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Serry

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2008-02-26

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2015-03-26

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un-security-council

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1. “Mr. Serry: Before I brief the Council on developments in the Middle East over the past month, allow me to share a personal experience. Last week, I attended the Palestine-Jordan soccer match in Hebron, in the company of the Palestinian Prime Minister, the Governor of Hebron and the Mayor of the city. Despite all the problems of the unresolved conflict and occupation, which are on painful display in parts of Hebron, so much of what I witnessed there that evening filled me with hope. The Palestinian security forces provided exemplary public security. The Palestinian flag flew proudly. The Palestinian people, in their thousands, cheered the home side to an honourable draw with their neighbour, Jordan, whose very presence was symbolically powerful. Today we have a Palestinian Authority that is more than a partner for peace.”

   2009-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6190 (2009) · source

2. “I urge Israelis and Palestinians alike to carefully assess the opportunity before them to serve the legitimate interests of their peoples. Israelis have an opportunity to achieve lasting peace and recognition within secure and recognized borders. Palestinians have an opportunity to see the occupation end and a Palestinian State emerge. We need both Israeli and Palestinian Governments clearly committed to a two-State solution, achieved peacefully through negotiations on all core issues; to implementing their Road Map commitments; and to changing the dynamics in Gaza. International determination is stronger than ever before to ensure that commitments made are commitments monitored and commitments kept.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

3. “On 29 April, the four generals held since 2005 in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri were released upon the recommendation of the pre-trial judge of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The overall situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations remained generally quiet over the reporting period. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces continued to carry out intensive joint operational activities during that period. Israeli air violations continued on an almost daily basis during the reporting period. Let me now conclude. As we prepare for Friday's Quartet meeting, we will be looking for a strong affirmation of the international framework for peace, as embodied in the resolutions of this Council, existing agreements and the Arab Peace Initiative.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

4. “Both countries now operate functioning embassies in each other's capitals. In the period since the last briefing, there have been a large number of arrests, including of former and current military officials, over allegations of spying for Israel. On 16 June, a low-ranking Fatah member was assassinated in Saida's Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. The assailants remain unknown. In spite of that attack, it must be noted that the situation inside the refugee camps remained calm during the elections. As concerns the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp, much work remains to be done. Complications due to the discovery of archaeological 09-37692 artefacts at the old camp site during the removal of rubble have recently caused new delays in the reconstruction schedule.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

5. “Against that background, a climate of dialogue and cooperation has prevailed in Lebanon since election day. Prime Minister Siniora's Cabinet has been acting in a caretaker capacity since the formal end of the legislative period on 20 June. The election of a new speaker of Parliament will take place on 25 June. After that step has been completed, President Sleiman will appoint the Prime Minister-designate, who will then hold formal consultations on the formation of a new Government. The Secretary-General has expressed his hope that the process of forming a new Government will proceed as expeditiously as possible and take place in a calm and secure environment. Lebanon's Ambassador to Syria arrived in Damascus to take up his post on 20 April and his Syrian counterpart presented his credentials to President Sleiman on 29 May.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

6. “Turning now to Lebanon, and mindful that the Secretary-General will submit his tenth report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) at the end of this month, I should like to focus on the most salient issues since the last briefing on 20 April (see S/PV.6107). 09-37692 The 7 June parliamentary elections were held in an atmosphere of calm and without any major security concerns. International observation missions assessed that the elections were largely free and fair. The Secretary-General congratulated the people of Lebanon and all Lebanese parties and institutions concerned on the peaceful conduct of the elections. According to the official results released by the Ministry of the Interior, candidates from the 14 March coalition won 71 out of the 128 seats in Parliament, while candidates from the 8 March coalition won 57 seats.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

7. “We continue to believe strongly in the potential for activating the regional tracks of the peace process alongside a rejuvenated Palestinian track. United States envoy Mitchell visited Lebanon and Syria on 12 and 13 June for discussions on the revitalization of regional peace efforts. The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan was quiet during the reporting period, although Israeli settlement activity continues. We continue to support the Arab Peace Initiative as a key framework for comprehensive peace, and welcome and encourage the active engagement of Arab countries in the efforts under way to create the conditions for resumed negotiations. We also continue to support the convening of an international conference in Moscow.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

