YouSaid · the spoken record

Tor Wennesland

lines on the record: 104
first: 2021-01-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Palestinian and Israeli civilians continue to endure the suffering that accompanies repeated cycles of violence and conflict. These cycles of violence will stop only with a political resolution of the conflict, including addressing the status of Jerusalem and other final-status issues; putting an end to the occupation; and the realization of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, United Nations resolutions, international law and mutual agreements, with Jerusalem as capital of both Israel and Palestine. I reiterate my call to the members of the Middle East Quartet, key Arab and international partners and the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to strengthen efforts to return to meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“I reiterate the appeal just given by the Secretary-General for an immediate cessation of hostilities and his dire warning that this conflict will increase radicalization and extremism in the whole region. The international community has a crucial role to play. It must take action now to enable the parties to step back from the brink. I welcome the statements from members of the Security Council, the League of Arab States and others aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the immediate crisis. I also appreciate the efforts of leaders across the international community in recent days urging all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and prevent further civilian casualties. We are once again witnessing the tragic results of the failure to address the core issues that have driven the conflict for decades.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The United Nations must also be able to bring in key items needed for trauma care and to adequately supply shelters, given the huge influx of internally displaced persons. That will require a pause in the fighting to allow limited movement for supplies to be restocked and to assess needs and damages, including to electricity infrastructure. I remind all sides that the United Nations and its partners have nearly completed a massive multibillion-dollar reconstruction effort following the 2014 conflict. Given the range of current global challenges, an outpouring of international support on the same scale is highly unlikely. All sides should be mindful of that as the fighting and destruction continue. We cannot allow the situation to slide further into chaos. The hostilities must stop.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The health system, which is already overwhelmed by chronic medicine shortages, inadequate equipment and the coronavirus disease pandemic, will likely be unable to meet the needs of those injured during the violence, particularly as hospitals face equipment and electricity shortages. Since 10 May, Israeli authorities have kept Gaza crossings for people and goods closed, including for humanitarian personnel and critical aid, such as fuel and medical supplies. The fishing zone off the coast of Gaza also remains closed. The Rafah crossing was closed on 12 May and reopened this morning. It is vital that, mindful of its security concerns, Israel open the crossings for the movement of critical staff in and out of Gaza and for the entry of fuel for the Gaza power plant.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“That is the highest number of Palestinian fatalities recorded in a single day in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the United Nations began recording fatalities in 2008. Turning again to Gaza, the damage to infrastructure in the Gaza Strip has been substantial and a humanitarian emergency is unfolding. The Gaza power plant is operating at reduced capacity due to Israel’s closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing. Reports from Gaza suggest rolling daily power cuts of 5 to 6 hours in some areas. With current stocks, it will be able to operate at reduced capacity for another four days only. The lack of electricity has resulted in a decrease of clean water and sewage treatment, affecting hundreds of thousands of people.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Although the Israeli authorities took steps to re-route the Jerusalem Day marches, leading to their cancellation, tensions continued, particularly within the Holy Esplanade. In Sheikh Jarrah, the Israeli security forces dispersed demonstrators using skunk water, sponge-tipped bullets and stun grenades. One Palestinian was killed and another shot and injured in separate incidents after they attempted to attack Israeli soldiers. On 14 May, violence escalated as Palestinians held a “Day of Rage” in support of Gaza, with clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Qalqilya, Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron and dozens of other locations. Ten Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces, in addition to one Palestinian killed near Ofra settlement in an alleged stabbing attack against the Israeli security forces.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Since 10 May, 19 Palestinians have been killed, including two children, and some 1,844 Palestinians have been injured in the West Bank by the Israeli security forces, either in clashes or other incidents, 444 of them by live ammunition. At least eight Israelis were injured in these incidents, according to Israeli Government sources. On 10 May, amid heavy presence of the Israeli security forces ahead of planned Jerusalem Day marches, thousands of Palestinians clashed with police in and around the Holy Esplanade and other parts of the Old City. The Israeli security forces reportedly shot and injured more than 650 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and other crowd-control means. Thirty-two personnel from the Israeli security forces were injured in the clashes.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon observed several protesters crossing the Blue Line close to the town of Metula. IDF personnel fired multiple warning shots, reportedly injuring two. According to Lebanese authorities, a Lebanese citizen later died. The Lebanese Armed Forces arrested several protesters following the incident. In addition, three rockets were launched from Syria. There were no reports of damage or injuries. Mass protests in solidarity with Palestinians also occurred at Israeli borders with Jordan, where thousands of Jordanians marched towards the bridge connecting Jordan to the occupied West Bank but were reportedly stopped short by the Jordanian security forces. Violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to increase.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The Israeli authorities must abide by the international humanitarian law principles governing armed conflict, including the proportional use of force and exercising maximum restraint to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations. I reiterate that children should not be the target of violence or put in harm’s way. Turning briefly to the ongoing regional dynamics, on 13 May the IDF reported that three rockets were fired from Lebanon into the sea off the coast of northern Israel. The Lebanese Armed Forces confirmed that firing and reported finding materiel close to a Palestinian refugee camp in Rashidiyeh. On 14 May, up to 100 individuals protested north of the Blue Line, some waving Palestinian and Hizbullah flags.