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

“Meanwhile, the international community has continued its efforts to address the dreadful situation in Gaza. The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians met in Brussels on 30 April and reiterated its support for the implementation of a package of urgent humanitarian and economic interventions in Gaza through the United Nations. Between October 2018 and April 2019, approximately $112 million was mobilized, enabling a significant increase in electricity supply through the Gaza power plant, the creation of thousands of temporary jobs in Gaza and the delivery of essential medical supplies and other support for the struggling health sector. Fuel deliveries for the power plant have been extended.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“I also want to reiterate the call by the Secretary- General, who condemned in the strongest terms the launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, particularly the targeting of civilian population centres, and also call on Israel to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from using lethal force against protesters, except as a last resort. Turning briefly to the humanitarian situation, Deputy Special Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick has warned that health providers in Gaza are struggling to treat the high numbers of injuries sustained during the weekly demonstrations. Many of the wounded require complex surgeries not currently available there. Yet access to treatment outside of Gaza continues to be challenging, as the lack of consistency in the approval process is having very serious and negative implications on people.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Sustained calm is also critical to supporting Egyptian- led efforts to advance intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which should enable the return of a unified, legitimate Palestinian Government to the Gaza Strip. I take this opportunity to welcome Israel's decision to lift the ban on accessing the Gazan fishing zone and expand it to 15 negotiationsautical miles in some places, reopen the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings as normal on 12 May and other steps taken in the past few days. I also welcome the renewed commitment by the Palestinian Government in Ramallah to engage constructively on addressing the situation in Gaza.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Sniper fire from Gaza has been a constant threat that, on at least four occasions over the past year, has pushed both sides closer to confrontation. This latest incident followed a pattern that has been well established - the closer we get to consolidating an understanding that would relieve the pressure on people in Gaza and reduce the risk of rocket fire towards Israel, an incident like the last one occurs and undermines our careful and painstaking efforts. Despite that, the United Nations and Egyptian teams will continue to work intensely with all sides to use this window of opportunity to provide assistance to the people of Gaza and further reduce the risk of conflict.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Four Israeli civilians were killed and over 200 were injured, according to the IDF. During the same period, the Israel Defense Forces reported that it had hit over 300 Palestinian militant targets in Gaza, including a senior Hamas official, who was targeted and killed by an air strike. According to sources in Gaza, 25 Palestinians were killed and over 150 were injured. After intense efforts by the United Nations and Egypt, a cessation of hostilities was established as of early morning on 6 May, ending the escalation. I take this opportunity to once again urge all sides to use this period to reduce tensions, solidify the fragile calm and commit to implementing the understandings established in the past few months.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Incendiary balloons were launched, and stones and pipe bombs were thrown at Israeli soldiers, who responded with live fire, rubber bullets and tear gas, killing two Palestinians and injuring 49. Later that day, a sniper, reportedly from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, fired across the fence, injuring two Israeli soldiers. In response to the sniper attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched several tank shells, while the air force targeted military sites in Gaza, killing two Palestinian militants and injuring two civilians. That was the beginning of the most serious escalation since 2014. Over the course of the following 48 hours, 650 rockets were fired from Gaza. While approximately 240 projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome system; several houses, two kindergartens, a school and a hospital in Israel were directly hit.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Just a few short weeks ago we teetered on the precipice of another devastating conflict, as we witnessed the most intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza since 2014. The United Nations worked intensively with Egypt and all sides to calm the situation, but Israeli and Palestinian lives were tragically lost. My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of all those who were killed, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. While the situation has now stabilized, it remains very tense. One thing is clear: these dangerous cycles of escalation and de-escalation are not sustainable in future. Thousands of Palestinians participated on 3 May in the weekly demonstrations at the Gaza perimeter fence.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“There is no viable alternative to the two-State solution. Given the interconnected nature of conflicts throughout the region and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict's potential to fuel extremist narratives, creating the conditions for the parties to return to meaningful negotiations remains critical. What is needed first and foremost, however, is the necessary leadership and political will to take concrete steps in support of ending the occupation and realizing a lasting peace. Until that can be found, another generation of Israelis and Palestinians is destined to spend their lives searching in vain for an elusive peace.