimately, to see Gaza and the West Bank reunited and the closures lifted. In early April, Israel suspended the private import of cement following the diversion of a substantial amount from its intended legitimate beneficiaries. After 45 days and intensive efforts by the United Nations team on the ground, that suspension has been lifted. I highly appreciate the constructive work by all authorities to successfully address the situation. A11 sides need to ensure that cement is used for civilian purposes only.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“While the pace has somewhat slowed as compared to the past month, the number of structures that have been demolished across the West Bank in 2016 exceeds the total for all of 2015. At least 900 people have been displaced. Although many of the structures that have been demolished are not dwellings, the loss of water wells, solar panels and animal shelters has impacted the livelihoods of more than 2,500 people. Allow me to turn now to Gaza, where the situation continues to be desperate and highly volatile. We in the international community have a responsibility not to fail the Palestinians in Gaza. We have a responsibility to help them recover from the physical and emotional traumas of war.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“I urge both sides to continue to work to bridge existing gaps. It is important to strengthen the capacity, capability and authority of the Palestinian security forces in the areas under their responsibility. Continued security coordination between both sides has played, and continues to play, a key part in reducing violence. In that context, I welcome the announcement by Israeli authorities to facilitate access through a number of West Bank checkpoints. I encourage them to make further efforts to ease movement between communities within the West Bank, including to East Jerusalem. I take this opportunity to note the continuation of demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“Against that backdrop, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) met in Brussels on 19 April and expressed concern over the damaging consequences of the current political impasse, the importance of preserving the two-State solution and the sharp decline in donor aid to the Palestinian Authority. I am encouraged that both sides agreed to work with donors during the next two years to build a more sustainable Palestinian economy by reducing the budget deficit and stimulating long-term economic growth. As Palestinians face mounting financial and institutional challenges, negative developments continue in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials on security arrangements for Area A have all but reached an impasse.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“In the violent exchanges that followed, militants fired 40 mortars and 8 rockets at Israel, and the Israeli Defence Forces conducted 13 air strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip. Tragically, a Palestinian woman was killed by shrapnel and several others were wounded. Those incidents of recent weeks underscore the fragility of the security dynamics on the ground, particularly the threat to the ceasefire in Gaza, which needs to be vigorously upheld by all sides if we are to avoid slipping into another devastating conflict.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“Days later, on 27 April, a pregnant, 23-year-old Palestinian mother and her 16-year-old brother were tragically shot and killed under questionable circumstances at a checkpoint close to Jerusalem, reportedly by Israeli private security contractors, after allegedly attempting to carry out a knife attack against security forces. However, Palestinian eyewitnesses refute that claim, and the case has once again raised concerns about the need to calibrate the use of force. I note that Israeli authorities have initiated an investigation, and I encourage them to conduct it in a swift and transparent manner. The beginning of May saw the biggest escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas since the 2014 conflict. Two tunnels were discovered, and Israel carried out 14 incursions into Gaza in order to destroy them and seek out others.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“All those efforts, as important as they are, cannot be divorced from the stark reality on the ground that is affecting the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike. Despite the general downward trend in violence, on 18 April a Hamas-affiliated Palestinian teenager detonated a bomb on a bus in Jerusalem, injuring 21 people, several of them seriously. I welcome President Abbas' firm rejection of that brutal attack. It is deplorable, however, that some Palestinian factions chose instead to praise it. The United Nations is firmly convinced that there can never be, under any circumstances, justification for terror.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Over the past decades, a broad consensus has been built around the understanding that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can only be resolved through negotiations and on the basis of a two-State solution. That consensus is at the core of the work of the Middle East Quartet, which continues to work with the parties and the region to bring about the necessary conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations. The Quartet is also finalizing its first report on the impediments to the two-State solution and the way forward. In a matter of days, a number of countries and the Secretary-General will come together in Paris to reaffirm their commitment to a negotiated two-State solution and to discuss how they can constructively support both parties in achieving that goal.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7697 (2016) · source