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The United Nations is working tirelessly with all sides to restore calm. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s urgent call for Israeli and Palestinian armed groups to take immediate and decisive steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life. Israelis and Palestinians have a legitimate right to safety and security. The violence we are now witnessing is unacceptable and unjustifiable. Hamas and other militants’ indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighbourhoods into civilian population centres in Israel violates international humanitarian law and must cease immediately. Civilian areas must never be used for military purposes.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“According to the IDF, these buildings contained Hamas military installations. Reports continue of families — women, children and infants — being killed in their homes by the air strikes. Early this morning, several houses were struck while residents were inside, killing 12 people and injuring more than 50 others. I also note the deaths yesterday of nine family members — two women and seven children — in the Al-Shati camp, among so many others. In Israel, a 5-year-old boy was killed by a rocket in Sderot and a 16-year-old girl and her father were killed in Lod. Such tragedies are unacceptable and cannot be justified or measured. This escalation has already produced tragic results. A further intensification of hostilities will have devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The population must repeatedly try to find cover from the strikes in the absence of proper shelters and more than 34,000 people have been displaced from their homes. More than 40 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools are now open in Gaza as shelters, with limited access to water and no access to health care or food and serve for protection purposes only. The dense and closed context of Gaza makes seeking shelter all the more difficult. As a result of the military operations, seven factories, 40 schools and at least four hospitals have sustained complete or partial damage. At least 18 buildings, including four high-rise towers, including one hosting international media outlets, have been destroyed, and more than 350 buildings damaged.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“In response to the Palestinian militant rocket attacks that began on 10 May, the IDF has conducted over 950 strikes against what it said were militant targets, including weapons factories and depots, tunnel networks, Hamas training facilities, intelligence and security headquarters and offices and the homes of senior Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives. Those strikes have killed more than 100 operatives, including senior commanders, according to the IDF. Nevertheless, the civilian death toll, including children, continues to mount. As of this afternoon local time, health authorities in Gaza report that 181 Palestinians, including at least 52 children, 31 women and one person with disabilities, have been killed and 1,200 injured in these strikes.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“An anti-tank missile fired at a vehicle near the Gaza perimeter fence killed one Israeli soldier and injured two others. Rockets have reached as far as the outskirts of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and its suburbs and Ben Gurion airport. While a significant number of rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome, some 450 fell short inside Gaza, accounting for some Palestinian casualties according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Direct hits have been reported in multiple locations, causing damage to residential and commercial property, as well as schools and a crude oil pipeline. In Gaza, the humanitarian and security situation is more dire by the day.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“With some 181 Palestinians and nine Israelis killed as a result of Israeli air strikes and Palestinian militant rockets, based on preliminary figures, the toll of this deadly confrontation is already too high. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of all those who have lost loved ones to the violence. According to Israeli official sources, since 10 May Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militants have launched more than 2,900 indiscriminate rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. According to Israel’s Office of the Prime Minister, nine Israelis, including five women and two children, and one Indian national were killed, while more than 250 were injured, 23 of whom were severely wounded. Civilians across the south and the centre of the country have been repeatedly sent to shelters.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The past week has seen a deadly escalation between Israeli military forces and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza that is the most serious we have seen in years. We have also witnessed dramatic scenes of violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Tensions have been ongoing for weeks. In the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, there have been protests and clashes over the threat of Palestinian evictions commenced by settler organizations. In the Old City, including the Holy Esplanade, there have been violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli civilians and police. Police deployed a heavy presence in the area in the context of a large number of visitors for Ramadan prayers, protests and Israeli extremist demonstrations, leading to clashes.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Despite the myriad challenges, we remain focused on the goal of advancing a two-State solution — an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements. It is crucial that the international community, and particularly the Middle East Quartet, signal a way forward towards an end to occupation and the achievement of a sustainable peace. That includes creating a clear political horizon and encouraging practical steps by all sides to set the stage for a successful return to negotiations. The United Nations remains committed to working, through the Quartet and with other regional and international partners, to support Israelis and Palestinians in those efforts.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In recent interviews conducted by UN-Women with young people in Gaza and the West Bank, one young woman, whose view was not unique, said the following: “Although I am not into politics, I am a member of this society and want to have a voice. Even if those I vote for do not win, at least I will have exercised my right to vote.” The successful completion of inclusive Palestinian elections is a critical step towards renewing the democratic legitimacy of the Palestinian Government. The elections should also pave the way to uniting Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate national authority, which would be an important step towards reconciliation and could advance Middle East peace. The path forward will not be easy and will require political courage from all sides.