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“The lack of resolution ofthe Palestinian Authority's funding crisis threatens to further destabilize an already volatile situation. Both parties should continue to implement their bilateral agreements and avoid taking unilateral actions that undermine the two- State solution. The situation in the Old City of Jerusalem also remains a serious concern. I urge all parties to work towards de-escalating of tensions. I encourage Israel and Jordan to work together to uphold the status quo at the Holy Sites, noting the special and historic role of the Hashemite Kingdom as custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Lastly, I remain deeply concerned by the lack of progress towards the realization ofa two-State solution, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, long- standing international parameters and prior agreements.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“The long-suffering people of Gaza have a right to protest without fear of reprisal, and I call on all Member States tojoin the United Nations in condemning such actions. As I have repeatedly emphasized, the situation in Gaza is untenable and the latest protests further highlight the need for the return ofa unified Palestinian Government to Gaza. I call on all Palestinian factions to engage in earnest with Egypt in order to implement the 2017 Cairo agreement and end the intra-Palestinian divisions. While the United Nations is continuing its efforts to de-escalate the situation, progress on the reconciliation track and the lifting of closures on Gaza remain essential. I encourage Member States to support those vital efforts.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars against Israeli towns and villages violates international law and places civilian lives at great risk. The launching of incendiary and explosive devices towards Israel must also stop. I also remain gravely concerned by the number of deaths and injuries of Palestinians along the Gaza perimeter fence. Israeli security forces have the responsibility to exercise restraint, and lethal force must be used only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. I strongly condemn the campaign of arrests and violence inside Gaza against protesters, including women and children. The brutal beating of journalists and human rights workers and the raiding of homes is particularly alarming.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“I am saddened by the persistent violence that continues to result in the tragic loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives. Recent incidents in the West Bank and Gaza highlight the mounting tensions across the occupied Palestinian territory and the risk of a broader escalation of the conflict. I call on the parties to reject violence and to work to reduce tensions. There is no justification for terror, and I call on all to join the United Nations in condemning it unequivocally. I am concerned that we may once again be facing another very dangerous escalation of violence in Gaza, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The past two days have shown us how precariously close we came once again to the brink of war.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Ireiterate that the establishment of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, has no legal effect and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, as stated in resolution 2334 (2016), and must cease immediately and completely. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures also continues. The demolition of structures linked to vital water connections in Area C communities in the West Bank, which were already suffering water shortages, is particularly troubling. I am concerned by the continued pressure being placed on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Such policies must be reversed and Israel should abide by its obligations under international law.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“In addition, the Palestinian Authority plans to borrow from domestic banks between now and July. This will all have a substantial impact on the Palestinian economy, resulting in reduced purchasing power and further reduction in gross domestic product growth rate both in West Bank and Gaza. In closing, I would like to reiterate some observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 (2006). The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is continuing unabated. The advancement, approval or tender of more than 3,000 units in the occupied West Bank, as indicated in the written report before the Council (S/2019/251), is the largest batch since May 2018. This includes the latest announcement of over 800 units in the settlement of Ariel.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Daily prayers continue in the Mercy Gate area, while discussions between Israel and Jordan are ongoing. The past few days have not seen a resolution of the funding crisis created by Israel's decision to withhold 6 per cent of the revenues it collects on behalf the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian leadership's refusal to accept any clearance transfers unless the full amount is reinstated. The Palestinian Government has begun implementing severe austerity measures The measures include a 50 per cent salary cut for over 50 per cent of Palestinian Government employees, overall ceiling on salary payments, the cessation of promotions, appointments and bonuses and of the purchase of property and cars, and a 20 per cent reduction in operational expenses across the board, including reduced expenses on travel, hospitality and fuel.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“On 17 March, the Jerusalem Magistrate Court reinstated for 60 days an order to close the building located in Bab Al-Rahmah - also known as Mercy Gate - in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount compound, which has been closed by the Israeli authorities since 2003 on security grounds. The Islamic Endowment - the Waqf - echoed by the Palestinian and Jordanian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, maintains that Israeli courts lack jurisdiction over the holy site, which lies in the territory occupied in 1967, and warned against any changes to the historical and legal status quo. Israel, however, considers the establishment of a mosque in the Mercy Gate area to be a violation of the status quo. As of 20 March, the Jerusalem Magistrate Court order had not been executed.