8. “The Israeli Government has appointed a new negotiator on the question of Corporal Gilad Shalit, whose third anniversary in captivity was yesterday and to whom the International Committee of the Red Cross has not been granted access. Hamas continues to state its readiness to resume negotiations on that file in exchange for the release of a number of the more than 11,000 prisoners held in Israeli jails. Egyptian efforts are continuing to resolve that crucial issue. On 1 June, I met Justice Richard Goldstone when he arrived in Gaza, through Rafah, to conduct a first phase of fact-finding, pursuant to the mandate given to him by the Human Rights Council. The mission is expected to return to the Strip at the end of this month. Regrettably, the Government of Israel has not extended cooperation to the mission.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

9. “The Secretary-General has presented to Defence Minister Barak a United Nations proposal to kick-start early recovery in Gaza by opening the crossings for materials to complete United Nations construction work on housing, health and educational facilities, suspended since June 2007. The United Nations has existing mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of the programming. That proposal was developed in close consultation with the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza business community, and Prime Minister Fayyad confirmed his full support to the Secretary-General today. Intensive consultations with the Israeli Government have taken place, and we await Israel's reaction.”

   2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

10. “About 70 trucks per day have entered Gaza in the past month, which is 15 per cent less than the daily average last month and compares with 392 trucks per day in May 2007, when there was a functioning import-export system. Right before Operation Cast Lead, the daily average of trucks was 18. The quantities of cooking gas and industrial fuel allowed into Gaza met only 70 per cent and 80 per cent of the respective monthly needs. As the Secretary-General said on 11 May (see S/PV.6123), it is completely unacceptable that no reconstruction materials were allowed into Gaza when an entire civilian population was trapped in a war zone and given the scale of damage caused by Operation Cast Lead.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

11. “I commend the serious Egyptian efforts under way, on which I was briefed during a recent visit to Cairo. The Israeli Mission has informed the Secretariat of Israel's assessment that at least 330 mortars, 37 rockets, 40 anti-tank weapons, 46 anti-aircraft missiles and 17 tons of explosives have entered the Gaza Strip since Operation Cast Lead - information that the Secretariat cannot independently verify. Conditions for the civilian population remain of grave concern. Food and medicines are entering Gaza, and the first shipment of livestock in nine months entered Gaza on 19 June in the form of 350 cattle. But the overall quantity and range of goods remain grossly insufficient to support normal economic and social activity.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

12. “I believe 3 that there is now an emerging opportunity to begin shifting the dynamics. There has been a notable and welcome drop in violence during the reporting period. Since 11 May, there have been two rockets and seven mortars launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in one injury. Six Palestinians were killed and 10 were injured in clashes with the Israel Defense Forces and as a result of Israeli air strikes. Among those killed were four radical militants who tried to attack an Israeli post on 8 June. There have been efforts on the part of the de facto authorities in Gaza to enforce a cessation of rocket fire. Likewise, efforts continue in order to prevent the resupply of illicit weapons to militants in Gaza, including Egyptian efforts to close down tunnels and confiscate explosives.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

13. “Fatah and Hamas delegations met in Cairo on 8 June and are scheduled to meet again on 28 June, and efforts continue towards reaching an agreement by 7 July in Cairo. Egypt has also facilitated meetings of reconciliation committees in both Gaza and the West Bank in an effort to calm tensions and address issues such as politically motivated detentions and denials of movement. The Secretary-General strongly supports Egypt's efforts, and it is crucial that they be supported by the international community and by all regional parties. The unresolved crisis in Gaza has negative repercussions on all efforts to advance the peace process and wreaks unacceptable havoc on the fabric of civilian life in Gaza. Resolution 1860 (2009) specified the key challenges that must be met if a different and more positive strategy on Gaza is to emerge.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

