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

“At present, the appeal is less than 29 per cent funded, one of the most poorly funded in the world. Paragraph 5 of resolution 2334 (2016) called on Member States "to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied in 1967". No such steps were taken during the reporting period. The resolution also called upon all parties to continue to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations. No progress was achieved in that respect. The United States has repeatedly announced that it is continuing its efforts aimed at a comprehensive peace plan. In August, the Administration suspended more than $200 million in its fiscal year 2017 Economic Support Fund for the West Bank and Gaza, and a further $25 million for the East Jerusalem hospitals network.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“The situation was worsened by the temporary closures of the Kerem Shalom crossing and reductions in the fishing zone that were introduced by Israel during the periods of escalation, as well as the continuing measures by the Palestinian Authority to reduce salaries, energy supplies and overall spending in Gaza. The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator has released $1 million from the emergency pooled fund to cover fuel for hospitals and water and sanitation facilities to prevent a full collapse of essential services. To address the chronic crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, the humanitarian community appealed for nearly $550 million this year, through the humanitarian response plan, 75 per cent of which is for projects targeting Palestinians in Gaza.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Most worrying perhaps is the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian, security and political situation in Gaza, as the implementation of the Egyptian-brokered October agreement remains stalled and the Palestinian Authority has not been able to take up its responsibilities in Gaza. As we meet today, the power crisis in Gaza is coming to a head. The United Nations has run out of funding for emergency fuel, putting critical health, water and sanitation facilities at immediate risk of shutting down, while essential medicines are at critically low levels. On 5 September, the United Nations delivered the final stocks of available emergency fuel to Gaza. Despite calls for donors to urgently contribute, little additional funding was forthcoming.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated the calls made by the Middle East Quartet for "affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution." Some positive steps have been taken, including Israel releasing approximately $44 million of withheld Palestinian health stamp revenues, which is the result of continuing direct engagement ofthe Finance Ministries of both sides, as well as continued progress on Gaza reconstruction. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt remained largely open during the reporting period, with the number of people crossing reaching over 12,000 in both June and July. The negative developments, however, outweigh the positive news.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Meanwhile, some Israeli officials called for the targeting of Palestinians launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel from Gaza and for the extrajudicial killings of Hamas officials. One member of the Knesset called for Israel to reconquer Gaza and insisted that Palestinians in Gaza either acquiesce to Israel's sovereignty or emigrate. Others continued to provoke by rejecting the Palestinian right to statehood, supporting settlement growth and the annexation of parts of the West Bank.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Despite the call in resolution 2334 (2016) for the parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, such statements continued. Hamas leaders continued to incite violence, with one senior official speaking of "cleansing Palestine of the filth of Jews" and threatening to decapitate Israeli leaders. Fatah's official social media pages continued to glorify the perpetrators of previous attacks against Israelis and failed to condemn terror attacks against civilians. Some religious leaders and officials made inflammatory statements, accusing Israel of plotting to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and denying the Jewish historic and religious connection to Jerusalem.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Three days later, in the settlement of Adam, a 17-year-old Palestinian stabbed and killed an Israeli man and injured two others. On 17 August and 3 September, Israeli security forces shot dead an Israeli-Arab and a Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City and in Hebron, respectively, after they reportedly attempted to carry out stabbing attacks against security forces. On 27 July, clashes erupted at the Temple Mount/ Haram Al-Sharif compound between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, where 10 Palestinians and four Israeli police officers were injured. On 16 September, in another attack a Palestinian teenager stabbed and killed an Israeli-American outside a shopping mall in the occupied West Bank. It is reprehensible that Hamas and other factions chose to glorify that attack.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“It destroyed three tunnels leading from Gaza into Israel, 18 Palestinians were killed, including 5 children, 118 injured, and 37 Israelis were injured in those exchanges. On at least three occasions the situation escalated dramatically. Calm was restored only after Egypt and the United Nations intervened to de-escalate tensions. Incendiary kites and balloons continued to be launched from Gaza into neighbouring Israeli communities. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 266 Palestinians, including 5 women and 54 children, were injured in clashes with Israeli security forces during search-and-arrest operations and demonstrations. On 23 July, a 15-year-old Palestinian was killed during clashes in Bethlehem's Al-Duheisha refugee camp.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Palestinian protests at the Gaza fence continued on almost a daily basis. While most occasions remained fairly peaceful, militants placed improvised explosive devices, attempted to breach the fence and continued to send incendiary kites and balloons across the border. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) responded with riot dispersal means and live fire. During protests throughout the reporting period, 29 Palestinians were killed or died ofwounds sustained previously, including 10 children. Approximately 900 people were injured by live ammunition. One Israeli soldier was killed and another injured. In successive rounds of hostilities, Hamas and other Palestinian militants fired approximately 500 rockets, Grad missiles and mortars from Gaza towards Israel. In response, the IDF fired approximately 400 missiles and tank shells at targets in Gaza.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“On 11 September, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, called on Israeli authorities to reconsider the decision to allow the demolition of Khan Al-Ahmar, warning that "it would have grave humanitarian consequences" and contravene international humanitarian law. That call was reiterated by Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. I also issued a statement expressing the same concern over such action. On 13 September, the European Parliament also called for monetary compensation for financial losses, should Khan Al-Ahmar be demolished. Let me turn to the issue of violence, which also remains an obstacle to peace. The reporting period saw significant incidents and escalation that brought Israel and Hamas almost to war on at least three occasions.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Those communities are located in or next to an area that is slated for settlement plans in the E-1 area, which, if constructed, would create a continuous built-up area between the Ma'ale Adumim and East Jerusalem. In July, the Israeli Knesset approved a law transferring the jurisdiction over certain petitions against decisions by Israeli authorities in the West Bank from the High Court of Justice to the administrative affairs court in Jerusalem. That step could make it more difficult and costly to challenge the demolition or seizure of Palestinian properties in Area C.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“In Khan Al-Ahmar/Abu Al-Helu, a Bedouin community of 181 people, Israeli authorities requisitioned land, levelled access routes and temporarily declared the area a closed military zone, in advance of the expected demolition of its structures. Following a protracted legal process, on 5 September, the Israeli High Court of Justice denied several petitions by residents to prevent the demolition. On 4 July, in Abu Nuwar, a Bedouin community of about 600 residents, 19 structures were demolished. OCHA reported that 51 people, including 33 children, were displaced. Later that month a donor-funded caravan in the Bedouin community of Jabal Al-Baba, serving as a kindergarten for 28 children and as a women's centre, was also confiscated and dismantled.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“If the ruling is upheld in Israel's High Court of Justice, it could enable the legalization of additional outposts and housing units in settlements. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Citing the absence ofIsraeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain, 117 structures were demolished or seized: 61 in Area C and 56 in East Jerusalem. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), that resulted in the displacement of 145 Palestinians, including 82 children, and affected the livelihoods of approximately 950 people.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Plans for about 1,100 units were advanced in the approval process, plans for an additional 600 units reached the final approval stage and tenders were announced for about 1,100 units. A tender was also announced for 603 housing units in the Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood, the first tender in East Jerusalem since 2016. On 28 August, the district court in Jerusalem ruled that the illegal outpost of Mizpe Kramim could be legalized under Israeli law, despite being built partially on private Palestinian land. The ruling was the first to rely on the so-called market regulation principle, which allows houses to be built in good faith on private land, without the consent of the owner to be retroactively legalized and the owner compensated.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“On 27 September, a ministerial meeting in support of UNRWA will be held on the margins of the General Assembly. I urge all participants to engage constructively to ensure the continuity of the Agency's vital services. No steps have been taken during the reporting period to "cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem", as required by the resolution. I reiterate that all settlement activities are a violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace. Approximately 2,800 housing units in settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank were advanced, approved or tendered by Israel. Approximately one third of those units are in outlying settlements, deep in the West Bank.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Let me reiterate from the very beginning that these developments cannot be divorced from the broader context: Israel's continued military occupation of Palestinian territory; uncertainties about the future of the peace process and the two-State solution; Hamas' continuing hold on Gaza and its militant activity, including rocket attacks and tunnel construction; unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts; reduced donor support for the Palestinian Authority; and turmoil in the Wider region. I would like to highlight from the outset the very serious financial situation that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues to face. We welcome the contributions that several Member States recently announced and urge that additional new funding be provided for its critical work.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: On behalf of the Secretary- General, I will devote this briefing to presenting the seventh report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 13 June to 12 September 2018. I will focus on developments on the ground in accordance with the provisions of the resolution, including on regional and international efforts to advance peace.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Another missed opportunity could have disastrous consequences, including for reaching a broader Israeli-Palestinian peace on the basis of the two-State solution, in which Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian State.