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“UNIFIL remains engaged with the parties to contain incidents and defuse tensions, including through its liaison and coordination efforts and robust presence on the ground. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize that expectations for the holding of elections in Palestine are high and come after a long wait of almost 15 years. Since my last briefing (see S/2021/302), a growing number of young people are expected to participate in shaping their political future and having the opportunity to vote for the first time. Now that the legal registration and challenge period has concluded, there remain no key technical obstacles to the holding of elections in a practical manner.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligation to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and prevent the escalation of the situation across the ceasefire line. In Lebanon, a new Government has still not been formed, delaying the implementation of crucial reforms and related international support, which are urgently needed to address the ever-worsening socioeconomic situation and growing humanitarian needs. In the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations the situation remained tense, including due to incidents of weapons pointing between the IDF and the Lebanese Armed Forces across the Blue Line.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. I reiterate that the Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and may use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Particular care should be taken to protect children from any form of violence. In addition, the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centres violates international law and must stop immediately. Turning to the region, on the Golan Heights, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained despite the continued violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties, leading to increasing tensions.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“On 6 April, the Israeli security forces shot and killed a 45-year-old Palestinian man at a checkpoint set up during an operation of the Israeli security forces in Bir Nabala village, north of Jerusalem. The man died of his injuries and his 35-year-old wife, also in the vehicle, was injured. The Israeli security forces initially said that the man had attempted a ramming attack — an account disputed by the man’s wife and eyewitnesses. The Israeli security forces opened an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, settlers and other Israeli civilians perpetrated some 20 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in eight injuries and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated some 20 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in seven injuries and damage to property.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In retaliation for each incident, the IDF fired at what it said were Hamas-linked targets in the Gaza Strip. No injuries were reported. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations and other incidents resulted in the death of one Palestinian and injuries to 29 Palestinians, including five children and one woman. Eight Israelis, including one woman, were injured in the course of those events. Since the beginning of Ramadan, there have been repeated clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces and Israeli civilians in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, leading to injuries and arrests. I call on all sides to take steps to de-escalate tensions and maintain calm.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“On the basis of an Israeli law, passed in 1994, which bars activity in Jerusalem by the Palestinian Authority without prior approval, on 6 April, the Israeli security forces shut down a meeting related to Palestinian elections at the Ambassador Hotel in East Jerusalem, calling in for questioning the hotel manager as well as the director of the Fatah office in Jerusalem. Daily violence also continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. In Gaza, on 24 March, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired some 10 missiles at what it said were Hamas targets in retaliation for a rocket fired towards Israel the previous day. On 15 and 16 April, militants in Gaza fired two rockets towards Israel. The rockets landed in open fields, causing no damage or injury.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“I welcome the efforts of the Government to translate international frameworks into commitments and actions. I reiterate United Nations support for the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda in Palestine. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continued during the reporting period. OCHA will provide details on relevant developments shortly. However, allow me to reiterate my call upon Israel to cease that practice, in line with its obligations under international law, and to allow Palestinians to develop their communities.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In a positive development, on 7 April, the United States announced plans to restart its economic, humanitarian, development and security assistance to Palestinians, including some $150 million in funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). I welcome the resumption of United States support, including to UNRWA. I appeal to all Member States to remobilize support to UNWRA, whose services are not only a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees but also critical to stability throughout the region. Funding the United Nations response is the fastest and most efficient way to address urgent needs in the occupied Palestinian territory. On 5 April, the Palestinian Government adopted the second national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“As the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic has significantly exacerbated a seemingly never-ending fiscal and economic crisis in both the West Bank and Gaza, support for the Palestinian Government’s response must continue to be a priority. The Palestinian Government vaccination campaign, which officially began in the West Bank and Gaza last month, continued throughout the reporting period. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has received more than 300,000 vaccine doses to date. Israel has continued its efforts to vaccinate segments of the Palestinian population in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, as well as more than 100,000 Palestinians holding permits to enter Israel. I welcome all efforts carried out thus far to vaccinate the Palestinian population, but the process needs to be accelerated and more vaccines are needed.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In particular, I urge all parties to refrain from any arrest, detention or interrogation based on freedom of opinion, freedom of expression or freedom of association. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a formidable threat throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. I am seriously concerned by the significant rise in active cases in Gaza, where the daily infection rate is reaching its highest level since the onset of the pandemic. In the West Bank, many hospitals remain at or near full capacity. My colleague from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will brief Council members after me and will provide greater detail on that situation.