14. “On 17 June, Hamas took over an independent medical non-governmental organization, the Patient's Friends Society, which runs a hospital and a number of clinics in the Strip. Building Palestinian statehood on the basis of divided societies, separate institutions and competing legitimacies is unsustainable. Hamas must re-evaluate its stance towards a two-State solution and the resort to violence against civilians, and commit to genuine political pluralism. Fatah needs to face the challenge of internal reform. I welcome President Abbas' extensive personal engagement as efforts continue to finalize arrangements for the holding of the sixth Fatah congress. Above all, the factions need to conclude an agreement to reunite within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority, as called for in resolution 1860 (2009) and by the Quartet.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

15. “In 09-37692 response to developments in the West Bank, Hamas arrested dozens of Fatah members in Gaza, ransacking homes, confiscating belongings and placing movement restrictions on Fatah political figures. Demonstrations and media campaigns in Gaza denounced the Palestinian Authority security campaigns and security coordination with Israel. The Hamas military Wing warned of an eruption of violence in the West Bank. Likewise, Hamas continues to assert its control over institutions and organizations in Gaza. On 14 June, a demonstration by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Gaza calling for Palestinian unity was violently disrupted by Hamas security forces.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

16. “Four members of the security forces were killed in gun battles with Hamas militants in Qalqiliya on 31 May and 3 June, in a security operation which also claimed the lives of four members of Hamas and one civilian. Palestinian security forces also seized arms, explosives and funds from militant groups, and reportedly foiled plans to attack security infrastructure in Nablus. A Hamas-affiliated detainee died on 15 June While in the custody of Palestinian intelligence in Hebron, in circumstances which are disputed. This leads me to a further challenge facing Palestinian State-building: reuniting Gaza and the West Bank within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. The urgency and scale of this challenge is clear from developments on the ground.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

17. “At the same time, the only sustainable way to revive the Palestinian economy and for the Palestinian Authority to receive sufficient finances from tax revenues is for Israel to ease closure measures and create an enabling environment for economic growth. The Palestinian Authority continues efforts to reform its security services and criminal justice system, with considerable international assistance. It also continues to take action against militants in accordance with its Road Map commitments. These efforts resulted in violent confrontations with Hamas in the West Bank during the reporting period, in the most intense internal Palestinian clashes since June 2007.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

18. “In a speech on 22 June, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad outlined the intention, despite the continuing conditions of occupation, to build the institutions of a Palestinian State in two years. In this regard, I am glad to report that the United Nations has finalized a medium-term response plan to guide all United Nations efforts to support a Palestinian-led process of State-building. An immediate challenge facing the Palestinian Authority is financial. When the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met in Oslo on 8 June, Prime Minister Fayyad reported that the Palestinian Authority faces a critical budget crisis. It is essential that Member States act swiftly to fulfil pledges and commit to additional budget support for the Palestinian Authority.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

19. “Fundamental alterations in Israel's policies will be required to facilitate a transformative change in the West Bank, which is the Israeli Government's stated and welcome intention. Citing security concerns, Israeli forces continued search-and-arrest operations throughout the West Bank. One Palestinian was killed and another 96, including 33 children, were injured. Five Israelis were injured by Palestinians. Today, Israel released the Speaker of the 09-37692 Palestinian Legislative Council, Hamas member Aziz Dweik, after 34 months in prison. Turning to the Palestinian side, President Abbas responded to the speech of Prime Minister Netanyahu by insisting that Israel freeze settlement activity before negotiations can resume.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

20. “Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed by Israeli order and demolition orders continue to be issued against Palestinian homeowners in East Jerusalem and in the remainder of the West Bank, with approximately 4,500 orders outstanding. We reiterate our call for an end to unilateral Israeli measures in Jerusalem and an end to house demolitions. I welcome the concrete steps taken by the Israeli Government to ease movement restrictions on key access routes into the cities of Nablus, Jericho, Qalqiliya and Ramallah. However, over 600 obstacles remain in place, as does the stringent permit system for Palestinian movement. The construction of the barrier within the occupied Palestinian territory continues, despite the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

