YouSaid · the spoken record

Pascoe

lines on the record: 957
first: 2007-03-14
most recent: 2012-04-23
sittings or episodes: 55
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

“The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations position on the illegality of settlements. Members of the Council will recall that phase one of the Road Map requires the Government of Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including the so-called natural growth. The Secretary-General has received written protests from the chief negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia. The Quartet expressed its concern over the tenders, calling on the parties to refrain from steps that undermine confidence and underscoring the importance of avoiding any actions that could prejudice the outcome of permanent status negotiations.”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“Pursuant to the Annapolis joint understanding, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations formally began on 12 December, in a meeting of the joint steering committee headed by Israeli Foreign Minister Livni and Mr. Ahmed Qureia. The Quartet welcomed this development and reaffirmed its commitment to remain closely involved and to support the parties' efforts to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008. Central to improving the situation on the ground and to building confidence to support bilateral negotiations, is action by the parties, in the words of 07-65518 the Annapolis joint understanding, to immediately implement their respective obligations under the Road Map. In this respect, we note that on 4 December tenders were announced for the construction of 307 new housing units in the Israeli settlement of Har Homa.”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“(Press release SG/2134, 17 December 2007) Expressing its strong support for the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, the Quartet urged donors to resume direct bilateral assistance to the Palestinian Authority and endorsed a final extension of the Temporary International Mechanism until the end of March 2008. As I mentioned, the Quartet meeting was then followed by a quite productive meeting between the Quartet and members of the League of Arab States. In addition to his role in the preparation of the donor conference, Quartet Representative Tony Blair is continuing his efforts to secure agreement on and implementation of joint projects between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, which are crucial to bringing about improvements on the ground. I would like now to turn to the bilateral negotiations.”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“Donors will need to follow through on pledges, as will the Palestinian Authority on implementing its reform agenda; Israel will need to ease significantly restrictions on movement and access. The four co-chairs - France, Norway, the European Commission and Quartet Representative Mr. Blair - have committed to following up on the conference. On the same day as the Paris conference, the Quartet met and "reaffirmed the importance of Palestinian economic and institutional capacity- building in order to lay the foundation for a viable and prosperous Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza".”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“On 17 December, the Secretary-General joined representatives of 68 States and international institutions at a donors conference in Paris, which was hosted by the French Government and was aimed at securing financial support to the Palestinian Authority over the next three years. Donors commended the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan presented by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and pledged a reported $7.4 billion in assistance to the Palestinian Authority. We welcome the breadth and depth of donor support and we commend the efforts of all who were involved in making the donors' conference a success. As the Secretary-General stressed, the promise of Paris will only be realized if all partners - the Palestinian Authority itself, donors and the Government of Israel - now exert a common effort.”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Since the Annapolis Conference, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization have commenced. Strong, international engagement has been reflected in a landmark donors conference, a Quartet meeting and a meeting between the Quartet and members of the League of Arab States - all in Paris on 17 December. At the same time, developments on the ground, including new settlement activity and ongoing violence, have been a cause of concern. The goal in the weeks and months ahead must be to generate real momentum on all aspects of the peace process.”