“It requires moving beyond unilateral actions and ending the policy of eternal management of the shifting status quo, and a commitment to improving the dynamics on the ground with the genuine aim of reaching a negotiated two- State solution, which still remains the stated goal of both sides. The obstacles are certainly many, but none of them are insurmountable. People often say that the lack of trust between the parties precludes any advance towards peace. Re-establishing that trust and laying the foundations for a peaceful resolution must of course remain our collective focus, but change unquestionably requires the political will of the parties. Without it, Palestinians and Israelis will continue to face an uncertain and dangerous future as the violent and unpredictable tectonics of the Middle East continue to shift around them.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomed the Council's subsequent press statement reaffirming its united support for Lebanon's stability and State institutions. The Secretary-General is currently on a two-day visit to Lebanon together with the President of the World Bank. The visit in itself illustrates the strong commitment of the United Nations and the international community to helping Lebanon address the multiple challenges it faces as a result of the Syrian crisis. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that there can be no peace without hope. But fostering hope requires courageous leadership that is willing to articulate a clear political horizon.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“I call on all the Palestinian factions in Gaza to uphold the current ceasefire, which is vital to the Strip's recovery. The Reconstruction Mechanism continues to enable the purchase of materials for rebuilding and doing critical repairs to homes in Gaza that were damaged or destroyed in 2014. Unfortunately, the reconstruction of homes that were completely destroyed continues to be painfully slow, largely due to the slow disbursement of donor pledges. I strongly encourage all Member States that have not done so to make their disbursements without delay. Failure to comprehensively address the chronic problems affecting Gaza risks another escalation in the future. To touch on Lebanon, on 16 March the Security Council was briefed by Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“I also note that, on 10 March, a Fatah member of the Palestine Legislative Committee ended her 18-day sit-in at the Parliament building after the Attorney General cancelled an arrest order against her that had been issued after she had raised allegations of corruption. Such allegations must be duly investigated. Turning to Gaza, the security situation remains volatile, as a number of factors continue to produce a highly combustible environment. Despite a relative pause over the past month, the past weeks saw five rockets fired from Gaza to Israel. In response, on 12 March, Israel conducted four air strikes, in which two Palestinian children, Israa and Yassin Abu Khusa, were tragically killed. Such incidents point to the fragile nature of the current ceasefire.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“Sadly, we are nowhere near that goal, since recent discussions between Palestinian factions in Qatar have yet to yield any agreement. I strongly encourage the factions not to squander this important opportunity to reach a consensus that can enable the advancement of long- term Palestinian national goals as well as near-term fiscal and development goals for the Palestinian people. I take this opportunity to welcome the suspension, on 12 March, of the month-long Palestinian teachers' strike, following President Abbas's commitment to fully implementing a 2013 trade union deal that gives them a 10 per cent salary increase.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“As Palestinians are consistently denied permits to build legally, residents in the affected areas are left with few options but to build without permits, leaving them in constant fear of their homes and livelihoods being destroyed. I urge Israel to respect international humanitarian law and cease such unfair and unjust planning processes in the West Bank. Allow me to turn briefly to political developments on the Palestinian front. Achieving genuine Palestinian unity on the basis of non-violence, democracy and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) principles would constitute a crucial building block for the foundation of a Palestinian State. The formation of a national unity Government that abides by the PLO programme and the holding of long-overdue elections are important elements of that process.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“Any such declaration, particularly ofa large scale, raises justified concerns over further settlement expansion. Settlements are illegal under international law, and I urge Israel to halt and reverse such decisions. The demolition and confiscation of Palestinian structures across the West Bank has also surged in 2016, with 468 houses and other structures demolished since the beginning of the year. On 23 March, Israeli authorities demolished 53 structures in Khirbet Tana, including 22 homes, the third demolition this year in that community because Israel has declared the area a firing zone. The total number of structures demolished or confiscated in the first 12 weeks of 2016 has now reached 85 per cent of the total number demolished or confiscated for all of 2015.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“In a particularly troubling development, on 10 March, Israel classified 580 acres south of the city of Jericho, in the West Bank, as so called State land. The area includes the reported approval of 378 acres, which was widely condemned in January. That is evidence of an ongoing Israeli policy of systematic consolidation of its control of the occupied West Bank in direct contravention of international law. Since the early 19805, Israeli authorities in the West Bank have adopted - based on a controversial interpretation of the Ottoman Land Code - a policy of declaring land that is not otherwise registered as private as State land. That has resulted in the State seizing control over certain areas where Palestinians claim ownership and has proved to be a precursor for settlement construction.