21. “Despite efforts to remove three minor outposts during the reporting period, illegal settlement construction continued across the West Bank in contravention of the Road Map. Reports that processes to approve new construction in settlements continue as before are extremely concerning. During the reporting period, settlers injured seven Palestinians in Violent attacks, burned several fields and uprooted hundreds of olive trees. Settlers tried to take over seven dunums of Palestinian land in East Jerusalem, leading to violent clashes with local Palestinian residents. There continues to be inadequate enforcement of the rule of law against violent settlers. However, I welcome the decision of the Israeli Government to offer financial compensation to 50 Palestinian plaintiffs affected by settler violence in Hebron in November 2008.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

22. “On 14 June 2009, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli Government would accept a Palestinian State, but under stringent conditions related to territory, security, refugees, Jerusalem and the character of the State of Israel. The speech represented a step forward given the previous positions of the current Government. I reiterate what the Secretary-General told the Council last month: "Action on the ground, together with a genuine readiness to negotiate on all core issues, including Jerusalem, borders and refugees, based on Israel's existing commitments, will be the true tests of Israel's commitment to the two-State solution." (S/PV.6123, p. 3) In this regard, the Israeli Government failed to commit to or announce measures to begin to implement a freeze on all settlement activity, including natural growth.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

23. “Mr. Serry: Since the Council met on 11 May, international diplomatic efforts to reinvigorate the search for peace in the Middle East have continued. The Quartet principals will meet on 26 June in Trieste, where the Quartet will also meet with members of the Arab League follow-up committee. In advance of the Quartet, Arab foreign ministers will meet in Cairo and Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet United States envoy Mitchell in Paris. These meetings are part of a concerted push to secure the required commitments and actions from the parties to create conditions for relaunching efforts for a two-State solution. United States President Obama's 4 June speech in Cairo reiterated his commitment to the creation of a Palestinian State and the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

    2009-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6150 (2009) · source

24. “We look forward to an active and systematic international effort at conflict resolution - one which combines the weight, resources and legitimacy of the Quartet's members and partners and ensures that a process that has been described as irreversible is just that. The Secretary- General remains firmly committed to doing everything he can to achieve an end to occupation and an end to conflict, resulting in two States living side by side in peace, within secure and recognized borders, and 5 comprehensive peace in the region, in accordance with the Security Council resolutions.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

25. “We continue to believe in the importance and potential of Israeli-Syrian negotiations and hope that it will be possible, in the year ahead, to further that track alongside a reinvigorated Israeli-Palestinian track. The Secretary-General believes that a comprehensive regional approach to peace, as embodied in the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of the Security Council, is required if bilateral efforts are to bear fruit. He looks forward to a collaborative finalization of plans for an international conference in Moscow. The Secretary-General intends to actively engage his regional and international partners, including in the Quartet, on the way ahead.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

26. “A rally took place on Martyrs' Square on 14 February to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack that killed former Prime Minister Hariri and 22 others. A politician close to Druze leader Walid Jumblat was stabbed to death after attending the commemoration. An investigation is under way. On 16 February, a rally was organized to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of Imad Mughnieh. Turning now to other regional aspects, settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan has continued. Israeli-Syrian talks facilitated by Turkey were discontinued as a result of the Gaza crisis, at a time when there appeared to be prospects for progress.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

27. “Domestically, Lebanon continues to enjoy a period of relative stability, and the implementation of the May 2008 Doha Agreement took place on schedule. There are, however, signs of increased political tensions in the run-up to the parliamentary elections, which the Ministry of the Interior announced would take place on 7 June 2009. Technical preparations for the elections appear to be on track. Candidates will have approximately one month to register, starting on 2 March. The national dialogue, which brings together Lebanon's main political leaders or their representatives, met on 22 December and 26 January to discuss, among other issues, the Gaza crisis and the national defence strategy. The next session of the dialogue will be held on 2 March.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