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“On 17 March, both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad praised the attack near the settlement of Ariel and called it a "heroic operation", while Fatah social media sites praised the perpetrator as a "heroic martyr". Israeli political leaders have also continued to call for targeted assassinations of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad officials and for the annexation of the West Bank. Resolution 2334 (2016), in paragraph 4, reiterates the calls of the Middle East Quartet for "affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution". No such steps were taken during the reporting period. Meanwhile, the situation at Jerusalem's holy sites continues to be tense.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“In Bethlehem, on 20 March, a 26-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed by the Israeli security forces and another was injured while driving near a partial military checkpoint under disputed circumstances. In Beit Sira village, near Ramallah, a Palestinian man was similarly shot and injured near a checkpoint. Israeli authorities have launched investigations into both incidents. On 24 March, two Israeli prison guards were stabbed by Hamas inmates in Ktziot Prison, in southern Israel. Following that, 12 prisoners were reportedly injured in ensuing clashes between guards and inmates. Resolution 2334 (2016), in paragraph 7, calls upon the parties "to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric". Unfortunately, such actions and rhetoric have continued.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“In the subsequent search operations, 15 homes were raided, a temporary security cordon was imposed on several villages and three of the suspect's family members were arrested. Two days later, the suspect was killed by the Israeli security forces in the village of Abwein. Another incident took place on 19 March, when Jewish worshippers, accompanied by Israeli security forces, entered Nablus on their way to visit Joseph's Tomb - a monthly practice that is consistent with previous agreements between the parties. While the details of the ensuing clashes remain disputed, two Palestinians were killed by the Israeli security forces and at least 27 others were injured.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“At least 11 incendiary devices were launched from Gaza towards Israel just since 15 March. In response, the IDF shelled or conducted air strikes against targets in Gaza on four occasions, causing no injuries. That, of course, does not include the rockets fired in the escalation of the past 48 hours. Tensions in the occupied West Bank also continued. Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces in various security operations and other incidents, while two Israelis, including one soldier and one civilian, were killed by Palestinians. On 17 March, a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli soldier near the Ariel settlement, took his rifle and shot him and an Israeli civilian, killing both and severely injuring another soldier.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Beginning on 14 and 15 March, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza demonstrated under the slogan "we want to live". They protested the dire socioeconomic circumstances in Gaza and "the injustice due to the Palestinian division and the Hamas takeover of Gaza by force and violence". Although the protests were generally non-violent, Hamas security personnel violently dispersed participants and many, including women, children, journalists and human rights activists, were beaten and hospitalized. Tens of homes were raided in search of demonstrators. Local human rights monitors reported that over 1,000 people, including children, were arrested and many reportedly beaten. The crackdown was condemned by all Palestinian factions. Meanwhile, protests at the Gaza fence, which had subsided for a couple of days, also resumed.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Since 15 March, an additional seven Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished or seized by the Israeli authorities. This has resulted in the displacement of nine people. A water cistern in Susiya, three structures belonging to communities in southern Hebron and an elementary school building under construction in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem are among the buildings demolished. Resolution 2334 (2016) also calls, in paragraph 6, "for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians". However, even the brief period since the submission of the written report, as witnessed by recent events, has been characterized by escalating violence.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Such acts of provocation only dramatically increase the risk of escalation and ultimately damage our collective efforts to support the people of Gaza and intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We must also call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint as the situation remains extremely tense. Returning to the report under resolution 2334 (2016), I have to begin by saying that once again no steps have been taken by Israel to "immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem", as called for in paragraph 2 of the resolution. Since the end of the reporting period, the Government announced the construction of 840 new units in Ariel. This decision was presented as a response to an attack on 17 March.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Since the early hours of yesterday, my team and I have been working intensely with Egypt and all concerned parties to ensure that the situation does not spiral out of control. As I have said many times in the Security Council, but I will repeat it again here today, nobody has an interest in a full military confrontation in Gaza. A new conflict will be devastating for the Palestinian people, it will have consequences for Israelis who live in the vicinity of the Gaza perimeter, and it is likely to have regional repercussions. This is why I ask all participants today to join the United Nations in condemning the continued indiscriminate firing of rockets towards Israel.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Over the following 24 hours, at least 103 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza towards Israel, some of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, while others caused material damage to a house in Sderot or hit uninhabited areas. The Israeli Air Force conducted 42 strikes on various locations in Gaza, while some 16 shells were fired by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli navy towards the Gaza Strip. According to local sources, seven Palestinians were injured as a result of the strikes. Several buildings were destroyed, including Hamas offices and security buildings. At 6 am. this morning, local time, a fragile calm seems to have taken hold. In the past 10 days there have been two rockets attacks from Gaza targeting the Tel Aviv area, which represents a very serious escalation.