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“The Quartet envoys have started their work on a report that will review the situation on the ground, identify the dangers facing a two-State solution and provide recommendations on the way forward. We remain seriously concerned that current trends - including continued acts of violence against civilians, incitement, ongoing settlement activity and the high rate of demolitions of Palestinian structures - are dangerously imperilling the viability of a two-State solution. And yet while the international community explores avenues for constructive engagement, there are trends that raise questions about the commitment of the parties to seriously address the main challenges blocking progress towards peace.Israel's settlement enterprise continues, despite broad international condemnation.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“The time has come however to sound the alarm that the two-State solution is slipping from our fingers and that it is disappearing as the realities on the ground - driven by ongoing settlement activities and confiscation of Palestinian land, as well as the ongoing lack of genuine Palestinian unity - make the prospect of a viable and independent Palestinian State less possible and less likely. The time has come for us to speak clearly with regard to the risks that undermine the two-State solution, but also point to the way to a return to meaningful negotiations. That is why the Secretary-General, the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States of America, all of whom are members of the Middle East Quartet, have stepped up their efforts to break the political impasse.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“But let us also be abundantly clear that the current security challenges cannot be addressed if we lose sight of the fundamental problems that have led us here, namely, the persistent inability to achieve ajust and lasting solution that meets the national aspirations of the Palestinians and Israelis and allows them to live in two States, side-by-side and in peace, security and mutual recognition. That is why today we must once again play an important role by saying that the prospect of a two-State solution is not dead and that it remains the best pathway for peace.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“First and foremost, that means both sides actively taking steps that demonstrate their commitment to, and create the conditions for, an eventual return to negotiations to achieve a viable Palestinian State and ensure Israel's long-term security. We in the international community must also be clear both in our understanding of the conflict and our role in how to help resolve it. Our immediate priority must be ending the violence that is tearing Israelis and Palestinians apart when both face the rise of radicals among their own constituents. We only need to look at the rest of the region to see the dangers of religious extremism, sectarianism and terrorism.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“By the same token, we must also be very clear, and Israel should understand that building more walls and increasing administrative detentions, punitive demolitions and movement restrictions are all actions that breed anger among people who feel that they are being collectively humiliated, punished and discriminated against. Heavy-handed responses play into the hands of extremists, undermine moderate voices and further deepen the gulf between the two sides. Six months after the initial upsurge of violence, it remains blatantly clear that security measures alone will not contain the forces that are perpetuating the violence. Israelis and Palestinians must at long last face the stark realities that continue to drive the violence and hold the two- State solution hostage.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“Six months into this latest round of violence, which has killed 30 Israelis and 198 Palestinians, with most of the Palestinians killed while reportedly carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, it is time that the international community move beyond mere condemnations of such acts of terror and violence. It is time to send a clear message to both parties. To the Palestinian people we need to say clearly: stabbing someone in the street will not bring about a Palestinian State, and neither will praising and glorifying violence in the media. Those radicals determined to poison the minds of Palestinian youth must recognize their central role in the slow evisceration of the dream of Palestinian statehood.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: The past month has been marked by some of the bloodiest incidents in the current wave of violence throughout Israel and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. On 8 March, a 28-year-old American graduate student, Taylor Force, was killed in Jaffa during a vicious stabbing spree by a Palestinian that left a dozen Israelis and several tourists wounded. Less than an hour before that, two Israeli police officers were seriously wounded in a shooting attack near Jerusalem's Old City, while at almost the same time an Israeli man was stabbed in an attack outside Tel Aviv. Thankfully he survived. Israeli security forces killed the Palestinian perpetrators in the first two incidents, while in the third the attacker was reportedly killed by his own knife in a struggle with his intended victim.”