2007-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5815 (2007) · source
“For 60 years the Israeli State has feared for its survival and the survival of its people. For 60 years the Palestinian people have wandered and suffered in search of a State. It is time for the Palestinians to have a home of their own. It is time for the Israelis to feel at peace in their home. The time to act is now. Let us go forward and each play our part.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“In his remarks at the conference, the Secretary-General pledged the full support of the United Nations family for the renewed effort. He stressed the need for the joint understanding to be implemented through the beginning of final status negotiations, support to the Palestinian Authority and action to meet commitments on the ground. He noted, "Success depends not on what we say today, but on what we do tomorrow". The Secretary-General also emphasized his continuing concern for the humanitarian suffering of the population of Gaza and called for concrete initiatives to ease their suffering. He underlined the need to restore the unity of Gaza and the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority, and he lent his support to efforts to explore the possibilities for comprehensive peace.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“President, dated 28 November, the Secretary-General informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Robert Serry of the Netherlands as the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and his Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. The Secretary-General looks forward to Mr. Serry working 07-62028 to consolidate the efforts of the United Nations to support the political process that was announced in Annapolis and to coordinate the work of the United Nations country team. In the meantime, Mr. Maxwell Gaylard, currently the Director of the Mine Action Service in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, has been appointed to serve as Deputy Special Coordinator ad interim. We come away from Annapolis with a clear way forward.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“Israeli air violations of the Blue Line and Lebanese airspace continued throughout the reporting period. For a part of the month, the number of overflights increased significantly, and these were sometimes undertaken at low altitudes, breaking the sound barrier in populated areas, which caused considerable stress and frustration to the local population. We note the security concerns that Israel says compel it to continue those overflights, specifically allegations of violations of the arms embargo established pursuant to resolution 1701 (2006). However, overflights nevertheless also remain violations of resolution 1701 (2006) and also continue to undermine the credibility of both the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces. In a letter to you, Mr.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The recovery and reconstruction process of the camp is an 07-62028 extremely complex undertaking that will require very close cooperation between the Lebanese Government and UNRWA. The current estimated cost of the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared is $200 million. Of the $54 million that UNRWA requested for the flash appeal only $28 million has been received so far. UNRWA is working with affected refugees, the parties on the ground, the Lebanese Government, the army, donors and local communities to ensure that immediate and longer-term needs can be met. In the face of the enormous devastation of the camp, UNRWA's efforts to address immediate needs and restore some semblance of normal life for refugees have led to the return of nearly 1,000 families in an area on the periphery of the camp known as the "new camp".”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The Secretary-General met with the Speaker of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, majority leader Hariri, the Maronite Patriarch and a wide range of leaders from across the political spectrum. He urged Lebanese leaders, including presidential hopefuls, to place the national interest above their personal and sectarian interests at this crucial time in Lebanon's history. During the reporting period, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the Commissioner- General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) visited the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el-Bared in order to examine the UNRWA-led emergency assistance and recovery effort.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The constitutional deadline to select a new President for Lebanon by 24 November passed without the election taking place. The parliamentary session scheduled then for 30 November has been postponed to 7 December. That marked the sixth postponement of a parliamentary session to elect the new President in the past two months. Extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at mediating between the parties in Lebanon and beyond are ongoing, with the purpose of bridging the political divide. The majority and the opposition have indicated that they will continue the negotiations. The Secretary-General visited Lebanon on 15 and 16 November, with the aim of promoting the election of a new President within the constitutional time frame and provisions and with the broadest possible support.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“Spare parts are not allowed entry into Gaza, leaving medical and water sanitation equipment in disrepair. The political divide among Palestinians continued. Hamas continues to establish structures in parallel to the Palestinian Authority and convened an illegal session of the Palestinian Legislative Council to cancel all decrees taken by President Abbas since June. In the West Bank, Palestinian Authority security forces have continued to arrest Hamas militants, and Hamas security forces have continued to arrest Fatah members in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has denounced the Annapolis conference, and held protest demonstrations in both Gaza and the West Bank. Let me turn now to Lebanon. The term of President Lahoud came to an end on 23 November at midnight.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“In one positive development, on Wednesday, the Israeli Government permitted the export of strawberries and flowers from Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Rafah, the principal passenger crossing to Egypt for 1.5 million Gazans, also remains closed. Approximately 6,400 Gazans with foreign citizenship, permanent residency, work permits, student visas or university admissions have not been able to exit Gaza since June, including 670 students who are being prevented from pursuing higher education abroad. Access to specialized medical care for Gazan patients requiring treatment in Israel, the West Bank and Egypt continues to be affected, with 10 Gazans, including two women and an infant, dying since August after being prevented from leaving Gaza to receive emergency care.