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“On 11 April, the CEC announced that, of the 231 objections submitted to the CEC against registered candidates, 226 had been rejected, four withdrawn and one accepted. The Electoral Court upheld the CEC decisions on 18 appeals brought before the Court. That concludes the legal process to challenge the electoral lists. Final lists are expected to be published on 30 April, the start of the official campaign period. I emphasize that any disputes should be resolved in a peaceful manner and through official legal mechanisms. All sides must provide for and protect the rights of Palestinians across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to participate in credible and inclusive Palestinian elections, as well as to stand for election free from intimidation.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The United Nations has engaged regularly with the Palestinian parties and the Central Elections Commission (CEC) to facilitate preparations for the elections and will continue its support for the election process. To date, the CEC has performed its duties with professionalism and integrity, enhancing trust in the electoral process. In particular, I welcome the CEC’s efforts to plan for and implement special measures to ensure safe voting in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. I also underscore the critical role of election observers to ensure respect for the results of a credible and transparent process. The candidate registration period concluded on 31 March. On 6 April, the CEC announced that all 36 registered electoral lists were approved.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Allow me to begin by wishing all Muslims of the world a blessed Ramadan. I brief the Security Council today as Palestinians and Israelis are immersed in consequential political and electoral processes. Preparations continue for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, scheduled for 22 May, while Israelis are engaged in efforts to form a governing coalition after the elections held on 23 March. Such developments may have significant implications for the prospects for advancing peace in the months ahead. The holding of credible elections in Palestine is a crucial step towards renewing the legitimacy of national institutions and re-establishing Palestinian national unity. I encourage international support for those efforts.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“This means Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. And I reiterate my call on the members of the Middle East Quartet, key Arab and international partners, as well as to Israeli and Palestinian leadership, to strengthen efforts to return to meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“A collective, robust approach is crucial to tackling this deadly adversary and rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of all those impacted by the virus. The Palestinian election process continues with a successful voter-registration exercise. The finalization of electoral lists and candidates is ongoing. The international community must continue, Throughout the process, to support Palestinian efforts aimed at restoring democracy and legitimacy to their national institutions. This includes the deployment of observation missions, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. Finally, I remain committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of fulfilling the vision of two States.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Collective support for UNRWA and common responsibility for its funding are essential for its sustainability and a critical element for regional stability. At the same time, humanitarian partners continue their efforts aimed at assisting the 1.8 million most vulnerable Palestinians, including 1.4 million in Gaza, through targeted assistance and programming. To date, only 21 per cent of the $417 million Humanitarian Response Plan for the occupied Palestinian territory has been funded. I encourage donors to consider additional support for 2021 to avoid further deterioration. In closing, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a very real threat to the health, security and prosperity of Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“I would like to reiterate that the fate of two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two Israel Defence Forces soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza remains an important humanitarian concern. I call upon Hamas to provide full information related to their condition, as required by international humanitarian law. I also remain deeply concerned at the continued Israeli practice of holding the bodies of killed Palestinians and call on Israel to return withheld bodies to their families in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. I remain seriously concerned by UNRWA’s financial situation. UNRWA is not only a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, but it is also critical for regional stability.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Pertinent authorities must carry out thorough, independent, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force. Settler-related violence also remains of great concern, and I urge Israel to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population, in line with its responsibilities under international law. I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. I also emphasize that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, which must be unequivocally condemned by all. Likewise, the launching of indiscriminate rockets and incendiary devices towards Israeli population centres violates international law and must stop.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The significant new funding for these organizations approved by the United States Congress is a crucial vote of confidence at a challenging moment and a positive signal of renewed support for the search for peace in Israel and Palestine. I encourage additional States Members of the United Nations to continue and to increase their assistance for these activities. I am deeply concerned by the daily violence that continues to fuel mistrust and drives us further from a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I am particularly concerned that children are so often the victims. Children should never be the target of violence by any party, nor be exposed to violence. I reiterate that security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The United Nations will continue to support the Palestinian people, including through facilitating and supporting preparations for these important elections, which are crucial for renewing the legitimacy of national political institutions. Let me underscore how critical it is to preserve political space within the context of elections, but not solely in that regard. I call on authorities on all sides to ensure that political actors, civil society representatives and human rights defenders are able to exercise their democratic rights free from intimidation and threats. Let me also welcome the important efforts of civil society organizations working towards peace.