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Progress will require de-escalation and calm in Gaza, strengthened coordination with the Palestinian Authority, Israel - which has special obligations - Egypt and the United Nations, in addition to financial support. The human dimension must be at the forefront of all our efforts. Gazans deserve to live their lives in freedom and dignity. That is their right. It is not a privilege that can be taken hostage or that can be granted or withheld by others who have no regard for their suffering. Israelis living near Gaza also deserve to finally be free of indiscriminate attacks, be it by rockets, mortars or incendiary devices, which have plagued their lives for so many years. We cannot lose sight of the broader context.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Consultations continue, as does United Nations advocacy, including through the International Support Group for Lebanon, to form a new Government that will be able to deliver upon Lebanon's international obligations under resolution 1701 (2006) and its national priorities, in line with recent international conferences in support of the country. The situation in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained calm overall. Ground violations of the Blue Line continued, primarily due to agricultural activity. In closing, I would like to underline the importance of expediting our collective efforts to address the perilous situation in Gaza. Unless we begin in earnest the crucial work required to change the current deteriorating dynamics, another explosion is almost a certainty.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Following each of these incidents, UNDOF liaised with both parties to de-escalate the situation. Between 15 and 23 July, airstrikes were reported in Aleppo, Hama, and the interception of two Syrian missiles by Israel in another sign of heighted regional tensions. Just a few hours ago, the IDF reported that it had fired two missiles, which shot down a Syrian fighter jet that it claimed had infiltrated nearly two kilometres into Israeli airspace. We are closely monitoring the situation. These hostilities demonstrate a disturbing trajectory of increasingly frequent and dangerous confrontations. I call on all parties to abide by all the provisions of the 1974 Agreement and to support the role of UNDOF in that regard. Turning to Lebanon, Acting Special Coordinator for Lebanon and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix briefed the Council yesterday.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Gaining unimpeded humanitarian access to provide assistance and protection to all affected populations is critical. On 11 July, Israel informed the United Nations that it had intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that had been launched from Syria into Israel and that Israel would not tolerate breaches ofthe 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. That same day, UNDOF reported that three rockets had landed in locations in the area of separation. Subsequently, UNDOF observed three missiles explode in the same area. The IDF announced that it had targeted three military posts in Syria in response to the infiltration of the Syrian UAV earlier in the day. On 13 July, Israel said it had fired a missile at another UAV that had approached from Syria.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“As 0f23 July, the number of tents observed by UNDOF in its area of operation had decreased to 765. As of 20 July, almost to 203,000 Syrians remained internally displaced across south- western Syria. Close to 70 per cent of the displaced population are located in the western part of Quneitra governate. While the Government of Israel has made it clear that no IDPs would be permitted to enter into its territory, in the past month alone Israeli authorities have reported delivering over 100 tons of food, 370 tents and supplies of fuel, medicine and clothing, and provided medical assistance to injured Syrian civilians. The living conditions of the IDPs are dire, and the United Nations currently has no cross-border or cross-line access to Quneitra.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“On the same day, Syrian authorities informed the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) that the IDF had fired tank rounds across the ceasefire line at targets in the area of separation. Following the Syrian Government's offensive to recapture the south, which began on 19 June, an agreement was reached on 11 July between the non-State armed groups in Dara'a and the Syrian Government with Russian mediation to bring the entire Dara'a governorate under the control of the Syrian Government. By 20 July, the Government was taking control of several areas in Quneitra province, particularly near the ceasefire line. As at 19 July, UNDOF had observed approximately 2,205 tents set up for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in its area of operation.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Funds withheld would be equal to the amount paid by Palestinian authorities to prisoners and detainees convicted or accused of security offenses against Israelis, to their families, as well as to families of Palestinians killed or injured in attacks against Israelis. The implementation of the law is expected to have a significant negative impact on the Palestinian Authority's fiscal sustainability. I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions and respect their obligations under previous agreements, United Nations resolutions and international law. Turning to Syria, recent developments on the Golan have heightened tensions. On 6 July, the IDF fired across the ceasefire line towards a location from which it said a shell had been launched that landed in the area of separation.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“On 12 and 17 June, in compliance with Israeli Supreme Court rulings against settlement construction on privately-owned Palestinian land, the authorities demolished 28 structures in the two illegal Israeli outposts of Netiv Ha'avot and Tapuach West. The United Nations believes that settlement construction remains illegal under international law, and I take this opportunity to once again call on the authorities to cease such actions. On 2 July, the Knesset passed a new law requiring the withholding of a portion of clearance revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and transfers to Ramallah, in line with its commitments under the Paris Protocol.