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The humanitarian situation on the ground, particularly in Gaza, continues to be a source of acute concern - and one that the Secretary-General has raised strongly in public statements, in writing to his Quartet colleagues and with all interlocutors at Annapolis. Karni, the principal crossing for commercial goods into and out of Gaza, remains closed. A recent food security study conducted by the World Food Programme found that although critical United Nations humanitarian food supplies are being allowed in, only 41 per cent of basic commercial food needs have been met in the past six weeks. The market has continued to witness significant price rises and shortages of commodities such as wheat grain, vegetable oil, dairy products and baby milk.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“During the period, rocket attacks by militants from Gaza have increased to more than 116 rockets and 121 mortars. The Secretary-General continues to condemn all acts of terrorism and all acts that target civilians or endanger them owing to the disproportionate or indiscriminate character of such acts. Factional fighting among Palestinians intensified - mostly in Gaza - resulting in 18 deaths, among them three children. In one particular incident, on 12 November, Hamas policemen fired on a rally of over 250,000 participants held to commemorate the death of President Arafat. The rally degenerated into rioting, and seven Fatah members were killed and some 100 were wounded. Approximately 400 Fatah supporters were arrested.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“Also, on 18 November, King Abdullah of Jordan paid his first visit to Damascus since February 2004. We have reason to be hopeful in the light of those developments, but we must not close our eyes to the difficulties on the ground. Violence continues to plague Palestinians and Israelis. During the reporting period, 42 Palestinians were killed and more than 133 injured, among them four children killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. More than 346 Palestinians have been detained by the IDF. Two Israelis have been killed and six injured. IDF Corporal 3 Gilad Shalit is in his eighteenth month of captivity in Gaza. Rockets and mortars continue to be fired by Palestinian militants on crossing points between Israel and Gaza as well as at Israeli population centres.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The Israeli Government announced a further release of 441 Palestinian prisoners - a decision that has yet to be implemented. Settlement activity continues, and no outposts have yet been dismantled. We encourage both parties to make every effort to implement all commitments and build mutual trust. I also wish to stress the active Arab diplomacy in the lead-up to the conference. A number of regional meetings were held ahead of the Annapolis conference, with Egypt taking the lead in hosting Arab leaders and Quartet Representative Blair. President Mubarak of Egypt also met Israeli Prime Minister Olmert on 20 November in Sharm el-Sheikh. In addition to a discussion on the Annapolis conference, there was a positive agreement to intensify cooperation to stop smuggling into the Gaza Strip.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“If carried through, this trilateral partnership for economic recovery and growth will serve to build the confidence of Israelis and Palestinians in a peaceful settlement. In the lead-up to the Annapolis conference, a number of developments provided important building blocks. The Palestinian Authority took steps on phase I Road Map obligations through the deployment of 300 security forces in Nablus in a bid to crack down on militants and impose law and order. That has led to a significant improvement in the security environment in Nablus. The Israeli Government has facilitated this deployment by allowing the transfer of weapons, ammunition and equipment. However, night raids by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) into Nablus continue, posing a challenge to the goal of ensuring Palestinian Authority security control.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The plan, which will form the basis of the Palestinian Authority's presentation to the donor community, demonstrates fiscal responsibility and political commitment to reform. It also lays out what Israel and the international community should do in parallel to help the Palestinian Authority to meet its economic and institutional priorities over the next three years. We trust that the plan will prove to be a solid basis for securing new financial commitments from international partners, including those in the region. We urge Council members to give it their early consideration. 07-62028 During his recent trip to the region, Quartet Representative Tony Blair joined Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad and Israeli Defence Minister Barak to highlight several initiatives that will have a substantial economic impact on the ground.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The Annapolis conference also included extensive discussion of international support for building the institutional capacity of the Palestinian Authority, setting the stage for the upcoming donor conference to be held in Paris. The Paris conference will provide an opportunity for the international community to demonstrate its determination to improve the situation on the ground. Economic recovery and the creation of a secure environment will be key to gaining popular confidence in the renewed process. The Palestinian Authority has been working hard on preparations for Paris. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Fayyad circulated a summary of the Palestinian reform and development plan for 2008- 2010.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“On the evening before the opening of the conference, the Quartet principals met in Washington and expressed their strong support for the conference. They welcomed the commitment of the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to launch bilateral negotiations towards the establishment of a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza and, ultimately, of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The statement noted that that achievement reflected "the results of months of work by the parties and by the Quartet, including the Quartet's engagement with members of the Arab League Follow-Up Committee to expand the circle of support for peace". As part of the continuing process, the Quartet will meet next month, on the sidelines of the Paris Conference, and looks forward to meeting once again with members of the Arab League.