2016-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7657 (2016) · source
“The conflict has now arrived at a pivotal point. Israelis and Palestinians must now actively shape their future, with the dedicated support of the international community, before the opponents of peace decide their fate for them.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace, however, have continued on an almost daily basis. Turning briefly to the Golan, the situation in the vicinity of the ceasefire line continues to be of concern as fighting between the Syrian armed forces and armed groups, and between different armed groups themselves, continues. These developments have the potential to escalate the situation in an already tense regional environment. In closing, let me return to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and appeal to the leaders ofboth peoples and all international stakeholders. There are clear avenues out of the current political morass, but they require unity of effort and bold, creative and courageous work on the part of many. Despite the work that has been done, the cold reality for the Israeli and Palestinian people is that all have failed them.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“However, I remain deeply concerned that the presidential vacancy impairs Lebanon's ability to address the many challenges facing the country. On behalf of the Secretary-General, I call on members of the Lebanese Parliament to convene urgently and elect a President. The recent Syria donors conference in London yielded important commitments of international support to reinforce Lebanon's stability in the face of the refugee crisis. The United Nations will continue to work closely with Lebanon to monitor and implement commitments on the basis of the Government's statement of intent. With respect to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, at the first tripartite meeting since the 20 December and 4 January incidents, Israel and Lebanon concurred on the need to maintain calm and stability and to ensure security along the Blue Line.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“It was encouraging to see the visible positive changes and new construction as life is reborn out of the rubble, but I am all too well aware that work is yet to start on the homes of some 74 per cent of families displaced in 2014. Rebuilding these houses, however, will not be enough. We must secure peace and focus on building Gaza for the future. This means providing clean water and sufficient energy, creating jobs and a sustainable economy, restoring free movement for people and goods and, above all, ensuring integration between the West Bank and Gaza under a single democratic and legitimate Palestinian Authority. Turning to Lebanon, in a positive sign the Cabinet of Prime Minister Salam resumed sessions on 28 January and 2 February and approved several decrees.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“The collapse of another fourtunnels-bringing the total to date this year to five - and the continued test-firing and launching of rockets at Israel indicate that Hamas continues to directly threaten the security of Israel. Such actions risk not only people's lives but also the fragile reconstruction process in the devastated Strip. The population of Gaza is squeezed from all sides. With little prospect of seeing public sector salaries paid, increased informal taxation and a strangled economy, tensions are rising. I have just returned from Gaza, where I Visited the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood that had been devastated during the conflict in 2014.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“I welcome the recent unity talks in Qatar and urge all sides to continue their discussions and implement previous agreements, particularly those brokered by Egypt. The formation of a national unity Government and long-overdue elections are vital to laying the foundations of a future Palestinian State. The issue of incitement runs to the heart of the current climate of tension and fear. It is essential that authorities on both sides do more to address this scourge. I am particularly concerned that some Palestinian factions continue to glorify Violence and terror. Such acts only contribute to tensions and violence. Governance reforms must also remain a central commitment of the Palestinian Authority. Volatility persists in Gaza amid a tenuous security situation.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Separately, we also remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of Mohammed Al-Qiq, the Palestinian journalist who has been on hunger strike for over 85 days to protest against his administrative detention. I take this opportunity to once again join the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights in calling for all persons subject to administrative detention to be either charged or released immediately. The challenge of getting back to an environment conducive to peace also falls heavily on the shoulders of the Palestinians. Advancing genuine reconciliation on the basis of non-violence, democracy and the Palestine Liberation Organization principles is a key priority.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Several moves since the beginning of the year - such as the classification of new "State land" in the Jordan Valley and the approval of several plans in settlements - also appear to point towards an increase in settlement activities. During the past few weeks alone, Israeli authorities in Area C and East Jerusalem have demolished 201 Palestinian-owned structures, including 79 that were donor-funded. As a result, 320 people were displaced. Since the beginning of 2016, Israel has demolished on average 29 Palestinian-owned structures per week, which is three times the weekly average for 2015. These actions run directly counter to the idea of peace.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Ultimately, the report should also help build international consensus on the way ahead. Collective international efforts to help establish a political horizon will all be for naught absent genuine Israeli and Palestinian motivation to address the chronic realities endangering the two-State solution. From the outset, significant policy shifts by Israel, including increasing Palestinian investment and economic activity in Area C, are required to strengthen Palestinian institutions, economy and security prospects. Israel's settlement enterprise continues to be an impediment to peace. While 2015 may have seen a slower overall pace of settlement planning and construction, the reality is that Israel continues to push forward with consolidation of its control of the West Bank.