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“On 5 July, in Abu Nuwar, the authorities demolished 19 structures. Both Khan Al-Ahmar and Abu Nuwar are among the 18 communities located in or adjacent to the controversial E-l area, where plans for new settlement construction would create a continuous built-up area between the Ma'ale Adumim settlement and East Jerusalem, undermining the contiguity of a future Palestinian State. The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, along with the European Union, Norway, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the League of Arab States and others, have condemned these measures. I reiterate the call on Government of Israel to cease demolitions and other measures that run contrary to its obligations under international law.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“I urge the swift mobilization of support to enable the continuity of assistance and the maintenance of stability on the ground in the region. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities have continued the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian-owned structures. In Khan Al-Ahmar/Abu Al-Helu, located on the outskirts of Jerusalem and populated by some 200 people, Israeli authorities requisitioned land, levelled access routes to the community and declared the area a closed military zone. These actions were taken in advance of the planned demolition and displacement of the entire community. The relocation site offered by the Israeli authorities 4 Jabal West 4 has been rejected by the community itself. The fate of these Bedouins will be decided by the Israeli High Court no later than 15 August.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Yesterday, the Palestinian Prime Minister's Office convened donors to reinforce these priorities ahead of the discussions of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians, scheduled for September. These developments are taking place while the financial crisis of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains a very serious concern. UNRWA has communicated to staff that every effort will be made to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable refugees of reductions in emergency assistance. Of particular concern is the possibility of a delay to the start of the school year for some 526,000 students in UNRWA schools throughout its areas of operation. At present, UNRWA needs some $217 million to sustain its work for this year.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Our work is focused on restoring unity between Gaza and the West Bank under one democratic Government and one legal system where all weapons are under the control of one legitimate national authority. To achieve that, we must avoid an escalation, alleviate the suffering of people, and work to lift movement and access restrictions in line with resolution 1860 (2009). To move these efforts forward, I have engaged with the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA) and all stakeholders. Last week, Norway convened a meeting of the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank and the PA to discuss coordination mechanisms to fast-track interventions aimed at bolstering the water, electricity and health networks, as well as temporary job creation on the ground.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“To that end, the United Nations is enhancing its presence on the ground to work with donors and international partners to facilitate the smooth implementation of such projects, in full coordination with the Palestinian Authority and regional and international stakeholders. Those efforts are already gaining momentum. On 17 July, the United Nations Development Programme announced the implementation of various economic initiatives that will create more than 2,500 immediate and short-term job opportunities in Gaza, particularly benefitting youth and women, over a 12-month period. But let me reiterate what I said on 15 July. There is no point in asking donors to continue funding initiatives without a political horizon for the future. This cannot be another futile exercise in conflict management and recurring humanitarian support.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The recent sharp escalation in violence and heightened tensions in Gaza must not divert us from our broader efforts to address the crisis. I continue my engagement with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, as well as with regional and international partners, to reduce tensions, to address humanitarian challenges in Gaza and, critically, to support the Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation process. Advancing urgent infrastructure projects to improve the water, electricity and health systems, and to create employment that would have a quick impact on the ground remains a key element of de-escalation. So is improving access and movement for the people of Gaza through Israel and Egypt.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“As tension continued to escalate, on 17 July the entry of fuel and gas through the crossing was also halted, and the fishing zone was further reduced to three nautical miles. After intense efforts by the United Nations and Egypt, I can now report that the situation is calming down, although tensions remain. I returned to Jerusalem from Gaza just an hour ago and am hopeful that, through the collective efforts of all sides, we can avoid another confrontation, allow Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis in communities across the border to sleep in peace and begin addressing all humanitarian issues. Today, the first 100,000 litres of much-needed fuel were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing to be distributed by the United Nations, prioritizing hospitals and emergency services.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“A 20-year-old Palestinian also later succumbed to injuries incurred at the fence on that day. On 6 July, a Palestinian was killed, reportedly due to the detonation of an explosive device he was carrying. On 2 July, four Palestinians breached the fence into Israel and reportedly attempted to set fire to an abandoned military post. The IDF shot and killed one, and injured at least one other. In reaction to the continuing launching of incendiary kites and balloons from Gaza, on 10 July Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing, allowing only humanitarian supplies, food, fuel, medicines, animal fodder and livestock, and reduced the fishing zone for the Gaza Strip from nine to six nautical miles.