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“In addition to the host and the parties, other participants in the Annapolis conference included the Secretary-General and other Quartet members, the five permanent members of the Security Council, the Group of Eight industrialized nations, other significant donors and supporters of the process and, importantly, the representatives of the League of Arab States. Their participation signalled Arab support for the efforts of President Abbas and the determination of the Arab League to participate actively in the search for peace. Arab League members underlined their continued, united support for the Arab Peace Initiative and their 07-62028 belief in the need to achieve comprehensive peace in the region.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“He added that he had no doubt that the reality created in the region in 1967 would change significantly, and he acknowledged that this would be an extremely difficult process and that many of his people knew that but were ready for it. The joint understanding was given added significance by the context in which it was presented. President Bush opened the conference and pledged to devote his efforts during his time as President to doing all that he could to help the parties achieve their ambitious goal. He gave his personal commitment to support their work with the resources and the resolve of the American Government.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“President Abbas said that "on this day, we stretch our hands to you as equal partners in peace", stating that it was not impossible to achieve peace if there was will and good faith. He also spoke about his determination to fight terrorism "under all circumstances and from any source", saying, "We do this for our own people because we must, not because it is a political requirement". Prime Minister Olmert underlined his acknowledgement of Palestinian suffering, including that of the refugees. He stated that he knew that that pain and deprivation were one of the deepest foundations that had fomented the ethos of hatred.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“The two leaders also agreed that they will meet together on a biweekly basis. Thirdly, they committed to immediately implement their respective obligations under the Road Map and agreed to form an American, Palestinian and Israeli mechanism, led by the United States, to follow up on implementation. The leaders further committed to continue the implementation of the ongoing 2 obligations under the Road Map until they reach a peace treaty. The United States will monitor and judge the fulfilment of the commitment by both sides. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the Road Map. In addition to the joint understanding, the Israeli and Palestinian leaders individually addressed each other, the conference participants and the world.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Three days ago, the most significant breakthrough in the peace process in several years was achieved. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas reached a joint understanding, read out by President Bush at the opening of the Annapolis conference. That agreement had three important elements. First, the leaders agreed to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty, resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements. They agreed to make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008. Secondly, they agreed that a joint steering committee is to meet continuously. The committee will oversee the work of negotiations teams, and its first meeting will be held on 12 December 2007.”
2007-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5788 (2007) · source
“On behalf of the Secretary-General, I thank Mr. Kennedy for his outstanding contribution to the work of UNSCO and the entire United Nations system on the ground, which was the culmination of a distinguished career leading United Nations efforts in many complex emergencies and supporting those efforts in senior leadership positions at Headquarters. He is sorely missed, and we wish him well. The Secretary-General is moving quickly to fill both the Special Coordinator and Deputy positions. He will ensure that, pending long-term appointments, arrangements are in place for leadership of the United Nations country team at this critical time.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“07-56078 The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned for the welfare of the civilian population of Gaza and reiterates the commitment of the entire United Nations system to do its part to meet their needs. The Secretary-General regrets the continued division of the occupied Palestinian territory and fears that that will become harder to overcome the longer it is left unaddressed. He hopes that the concerned parties and regional and international players will address the situation in Gaza with wisdom, foresight and a sense of responsibility. Finally, I would like to inform the Council that the Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Kevin Kennedy, resigned from the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) at the end of last month.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“To this end, the Secretary-General hopes for an international meeting that deals with the substance of permanent peace, has broad Arab participation, produces results that positively affect the lives of Israelis and Palestinians and leads to a serious follow- on process. He therefore encourages the parties to be bold in reaching understandings on core issues and on a clear process following the international meeting. And he calls for urgent efforts by the parties to build confidence and to improve the situation on the ground by taking further steps in accordance with the Agreement on Movement and Access and Phase I of the Road Map. All of the relevant international actors should help the parties take such steps. A failure of this process would be a major setback with wide-ranging consequences.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Overflights not only constitute serious violations of Security Council resolutions, but they also undermine the credibility of both UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in the eyes of the local population and damage efforts to reduce tension, build confidence and stabilize the situation in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Israel continues to state that its air violations are to counter other breaches of resolution 1701 (2006), including violations of the arms embargo. The Secretary-General has asked me to convey to the Council his strong backing of the current diplomatic efforts. He remains committed to the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace with Israel, and a comprehensive peace in the region, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The United Nations country team in Lebanon is actively engaged in supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East efforts to implement an emergency return plan funded by a new flash appeal launched jointly with the Prime Minister and the World Bank at a donor meeting held in Beirut on 10 September 2007. I urge donors to continue to provide vital financial assistance for urgent humanitarian needs and for the reconstruction of the camp. 07-56078 During the reporting period, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported 142 overflights of Lebanese territory by Israeli planes and unmanned aerial vehicles. These overflights occurred on an almost daily basis. Some of them were at a low altitude, breaking the sound barrier in populated areas in southern Lebanon.