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: On behalfofthe Secretary-General, I will devote my regular briefing on the situation in the Middle East today to presenting the ninth report (8/2019/251) on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), which covers the period between 15 December 2018 and 15 March 2019. Beforelprovide an update on the developments related to the provisions of the resolution that have taken place following the submission of the written report of the Secretary-General to the Council, I would like to address the situation on the ground in the past 48 hours. On 25 March, a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, directly hitting a house in central Israel. Seven family members were injured, including three children.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“We have advocated for a strengthened commitment to bilateral agreements; we are implementing a series of humanitarian interventions aiming at stabilizing Gaza, supporting Palestinian reconciliation and ultimately lifting the closures; and we have continued to stress that the recommendations of the 2016 Quartet report (S/2016/595, annex) remain deeply relevant. What is needed, first and foremost, is the necessary leadership and political will for change. Until that can be found, Palestinians and Israelis will continue to slide into increasingly hazardous territory.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The situation in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained generally calm, and on 13 February the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) facilitated the second tripartite meeting of this year. UNIFIL has also requested to visit and independently verify the sixth tunnel that the IDF discovered in January, but has yet to receive a date for an assessment. In closing, I have repeatedly raised the alarm on the dangerous trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Nations and its partners have provided a series of recommendations that, if implemented effectively, would begin to establish an environment that is conducive to a return to negotiations.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“On 11 February, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force observed, in several separate incidents, the Israel Defense Forces firing tank and high-explosive rounds into the area of separation, which was followed by three rockets being fired into a different part of the area of separation. These developments undermine the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and jeopardize the long-standing ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Lebanon, meanwhile, formed a Government on 31 January, almost nine months after the last Parliamentary elections. The Cabinet adopted a ministerial statement that laid out a Wide-ranging economic reform agenda. This was followed by a vote of confidence on 15 February, for which the Government gained majority support of 111 out of 128 votes.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Ultimately, only sustainable political solutions - including reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a single, democratic and legitimate Palestinian Government and ending the closures of the Strip - will genuinely change the current course. I welcome the tireless efforts of Egypt to continue dialogue with Palestinian factions with the aim of maintaining stability in Gaza and achieving genuine reconciliation. I urge all parties to remain engaged in this critical effort. Turning very briefly to the region, recent incidents that occurred on the Golan, heightening tensions between Israel and Syria, are also of concern.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Despite the difficulties, the United Nations continues its efforts to implement the package of urgent humanitarian and economic interventions in Gaza called for at the September AHLC meeting. The State of Qatar has donated an additional $20 million to expand United Nations cash-for-work programming in Gaza. This will create some 10,000 new temporary jobs. The World Bank has also launched its $l7-million cash-for- work programme, which will create an additional 5,000 temporary jobs. Job creation is critical to the stabilization of Gaza's economy. However, all our efforts that we are currently undertaking are short- to medium-term only.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Hamas's continuing control of Gaza, Israel's severe movement and access restrictions, and the Palestinian Authority's restrictive measures are pushing the situation to a breaking point. The militant build-up continues as the risk of ever-more radical and extremist groups pushing both sides into war grows by the day. With the prospects of intra-Palestinian reconciliation dimming, the people of Gaza feel more and more left to their own devices, with no representation, no relief and no way out. On 5 February, the PA paid its employees in Gaza reduced salaries for the month of January and reportedly over 5,000 employees did not receive salaries or other payments due.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“During the reporting period, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 20 incidents in which Israeli settlers injured Palestinians or damaged their property. On 26 January, armed Israeli settlers entered Al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah, where they attacked Palestinian residents. Ensuing clashes, also involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), resulted in the killing of a 38-year-old Palestinian man and the injury of 15 others. For years, we have described the situation facing the population and focused on the urgency of providing Palestinians confined within Gaza's boundaries with the means to live a dignified life and to have hope for the future.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“In the West Bank this past month, Israeli forces killed four Palestinians, including two children. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Thirty-nine structures were demolished or seized by the authorities or by their owners upon receipt of a demolition order, resulting in the displacement of some 70 people. Overall, some 200 Palestinian households in East Jerusalem have eviction cases filed against them, mostly by Israeli settler organizations, placing some 900 people at risk of displacement. The upsurge in settler violence over the past year continues to be a serious concern.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“There is no justification for violence and terror. Meanwhile protests and violent incidents at the Gaza fence continued, with seven Palestinians, including three children, killed by Israeli live fire on 8 February. This brings to 40 the number of children killed in the context of Gaza protests since they began in March 2018. Children must not be targeted or put in harm's way. They must be protected. Lethal force should be used only as a last resort. During the reporting period, Palestinian militants fired 18 rockets towards Israel. The indiscriminate launching of rockets, mortars and incendiary kites or balloons from Gaza must stop. Hamas must ensure that protests remain peaceful and prevent provocations near the fence, including attempts to breach it.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“In the absence of final status negotiations, however, such steps should significantly support Palestinian institution-building and improve lives. The United Nations, together with our partners in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) format, will continue working to create an environment conducive to such developments. Meanwhile, in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 11 Palestinians were killed during the reporting period by the Israeli security forces in various incidents, including attacks on Israeli Civilians, demonstrations, clashes and military operations. On 7 February, an Israeli teenager was murdered in a park outside Jerusalem by a Palestinian perpetrator, who was later arrested by Israeli security forces.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Last month (see S/PV.8449), I outlined some steps that were necessary to support the stability of the Palestinian Authority, including expanding opportunities for free trade, addressing fiscal leakages, enabling the Palestinian Government to increase the services it provides to its people, and ensuring continued security coordination. Such steps are not a substitute for peace. They must be matched by political moves, including an end to the policy of settlement construction and expansion and the designation of land for exclusive Israeli use, as well as creating opportunities for Palestinian development in Area C. In this context, I reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Consultations on the way forward continue, including on holding long-overdue legislative elections. Hamas and the other factions have called, instead, for the formation of a Government of national unity with the task of organizing legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections. Elections conducted in line with Palestinian laws and with established international democratic standards throughout the occupied Palestinian territory may now be the only way out of the current internal political impasse. As the Palestinian political dynamics evolve and as we drift further away from the realization of a negotiated two-State solution, I again call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to recommit to the principles and vision enshrined a quarter of a century ago in relevant resolutions and bilateral agreements.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“I echo the Secretary- General's appreciation for their service and the generous contribution of all participating countries over the years. The United Nations continues to engage with relevant Member States and the parties on the ground to ensure the protection, safety and well-being of civilians in Hebron and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory. Alongside these worrying developments, and despite the concerted efforts of Egypt to bring the Palestinian factions together, recent Palestinian political moves may further widen the growing divide between the West Bank and Gaza. On 27 January, the Fatah Central Committee recommended the formation of a new Government comprising PLO factions and independent figures. On 29 January, Prime Minister Hamdallah's Cabinet submitted its resignation.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The ending ofvital training, facilities and equipment support could potentially risk security coordination. I encourage ongoing efforts to ensure that this crucial assistance is continued. The important work being carried out by Civil society organizations working towards peace is also under threat, and I hope that donors will continue their support to civil society, which serves a critical role in preserving the fraying links between Israelis and Palestinians. We also regret Israel's decision on 28 January not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, established pursuant to the provisions of the 1995 Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - also known as the Oslo II accord - between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“That decision is the result of legislation adopted by the Knesset last year that instructs the Israeli Government to withhold money equivalent to the amount that the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of involvement in terrorism or other security-related offences by Israeli courts and to their families. Today the Palestinian leadership is meeting to discuss its financial and political response to that measure. These are very serious developments that put at risk the financial stability of the Palestinian Authority and, ultimately, the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike. The Secretary-General has repeatedly warned that unilateral moves undermine the chances for peace. The recent halting of United States assistance to Palestinians may also impact ongoing efforts to bridge existing divisions.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Unfortunately, unilateral steps, continuing violence, financial pressure and the lack of progress towards peace are exacting a heavy toll on Palestinian society and undermining the foundations of peace. In 2018, the Palestinian Authority (PA) had a budget deficit of approximately $1.04 billion, over 60 per cent of which was covered by donor aid. That shortfall is expected to increase in 2019 because of the withdrawal of significant amounts ofdonor funding and a worsening economic situation. Earlier this week the Government of Israel decided unilaterally to withhold approximately $140 million in Palestinian tax revenue transfers.