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“That was followed by Israeli authorities later that morning informing Israeli civilians living near the Gaza border to return to their normal routine. Incendiary kites and balloons continued to be launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, triggering over 1,000 fires in surrounding communities, although since the evening of 20 July, that number has decreased significantly. Over 8,500 acres of land have been burned, including fields, forests and agricultural land since the launching of incendiary kites began. In other violence related to the continuing protests at the Gaza fence, on 13 July a 15-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed by the IDF while climbing the Gaza perimeter fence, and an IDF soldier was injured by a hand grenade thrown by a Palestinian protestor.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Other rockets landed in the grounds ofa synagogue and near a children's playground in Sderot. The IDF fired 90 missiles and artillery shells towards what it said were military sites, injuring at least 25 Palestinians and killing two teenagers in the highly populated centre of Gaza City. On 19 July, an Israeli drone shot towards a group launching incendiary balloons, killing a Hamas militant. The next day, an IDF soldier was killed by sniper fire from Gaza, the first such fatality since 2014. Israel retaliated against dozens of military targets across the Strip, killing three militants claimed by the military wing of Hamas. In response, Palestinians in Gaza launched three rockets towards Israel, without injury or damage. In the early hours of 21 July, a spokesperson for Hamas announced that Hamas had agreed to restore calm.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“One IDF soldier was killed by gunfire from Gaza, while four Israeli civilians and an IDF soldier were moderately injured. In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian teenager was killed by the IDF during a search and arrest operation, while some 25 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers were injured in various incidents. Hamas and other militants fired 283 rockets and mortars from Gaza towards Israel. The Israeli Air Force fired some 189 missiles and artillery shells against targets in Gaza, including two tunnels between Gaza and Israel. Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces also destroyed a tunnel between Gaza and the Sinai. Over a 24-hour period from 14 to 15 July alone, militants fired some 220 rockets and mortars from Gaza. One rocket directly hit a house and injured four people.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“I appealed to Palestinian factions not to provoke incidents at the fence, to immediately stop the firing of rockets and mortars, and to stop the incendiary kites and balloons. And I appealed to Israel to reopen the crossings, stop shelling, particularly in populated areas, and to exercise restraint towards Gaza. Over the past two weeks, however, the situation quickly spiralled out of control, nearly to the point of no return. Today, I reiterate my call on all in Gaza to step back from the brink. Those who seek to provoke Israelis and Palestinians to war must not succeed. The past month has witnessed one of the largest escalations since the 2014 conflict. Nineteen Palestinians, including seven children, were killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza during protests, clashes, and air strikes, and more than 1,000 were injured.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“For four years, the United Nations has urged concerted action to address the root causes of this man-made catastrophe - the intractable conflict, more than 50 years of occupation and more than a decade of Hamas control of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian division and a crippling Israeli closure regime. And for four long years, the underlying dynamics have not improved. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, the political stalemate between Hamas and Fatah has worsened, and the prospect of another deadly round of violence is growing by the day. Only through the repeated, collective efforts of all sides has another catastrophic escalation been averted over the past weeks. On 15 July and earlier today, I travelled to Gaza in an urgent effort to de-escalate tensions.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: As we meet today, tensions between Syria and Israel continue to rise, and last Saturday we were minutes away from another devastating confrontation between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. It has taken an intense effort at preventive diplomacy by the United Nations and Egypt to make sure that both sides in the Gaza conflict step back from the brink of the fourth military confrontation in Gaza over the past decade. In September 2014, shortly after the conflict, my predecessor delivered the following remarks to the Council: "[w]e must change fundamentally the dynamics in Gaza. If we do not, Gaza could implode or, yet again, explode - possibly with a new and even more devastating round of violence." (S/PV. 7266, p. 3) For four long years, that fragile ceasefire has been taken for granted.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The need to reverse, or at the very least contain, the impact of negative trends, especially illegal settlement activity, violence and incitement, is critical not only to preserving hope for a meaningful return to the negotiating table, but also to preventing the escalation of broader regional tensions. I urge key regional and international partners to re-engage and remain steadfast in the pursuit of ending the occupation and realizing the two-State solution in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions and previous agreements.