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“It is essential that the new president be elected in accordance with the constitutional timeframe and procedures and without foreign interference. The situation within Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon remains precarious, with occasional armed clashes between Palestinian militias. Most recently, on 3 October, two people were wounded in night-time gunfire between armed supporters of Fatah and those of Hamas in the Miyah Miyah refugee camp near Sidon. Tangible improvements in living conditions inside these camps are urgently needed, given the obvious connection to the wider security situation in Lebanon. The United Nations family stands ready to work with our Lebanese and Palestinian partners towards this goal.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“We also reiterate the Quartet's urgent concern about the continued closure of Gaza and its calls for continued emergency and humanitarian assistance without obstruction and the provision of essential services. I turn to the situation in Lebanon, which is currently in the midst of presidential elections. On 25 September Speaker Berri attempted to convene parliament for a vote on a new president. The session never opened, however, due to a lack of quorum. The same day, Speaker Berri issued a call to convene parliament for a vote on the president on 23 October. However, on 22 October he postponed the scheduled session until 12 November. The election of a new president is an important milestone in reasserting Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“We are also concerned that one of the two crossings that remain open for humanitarian goods, Sufa, is slated to be closed towards the end of this month. Since mid-June, 5,936 trucks have gone through Sufa, compared with 1,654 through Kerem Shalom, the crossing that will remain open. While it has been upgraded, Kerem Shalom is unlikely to have the capacity to process the number of trucks required to meet the humanitarian needs of the population of Gaza. It is difficult to see how security concerns can justify the hardship that these measures are causing. I repeat the Secretary-General's strong injunction against the punishing of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“In July, an average of 40 critical medical cases a day crossed Erez into Israel for essential medical treatment unavailable in Gaza; in the last month, the daily average was five. According to Human Rights Watch, at least three patients that were denied exit permits have died since June, and others have lost limbs or sight due to untreated injuries and disease. Hospitals in Gaza briefly ceased conducting operations in recent days citing a lack of nitrous oxide. Over 1,000 Palestinians remain stranded in Egypt, unable to cross into Gaza with the closure of Rafah for over four months. Over 7,000 Gaza Palestinians who study or work abroad have not been allowed to leave the Strip. Cash transfers from banks in the West Bank will be subject to new restrictions.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The Secretary-General expressed his deep concern at this decision and called on Israel to reconsider it, warning against any measures of punishment of the population. While the Israeli cabinet decision stated that Israel would take into account "both the humanitarian aspects and the intention to avoid a humanitarian crisis", the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating alarmingly. In June and July, approximately 100 truckloads of humanitarian goods were entering Gaza daily; today, the number is approximately 50. Reversing a previous trend, food prices have jumped by almost 10 per cent in two months, even as poverty levels increase. Many businesses and tens of thousands of workers have lost income with the loss of materials and markets due to closures.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“One of the approximately 11,000 Palestinian prisoners remaining in Israeli jails died after injuries sustained when prison guards put down a prison riot in circumstances that are not yet clear. IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit is in his seventeenth month of captivity in Gaza. 3 The Secretary-General continues to condemn all acts of terrorism, as well as all military acts which target, endanger or harm civilians, because of their disproportionate or indiscriminate character. Members of the Council will recall Israel's decision last month to designate Gaza a hostile territory, to restrict the passage of goods, to reduce the supply of fuel and electricity and to place new restrictions on movement of people to and from the Gaza Strip.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Twenty-seven rockets and 90 mortars were fired by militants in Gaza - some at crossings, others at Israeli civilian population centres. On 7 October, for the first time in over a year, a standard Grad rocket was fired from Gaza, at the city of Netivot. The Government of Israel has stated to the United Nations that weapons continue to be smuggled into Gaza. IDF raids and incursions into West Bank cities have continued, leading to casualties. The IDF claims it has foiled attacks against Israel during the reporting period. In Israeli-Palestinian violence, 31 Palestinians, including one child, have been killed, and 153 have been injured, including 26 children, while one Israeli has been killed and six injured. Two hundred Palestinians have been detained by the IDF.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Hamas has also indicated that it opposes President Abbas's negotiations with Prime Minister Olmert and the international meeting in the absence of an internal Palestinian consensus. In Gaza, Hamas continues to confiscate weapons and vehicles of clans and rival factions, which sometimes leads to heavy clashes between Hamas forces and forces of other factions or clans. It has appointed personnel to key parts of the administrative apparatus, and it is imposing taxes on smuggled goods. Hamas's efforts to assert military and administrative control over the Strip are accompanied by allegations of human rights abuses. Allegations of abuses have also been made against Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank. Four Palestinians have been killed and 69 injured in Palestinian violence, mostly in Gaza.