28. “On 29 and 30 January, two explosions took place in the Palestinian camps of Wavel and Ein el Hilweh. The motives are unknown and no injuries were reported. Progress, albeit slow, continues to be made towards the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp. Despite the considerable amounts of unexploded ordnance that continue to be found at the site, there has been progress with rubble removal, and reconstruction is set to start within the next month. On 29 January, the Lebanese Cabinet signed a decree relating to property located in the camp, paving the way for faster progress in reconstruction. Securing adequate funding for the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared remains an issue of serious concern.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

29. “Turning to Lebanon, mindful that the Secretary- General will present his report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) at the end of this month, allow me to brief the Council on issues that will not be addressed in the upcoming report. The crisis in Gaza led to considerably increased tension in Lebanon. Frequent demonstrations took place throughout the country, including inside several Palestinian camps. For the most part, those demonstrations were quite small and peaceful. Divisions between the PLO and Hamas have not translated into open confrontation in Lebanon, where local Palestinian party leaders continue to stress that it would be in no one's interest to escalate intra- Palestinian tensions. There is still concern that events might affect Palestinian camps in Lebanon.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

30. “The barrier continues to be constructed within occupied Palestinian territory in deviation from the Green Line and contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. As the Council is aware, I and my colleagues report the same basic points regarding settlements in every briefing. The approach taken since Annapolis to ensure the implementation of Road Map commitments to freeze settlement activity, including natural growth, and remove outposts has not worked. That is a clear challenge that must be addressed. In that context, in the aftermath of the Gaza crisis and the continuing political uncertainties, official communication between the Israeli and Palestinian Governments is limited. The bilateral negotiation process on the core issues, on which so much effort was expended during 2008, is for now effectively on hold.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

31. “On 2 February, the Israeli Government submitted a proposal in the High Court to evacuate the settlement outpost of Migron, built on privately owned Palestinian land, by relocating 45 settler families to permanent structures in another settlement, Givat Binyamin. Meanwhile, there have been a number of Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians, including a shooting attack on 12 February that injured seven Palestinians, five of them children, as well as continued incidents of settlers attempting to force Palestinians off their land by blocking access, placing trailers or clearing for cultivation. Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed by Israeli order.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

32. “On the ground, Israel has eased certain closure measures, although curfews were imposed on 17 January on Nablus and Qalqiliya. Over 150 Palestinians have been arrested by the IDF and there have been three fatalities, including one child, and 96 injuries, including 22 children, from IDF actions. Illegal settlement activity continues, prejudicing final status negotiations and undermining Palestinians who seek a negotiated peace. According to one monitoring group, there was a 69 per cent increase in the number of new structures built in settlements in 2008 over the previous year. Planning to seize over 1,700 dunums of Palestinian land for the expansion of the settlement of Efrat has been reported.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

33. “That has preserved the important law-and-order gains made in 2008 for the well-being of the Palestinian people. In fulfilment of their road map obligations, Palestinian security forces have resumed actions to disarm militants. We note that a commission of inquiry has been established with regard to the death under unclear circumstances of a Hamas member in Palestinian Authority custody. There is a continuing need for donors to deliver quickly on pledges, as the Government is still obliged to meet regular monthly budgetary commitments through interim measures. The amounts anticipated for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction are, of course, in addition to the Palestinian Authority's existing salary, pension and other social safety net commitments.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

34. “The Board of Inquiry established by the Secretary-General into incidents in Gaza has commenced its work in New York and is expected to travel soon to the region. The Board will review and investigate a number of specific incidents that occurred in the Gaza Strip between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 in which death or injuries occurred or damage was done to United Nations premises. The Secretary-General expects that the board will enjoy the full cooperation of all parties concerned. The situation in Gaza must not distract us from the overall political process or the challenges on the ground in the West Bank. It is a testament to the efforts of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad that relative calm and security were maintained in the West Bank during the Gaza crisis.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

35. “For its part, the Palestinian Authority is preparing a Gaza early recovery and reconstruction plan, which is to be presented at the conference to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh on 2 March, which the Secretary-General looks forward to attending. The Palestinian Authority's plan will constitute the basis for donor pledges. Ahead of the presentation of the plan, we welcome the initiatives of Prime Minister Fayyad to provide immediate assistance to the civilian population in Gaza, with United Nations assistance. Those include $50 million in cash transfers for temporary shelter, $11 million and $6 million for electricity and water pipeline repairs and a $600 million housing loan guarantee scheme to supplement cash assistance.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