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Given the interconnected nature of conflicts throughout the region and the iconic nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that can feed extremist narratives, creating the conditions for the parties to return to meaningful negotiations remains critical. The Secretary-General has consistently spoken out against unilateral measures, which jeopardize the prospect ofpeace. In resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council also underlined that it will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“In Gaza itself, that would include a deferral of salaries to some members of its workforce in July and initiating the suspension of core operations in August. UNRWA and its stakeholders are making every effort to ensure that essential operations continue. To that end, a pledging conference will be held here in New York on 25 June. In closing, I remain greatly concerned by the state of our collective efforts to advance peace, and I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to the Middle East Quartet, which remains the pre-eminent forum for discussing perspectives for resolving the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Gaza remains an integral part of the future Palestinian State. I welcome Egypt's decision to open the Rafah border crossing, which has enabled approximately 14,000 Palestinians to enter Egypt, and over 3,300 to return to Gaza, and I hope that the security situation in Sinai will allow for the opening to be sustained. I also take this opportunity to reiterate my call on Hamas to provide comprehensive information pertaining to the Israeli nationals who have been held in Gaza, as required by international humanitarian law. Facing an unprecedented shortfall of more than $250 million, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is weeks away from painful cuts to its emergency assistance for Gaza and elsewhere in the region.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Meanwhile, Fatah's official social media pages continued to glorify the perpetrators of past terror attacks. Israeli officials also made provocative statements, including calls for the annexation of settlements, while denying that the Palestinian territories were occupied and openly rejecting the Palestinian right to statehood. I continue to engage with all sides to advance proposals previously outlined in the Council that would consider prioritizing projects agreed for Gaza over the past years by the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians, enhance project management capacity on the ground, and strengthen coordination with Israeli, Palestinian, and Egyptian authorities. I would like to reiterate my appreciation to all counterparts for the goodwill and cooperation demonstrated thus far.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“On 27 May, indictments were filed against Palestinians suspected of membership of a cell planning attacks against high-level targets, and, on 17 June, suspected Palestinian members of another cell, reportedly operated by Hamas, were indicted for preparing large bombing and suicide attacks in Israeli cities. Provocation, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric continued during the reporting period. On 30 April, during his opening speech at the Palestinian National Council, President Abbas made a series of anti-Semitic statements, which were widely condemned by the international community. At the height of the Gaza protests, a senior Hamas official called on protestors to "take down the border and tear out their Israelis hearts", which was one of several public calls by Hamas leaders inciting protestors to violence, including on social media.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Unfortunately, on 13 June, Palestinian security forces prevented media from covering the protests and used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protestors, while injuring and arresting dozens of protestors. The reporting period also included several notable prosecutions by Israeli authorities of Palestinians and Israelis for membership in so-called terrorist cells. On 29 March, an Israeli court convicted an Israeli national of membership in a terrorist organization and participating in a price-tag attack against Palestinians. On 1 May, three Palestinians were indicted for planning shooting attacks in the West Bank under the guidance and sponsorship of Hamas.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, the recommendation by the Palestinian National Council to suspend key elements of the Oslo Accords, if implemented, would add to negative trends, thereby making a return to meaningful negotiations even more difficult. Last week, thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in Ramallah in solidarity with Gaza and its residents, while demanding an end to the measures imposed by the Palestinian Authority on Gaza and to the political division and lifting the debilitating closures. Palestinians have a right to freely express themselves, and the Palestinian Government has the responsibility to guarantee their exercise of that right in accordance with the basic law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Palestine acceded in April 2014.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Israel has a duty to protect its citizens, but it must do so while exercising maximum restraint in the use oflive fire and not use lethal force except as a last resort against the imminent threat of death or serious injury. The actions of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other groups in Gaza put at risk not only the lives of Israelis and Palestinians alike, but also efforts to ensure a livable future for the people of Gaza. They must prevent the launching of rockets and breaching of the fence. The prevailing lack of decisive steps towards the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to Gaza, despite Egypt's best efforts to revive the process, is detrimental to Palestinian aspirations to statehood, contributes to the worsening of the humanitarian crisis and risks escalation.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source
“Under the cover of the protests, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militants have engaged in violent and provocative acts. Hundreds have approached and attempted to breach the fence, burned tires, thrown rocks and fire bombs at Israeli forces, launched incendiary kites and laid improvised explosive devices at the fence. Palestinian protesters also have damaged and looted equipment and installations on the Gaza side of the border at the Kerem Shalom crossing. We have extensively reported and underlined to the Council the respective responsibilities of parties involved in the latest round of violence. I want to again reiterate the call by the Secretary-General on all to unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms all actions that have brought us to this dangerous place and led to the loss of so many lives in Gaza.”
2018-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8289 (2018) · source