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The confiscated land would be used to create an alternative road network, linking the northern and southern West Bank and bypassing Jerusalem. Quartet members received a strong complaint from the Palestine Liberation Organization 07-56078 (PLO) regarding this unacceptable land confiscation, which Palestinians fear would further undermine prospects for territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State and further cut already heavily restricted Palestinian access to Jerusalem. The internal Palestinian divide remains. The Palestinian Authority continues to insist that Hamas reverse its measures of the last several months and accept the decisions taken by the President. Hamas continues to reject a return to the status quo ante, while stating that it does not intend its administration of Gaza to be permanent.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Settlement activity continued this month, despite the Quartet's call for "immediate additional steps to meet previous commitments, including under the Road Map". Settlement activity breaches the Fourth Geneva Convention, prejudges final status issues and undermines the political process. It is also a major factor in determining the extent and character of the closure regime and the route of the barrier and consequent hardship for the Palestinian population. Urgent action on an Israeli settlement freeze and the dismantling of settlement outposts is required as part of a genuine effort to resolve the conflict. The approval by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) this month of an order to confiscate almost 300 acres of Palestinian land in and around East Jerusalem is a matter of great concern.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“In addition, the announced intention to reduce the number of crossing points for goods from 12 to six, and the imposition of "back to back" transport procedures and new customs regulations, would, if implemented, significantly increase the cost of transportation of humanitarian supplies and result in possibly unsustainable operational obstacles. The United Nations is actively engaged with the Government of Israel to seek a reconsideration of those measures, in view of their impact on essential humanitarian operations. Construction of the barrier has continued throughout the reporting period in the occupied Palestinian territory, despite the 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which monitors implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access, reports that the total number of obstacles to movement currently stands at 562, compared with 563 during the previous reporting period. Socio-economic conditions in the West Bank remain a source of serious concern. Economic activity and humanitarian operations will be seriously affected by the decision of Israel to further restrict access for West Bank residents - including United Nations staff - to East Jerusalem and to the "seam zone" between the barrier and the Green Line.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“We hope that more confidence-building measures will be forthcoming. The Palestinian Authority Government continues its efforts to improve law and order but faces challenges, including in its plan to deploy 500 Palestinian Authority security personnel into Nablus. We urge the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible on the security front, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Road Map. We welcome initial steps in that regard and strongly encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to enhance cooperation on security, freedom of movement and economic rejuvenation, in close cooperation with the Quartet Representative. 07-56078 According to the Government of Israel, 24 road blocks in the West Bank and one checkpoint have been removed.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The plan will serve as the basis of the Palestinian Authority's funding package for the donor conference, which is planned to take place in Paris in the period after the international meeting and will be jointly chaired by the Governments of France and Norway and the Quartet Representative. The Palestinian Authority Government has succeeded in paying public sector salaries and anticipates that all arrears will be paid by the end of the year, but a major fiscal gap for 2008 is anticipated and urgent additional donor support will be needed, if crucial salary payments are not to be interrupted once more. The Government has also secured from Israel permits for around 3,400 family reunions in the West Bank - out of a total of 54,000 pending cases. Israel also released a further 86 Palestinian prisoners.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“I will attend a Quartet envoys meeting soon, as part of the process of consultations in preparation for the international meeting. On 24 September, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met and expressed its support for the reform agenda outlined by Prime Minister Fayad, as well as for the efforts of Quartet Representative Blair. It endorsed the establishment of a multi-donor budget funding arrangement and the holding of an inclusive donor conference. The Palestinian Authority is rapidly developing its Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, which sets out its budget support and reform and investment priorities for the coming three years.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“The Quartet met with the League of Arab States Follow-up Committee, underscoring the importance it attaches to the Arab Peace Initiative, to regional engagement in the effort underway and to the ultimate goal of a comprehensive regional peace. President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert have continued their meetings and tasked their teams, led respectively by former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Qurei and current Israeli Vice-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Livni, to work intensively on a 2 framework document for the international meeting. United States Secretary of State Rice visited the region for several days in mid-October to encourage progress and is expected in the region at least twice more in the coming period.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: The period since the last briefing has seen both Israeli-Palestinian political dialogue and international diplomatic engagement with the Middle East peace process reach their most intensive levels in years. However, there have also been several developments of concern on the ground in the West Bank and a further serious deterioration of the situation in Gaza. The Quartet offered its strong support for the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas when it met in New York on 23 September. The Quartet also pledged to support a serious and substantive international meeting and to work toward its success and for implementation of its conclusions.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source