36. “We call on Hamas not to interfere in the operations of the United Nations. The United Nations mine action team on the ground is working to render unexploded ordnance safe and has made significant progress in ensuring the safety of the civilian population and enabling humanitarian operations to provide much-needed aid. The removal by unknown persons to an unknown location of several unexploded aircraft bombs from a local police traffic compound underscores the need to identify a secure site to which unexploded ordnance can be transported and secured. The United Nations is seeking the return of those hazardous materials.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

37. “The United Nations is in constant dialogue with the Government of Israel with regard to humanitarian conditions and access into Gaza, in pursuance of the approach outlined by Under-Secretary-General Holmes in his recent briefing to the Council. While we appreciate Israel's stated readiness to address humanitarian needs, we have not yet seen truly open crossings for required access, which is so crucial given the extent of the needs in Gaza. Meeting the 3 humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza is Israel's obligation under international law. The United Nations continues to take concrete steps to ensure the integrity of its humanitarian operations in Gaza. On 6 February, UNRWA suspended operations after Hamas confiscated food aid and blankets. Following the return of the confiscated goods, distribution resumed on 9 February.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

38. “Tens of thousands are without water, and hundreds of thousands suffer from intermittent supply as a result of damage to infrastructure, which cannot be repaired due to the lack of spare parts. It is a positive development that electricity shortages have decreased as a result of increased amounts of industrial fuel entering the Strip, and that only small shortages of medicines are reported. As Council members know, on 2 February 2009, in Geneva, the United Nations issued a flash appeal covering funding needs of $613 million over nine months for 188 non-governmental organization and United Nations projects in the fields of food needs, cash-for-work and cash assistance programmes, shelter, agriculture, mental health support, protection, and others.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

39. “There have been no exports for 13 months, save for one solitary truck, with flowers for export to Europe, which left Gaza last week after third-party intervention. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the Israeli operation damaged or destroyed 14,000 homes, as well as public buildings, schools and entire industrial estates, leaving destruction in some places that is shocking to see. Thousands of Gazans remain homeless. Despite gradual improvement in the supply of food since the ceasefire, the level of food insecurity is estimated at 75 per cent due to shortages and inflated prices. While some cash was recently transferred, more must be allowed into the Strip, as there is a physical inability for people to pay for goods.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

40. “The Gaza Strip remains desperately short of basic household, commercial and industrial goods and supplies, as more than 90 per cent of all imports during the reporting period were food and medical supplies. Only 52 per cent of needed industrial fuel and 23 per cent of the necessary quantity of cooking gas entered the Strip during the reporting period. The total ban on 09-24102 the import of petrol and diesel, in place since 2 November 2008, has continued, except for small quantities delivered to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Twelve trucks carrying bulk paper to print UNRWA teaching materials have not been able to enter Gaza, leaving 60 per cent of children in UNRWA schools without required textbooks.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

41. “Six Palestinians, including one child, were killed by the Israeli army, and another 30 Palestinians, including eight children, were injured. There is an urgent need for all acts of violence to cease, and for full respect of international humanitarian law by all parties. I should also add that there have been reports of a number of worrisome incidents of Hamas in Gaza purportedly taking revenge on alleged collaborators, which has led to the death of at least one activist from a rival movement. In the month since major hostilities ceased, a daily average of some 146 truckloads have entered Gaza. That is four times what entered Gaza in December 2008 but only a third of what entered in May 2007.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

42. “I emphasize these points because, one month since unilateral ceasefires were declared, a proper ceasefire regime is still not in place, and there is an ever-present danger of a return to the unsustainable conditions of last year, or even of renewed and more devastating violence. Since the end of major hostilities, in attacks that are as irresponsible as they are unacceptable, Palestinian militants have fired 15 rockets and 12 mortars towards Israel and detonated an explosive device against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) jeep on the Israeli side of the fence. The Israeli army has conducted 19 air strikes in Gaza. One Israeli soldier was killed by Palestinians and another three soldiers and two civilians have been injured.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