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“We have voiced our common concern that the current trends on the ground - including continued acts of violence against civilians, ongoing settlement activity, and the high rate of demolitions of Palestinian structures - are dangerously imperiling the viability ofa two-State solution. The commitment of the Middle East Quartet to remaining engaged with the parties and to working with key international stakeholders, the region and the Security Council is unequivocal. This is why, at their latest meeting in Munich, the principals agreed that the Quartet should prepare a report on the status quo, including recommendations on the way forward. The report should focus on the dangers of continuing on the current trajectory, identify the impediments to the two- State solution on all sides, and point the way towards restoring a political horizon.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Quartet envoys have travelled to the region to meet with Palestinian and Israeli leaders. We have consulted with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and, most recently, Norway. Since September of last year, the Quartet principals have met three times. We have sought how not only to preserve the two- State solution, but to create the conditions that would allow the parties to return to meaningful negotiations on resolving the final status issues and ending the occupation that began in 1967. This includes steps on the groundconsistentwithprior agreements thatbothparties can take to strengthen Palestinian institutions, security and economic prospects, while upholding security for Israelis.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“It must be addressed at the political level, with leaders showing a political horizon to their people and standing up to incitement and the radicals among their own constituents. Only genuine progress towards a just peace that allows the people of Israel and the people of Palestine to live side by side in safe and secure borders will end the bloodshed and counter the rise of extremism. Against the backdrop of radicalisation, terror, sectarian violence, war and tectonic geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, peace and security for Palestine and Israel is imperative now more than ever. Over the past year, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the Secretary-General, as part of the Middle East Quartet, have engaged actively in seeking a way forward out of the deadlock.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“In a worrying advancement in weaponry and tactics, the three assailants, all of whom were killed, carried semi-automatic weapons, pipe bombs and knives. Just a couple of hours before this meeting, in a supermarket in the West Bank, two Israelis were stabbed, one of whom later succumbed to his wounds. The two 14-year -old Palestinian attackers were shot by an armed civilian. Our thoughts go out to the families of these latest victims. As tensions persist, Israelis continue to grapple with the fear of terrorism just as Palestinians continue to be killed and injured in clashes across the West Bank. Once again, the United Nations strongly condemns all acts of terror and violence. This spiral of violence, which has to date taken at least 137 Palestinian and 19 Israeli lives, cannot be reversed by security means alone.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I regret to inform the Security Council that the violence that has been erupting in Israel and Palestine since October of last year shows no sign of relenting. Some recent incidents may point to a troubling new phase in the conflict. On 31 January, a Palestinian security officer traveling in an official vehicle opened fire at a checkpoint near Ramallah and injured three Israeli soldiers. This was one of three incidents to date involving a member of the Palestinian security forces. Although he was acting independently, such incidents can be potentially harmful to the relationship between both security forces. On 3 February, a complex attack took place at Damascus Gate that resulted in the death of an Israeli border policewoman.”
2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7627 (2016) · source
“We owe it to the people of that troubled land who, despite endless setbacks and disappointments, have continued to maintain hope that negotiated peace can be realized. I can assure members of the Council that the Secretary- General remains steadfast in his support of any effort to restore the hope that a two-State solution can be achieved through negotiations. But the long road ahead will require leadership - leadership that has been glaringly absent to date.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“On 13 October, the Israel Defence Forces notified the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) that they had retaliated to spill-over fire from the Bravo side by firing three missiles at Syrian armed forces positions in the area of limitation. UNDOF did not observe the alleged firing from the Bravo side. These events have the potential to escalate tensions between Israel and Syria, jeopardizing the ceasefire between the two countries. In these challenging circumstances, however, UNDOF continues to use its best efforts to carry out its mandate. In closing, let me say that I refuse to be convinced that Israelis and Palestinians want to live by the sword and in a state of perpetual violence.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“It is important that key international and regional players follow through on their commitments by actively insisting that their Syrian allies engage constructively in all ofthese areas. This is vital in order to give political backing, leverage and credibility to our efforts. Turning to the Golan, the situation remains volatile, with clashes between Syrian Government forces and armed groups, shelling and occasional air strikes continuing in the areas of separation and limitation, in particular in Ufaniyah, Jabbata al-Khashab and Al-Baath in the central part of the area of separation. In the context of these clashes, fire from the Bravo side has impacted across the ceasefire line.