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The number of extremists is on the rise again and the risk of war continues to loom large. In order for Israelis and Palestinians to get back on track towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the first thing that is required is leadership that believes that peace is possible through negotiations. It also requires an international community that is committed to supporting both parties in reaching agreement on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements and that understands that the weaker party - the Palestinian people, who have lived under occupation for more than 50 years - need our support now more than ever. It should never be about Israel or Palestine. It should always be about Israel and Palestine.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I brief the Security Council today as we continue to face a growing humanitarian, security and political crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The prospect of sustainable peace is fading by the day as the spectre ofviolence and radicalism grows. Our efforts today focus on the immediate challenges, namely, preventing the risk of an economic and humanitarian implosion in the West Bank and Gaza and preserving the hope, slim as it is, that Israelis and Palestinians will be able to live in peace, side by side, in States of their own that are recognized and integrated into the global and regional community. We are working hard to preserve that prospect as the viability of the two-State solution is systematically eroded by the deteriorating reality on the ground.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“There is no status quo; there is only a deterioration that, if left unchecked, without a vision and the political will for peace, can lead only to endless conflict and the steady rise of radicalization on all sides. I am concerned that, within the current political landscape, those on both sides who seek to bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians are being undermined. Despite that, civil society continues to carry out critical work to find common ground and work towards resolving the conflict. Their efforts are inspiring and should be applauded and supported by all.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“UNDOF liaised with both sides to de-escalate the situation. The observations of military activity coincided with open-source reports of Israel's confirming that it had conducted a series of air strikes on targets in Syria in response to a missile fired from Syria and intercepted by Israel. Such events demonstrate the volatility of the area and risk jeopardizing the long-standing ceasefire between the two countries. It is critical that both parties to the 1974 Disengagement ofForces Agreement respect it at all times to prevent escalation across the ceasefire line and actions that undermine progress towards stability in the area. Returning to the Palestinian question, I have said this many times, but let me repeat it once again - those who believe that the conflict can be managed in perpetuity are wrong.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) attributes that activity to controlled detonations of explosive ordnance as part of clearance conducted by Syrian security forces. The relative calm in the UNDOF area of operation was interrupted by events that occurred on 25 December and, most recently, on 20 and 21 January. On 25 December, UNDOF observed a helicopter on the Alpha side fire four rockets that impacted on the Bravo side. On that day, UNDOF also heard and observed surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft defence guns, rockets and heavy machine guns fired on the Bravo side, but could not observe the points of origin or impact. On 20 and 21 January, UNDOF observed and heard an increase in air activity over, and the firing of missiles into, the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“To date, UNIFIL has not been granted access to the confirmed entry points ofa tunnel near Kfar Kila, on the Lebanese side. On 13 January, the IDF also announced that it had discovered a sixth tunnel near Zarit, south of the Blue Line, in the vicinity of Ramyah, in Sector West. On 9 January, the IDF initiated T-wall construction south of the Blue Line close to the Lebanese reservation area near Misgav Am. The construction featured prominently in the tripartite meetings on 10 January and 17 January. On the occupied Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been maintained, with relative calm and low levels of military activity in the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“I also urge donors to continue their support for the essential services provided by the Agency. Turning to Lebanon, the country has been without a Government for over eight months. The formation of a cabinet seemed to be within reach but failed to materialize over political disagreements in December. I reiterate our call for all stakeholders to resolve their differences so that Lebanon can address the many pressing challenges it faces, including that of a struggling economy. In the meantime, the situation in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained calm but tense. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was able to confirm that at least two of the tunnels discovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed the Blue Line, and thereby constituted violations of resolution 1701 (2006).”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Notwithstanding the enormity of the political challenges, the United Nations is working with the Palestinian Authority and all the relevant stakeholders to address some ofGaza's most pressing needs. The United Nations has also significantly enhanced its capacity to support project implementation on the ground. It is currently working with all key stakeholders to advance the package of socioeconomic and humanitarian interventions and to monitor ongoing projects. I urge donors to support all of our efforts. I would also like to take a moment to reaffirm our support for the critical work being done by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in Gaza, the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, and across the region.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source