43. “09-24102 It is clear from the experience of last year's tahdiya that a ceasefire regime will only be durable if there is broader progress, including an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for the release of Israeli captive Gilad Shalit, continued cooperation and action to prevent resupply of weapons to Gaza, the full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access, and Palestinian unity - steps which would also pave the way for the longer-term recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. A coordinated international response to concrete progress on these issues would be crucial, in sharing information regarding implementation and in assisting in crisis prevention and management, in support of Egypt's efforts.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

44. “Even as we await the outcome of these internal processes, an immediate priority is to address the situation in Gaza, as called for in resolution 1860 (2009). Egypt is conducting talks with Israel and Hamas aimed at achieving a durable and sustainable ceasefire. I visited Cairo on 3 February and reiterated the Secretary-General's support for these efforts, as backed by the League of Arab States. We still await progress in the efforts under way.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

45. “On the Israeli side, the challenge ahead is the formation of a new Government after elections on 10 February produced a result with no clear winner. Following consultations with party leaders, President Peres is expected to commission one of them to try to form a coalition Government, a process which could take several weeks. Prime Minister Olmert will continue to lead the Government until a new coalition is formed. Any Israeli Government should abide by Israel's commitments, including to implement its Road Map obligations and to pursue continuous final status negotiations on all core issues without exception, as was reaffirmed by the parties before the Quartet in Sharm el-Sheikh last November.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

46. “We urge them to find common ground in Cairo so that the many outstanding issues can be tackled and unity achieved, leading to a united Government and paving the way for the conduct of presidential and legislative elections. We urge all regional and international parties to create an environment conducive to the success of Egypt's efforts. As the Quartet agreed in December, restoring unity on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) principles would be an important factor in progress towards the fulfilment of the Quartet's principles - the more so in the context of a durable Gaza ceasefire. As the Secretary-General informed the Council last month, the United Nations will work with a united Palestinian Government encompassing Gaza and the West Bank under President Abbas.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

47. “In this regard, the Secretary-General takes heart from the active engagement of the Security Council, including through resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009). The Secretary-General also welcomes the clear statements of intent and early engagement of President Obama and his new Administration, including the appointment and deployment of Special Envoy Mitchell. The United 2 Nations and its Members, including those gathered in the Quartet, have political responsibilities that need to be shouldered. But Israelis and Palestinians need to shoulder their responsibilities too. Palestinians must face the challenge of reconciliation. We note the resumption of direct Fatah-Hamas contacts in recent weeks and look forward to the planned meeting of all Palestinian factions in Cairo on 22 February.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

48. “Mr. Serry: The Council is meeting at a difficult but also formative moment for the future of the Middle East. A number of realities have to be squarely addressed if peace is to be advanced: the severe humanitarian, economic and political repercussions of the Gaza crisis; continued Palestinian divisions; a new political situation in Israel; the inconclusive results of last year's Israeli-Palestinian negotiations; unmet Road Map obligations, especially regarding settlements; and the freeze in indirect Israeli-Syrian negotiations. The challenges are daunting, but peace can prevail - and it must. In the year ahead, the international community will need to be united and determined, and it must intensify its efforts.”

    2009-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6084 (2009) · source

49. “Again, those efforts will be placed in serious jeopardy if the calm is not respected, so we will need the help of all Council members to make that happen in the time to come.”

    2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

50. “Let me make one thing very clear: The return of full-scale violence to the Gaza Strip cannot be in the interests of the Palestinian people. The rocket attacks on Israel and the crossings must stop and all acts of violence must cease, including Israeli incursions and air strikes. We had an important Quartet meeting on Monday, calling for the continuous provision of humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza. In fact, what we have now is international unity behind efforts to secure the reopening of crossings and an easing of the unacceptable suffering of the Palestinian people, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General has personally led those efforts.”

    2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source