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“Meanwhile, we continue to look to the Security Council for any additional guidance on developing a new peace architecture for resolving the conflict. Turning to the wider region, the Council was briefed yesterday on developments in Lebanon, including in Beirut. I will therefore not add anything on that issue. Let me say, however, that the Syrian conflict for its part continues to take a devastating toll on the Syrian people and beyond, and poses an ever graver threat to international peace and security. For all of these reasons, the Secretary-General is greatly encouraged that in Vienna the international community has finallyre-engaged in searching for a political settlement to the Syrian conflict based on the transition elements of the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex).”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“Trust must be rebuilt and, to that end, bold and significant steps on the ground must be taken in order to tangibly improve lives and irreversibly move towards the end of the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian State. In the period before an eventual return to negotiations, the parties and their international partners must pursue measures that strengthen their institutions, economic prospects and security. This will require substantial policy changes on the ground by Israel. The Middle East Quartet remains the principal international entity to support and encourage negotiations towards a comprehensive and just resolution of the conflict. The Quartet envoys plan to travel to the region in the coming period to engage directly with the parties.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“In October, a new stream was introduced to simplify access to construction materials to finish housing units that had been started but not completed prior to last year's conflict. Under this stream, over 6,000 applicants have so far been introduced into the system. In a welcome development, in mid-October Israel removed aggregate from the list of dual-use materials. The good news, however, has been tempered by the addition of other items, including timber, to the list this year. These additions hinder Gaza's reconstruction, and I call on the Israeli authorities to reconsider their decisions. Based on developments on the ground, the current conditions make a return to negotiations a challenging prospect.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“Palestinian militants also test fired 14 rockets at the sea. The Israel Defense Forces responded with six air strikes and three limited incursions into the Gaza Strip. On at least four occasions, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians at sea, resulting in injuries to at least two persons. In a worrying development, Israel intercepted the attempted illegal transfer of 450 litres of toluene diisocyanate, a hazardous substance that can be used for the production of a large quantity of rockets. I call on all factions on the ground in Gaza not to engage in activities that risk destabilizing the situation and undermining the reconstruction process, particularly as the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism continues to function effectively.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“They also deepen mistrust between the parties and further aggravate an already highly tense environment. In a troubling development, Israeli forces have carried out several raids on hospitals, including at Al-Makassed hospital in East Jerusalem and at Al-Ahli hospital in Hebron. My Deputy and United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory has called on the authorities to respect health- care facilities and the right of all individuals to receive health care. During the reporting period, the security situation in Gaza was relatively calm compared to the West Bank, despite three fatalities as a result of clashes near the border fence. That having been said, however, seven rockets were fired toward Israel, three of which impacted Israeli territory, without causing fatalities.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“Finally, the use of firearms by Israeli security forces should be employed only when less extreme means are insufficient to address an imminent threat of death or serious injury. It is critical to also deal with the threats that kill the prospect of a two-State solution. The reality in which a settler State is emerging in the occupied West Bank must be reversed if hope is to be reignited. I am concerned by the decision announced on 18 November to issue tenders for 436 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Ramat Shlomo - the first such tender announcement in over a year. Equally worrisome are the five punitive demolitions of the family houses of alleged perpetrators of terrorist acts, carried out by Israel over the past week. I reiterate that settlement activity and punitive demolitions are illegal under international law.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“These include immediate efforts by all political, religious and community leaders to stop the hate-fuelled incitement that glorifies the murder of Jews or that brands all Palestinians as terrorists. Recent understandings on upholding the status quo at Haram- Al Sharif/Temple Mount must also be implemented. It is necessary to address the apparent impunity for settler violence against Palestinians. The sanctity of burial rituals must be recognized, and Palestinians should be allowed to bury their deceased without unnecessary delay. In Hebron, restrictions should be eased and the main commercial artery should be reopened, in accordance with the 1994 protocols. Steps to bolster security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority must be strengthened in order to prevent any further deterioration of the situation.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source
“Over the past decade, hundreds of shops located in the Israeli-controlled H2 area have been shut down either by military order or due to lack of business. I plan to return soon to Hebron with the United Nations country team to discuss with the Governor and the Mayor what programmes we can initiate to support the recovery of the area and promote community dialogue. Ending the violence and de-escalating the overall situation in Jerusalem, Hebron and other areas must remain our immediate priority. But as the Secretary- General has consistently stated, this cannot be achieved through security measures alone. All parties must play a part in implementing measures that could have a positive impact.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7562 (2015) · source