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Taking into consideration its legitimate security concerns, I urge Israel to ease the restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza, in line with resolution 1860 (2009), with the goal of ultimately lifting them. Only by fully lifting the debilitating closures can we hope to sustainably resolve the humanitarian crisis. Palestinian unity is essential for progress, and free, fair and inclusive elections throughout Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are a first step. I am encouraged by the steady advance towards the holding of Palestinian elections and urge the parties to carry on their dialogue and overcome remaining differences.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“I reiterate my call on Israel to increase the number of permits for Palestinian workers, and I call on both sides to address outstanding fiscal files and issues related to corresponding banking relations. Nevertheless, I remain concerned by the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The threat of another major escalation has not disappeared. The Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism remains critical to facilitating reconstruction, as well as to supporting vital infrastructure projects designed to bolster Gaza’s water and energy networks. However, humanitarian and economic support will not alone overcome Gaza’s challenges. It is vital that Hamas and other factions end militant activity and the military build-up.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The restart of coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority places the Palestinian Government in a more solid fiscal position and could portend greater communication between the sides on a variety of critical issues. Despite an increase in infections in the West Bank, since early February vaccines have begun arriving in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, one of the earliest middle-income countries to receive shipments of COVID-19 vaccines. This is a critical first step towards recovery and a more sustainable reopening of the economy. I welcome the commitment shown by donors at the February AHLC meeting to support Palestinian efforts to respond to and recover from the pandemic.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“United Nations agencies, in particular the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNRWA and their partners will continue to support vaccination efforts. Israeli facilitation of vaccine deliveries remains essential, and I appreciate this cooperation. Support for the Palestinian COVID-19 response should be significantly enhanced to ensure that Palestinians throughout the occupied Palestinian territory receive a fair and timely share in the distribution of vaccines. By every measure, 2020 was a year of setbacks for the Palestinians, their institutions and their economy. Yet we begin 2021 with a degree of guarded optimism.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“I urge Israel to cease the advancement of all settlement activity immediately. We have witnessed a spike in demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures, which include internationally funded humanitarian projects. I urge Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and to approve plans that would enable these communities to build legally and address their development needs. COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on Palestinians. In addition to the brutal impact on public health, the recurrent lockdowns, school closures and reduction of commercial activity have severely undermined living conditions. In view of these challenges, I commend the Palestinian Government’s efforts to plan and implement its vaccination campaign.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 8 February, the League of Arab States issued a statement reiterating its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. In closing, I would like to share some broad observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. I am deeply concerned by the continued Israeli settlement expansion, particularly into highly sensitive areas, which entrench the Israeli occupation, erode the possibility of a contiguous, independent and viable Palestinian State and further threaten the prospect of achieving a two-State solution. I reiterate that settlements have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 11 January and 11 March, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan met in Cairo and Paris, respectively, to discuss ways to advance the Middle East peace process, including through collective efforts with the Middle East Quartet. On 21 December, the United States Congress passed legislation that allocates $250 million over five years for programmes that help build the foundation for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians and for a sustainable two- state solution. On 23 December, 15 February and 23 March, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss the latest political developments and the situation on the ground. All agreed to meet on a regular basis to continue their engagement.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 9 February, Egypt reopened the Rafah crossing in both directions until further notice. On 31 January, the Government of Qatar announced that it had significantly increased its financial contribution to Gaza. It concluded, inter alia, an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services through the end of 2021 to provide fuel to the Gaza power plant that will generate more than 12 hours of electricity per day. In its resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council called upon all States “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967”. No such steps were taken during the reporting period. Resolution 2334 (2016) also called upon “all parties to continue … to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations”.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) narrowly avoided a financial collapse at the end of 2020, at a time of acute need in the Palestine refugee community. This year UNRWA faces a financial shortfall of more than $200 million for its core programme budget. By April, the Agency will face a serious cash flow crisis. After years of austerity measures and investment in efficiency, the Agency has reached its limits. It must receive additional funds to sustain all essential services and support national plans to contain the pandemic, including vaccination roll-out. Funding shortfalls facing the World Food Programme and UNRWA may also impact food distribution across the occupied Palestinian territories in the coming months if not addressed by donors.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 23 February, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met virtually. The parties renewed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, and the donor community called on them to take specific steps to improve their economic relations, facilitate critical infrastructure and assistance projects and refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the resumption of negotiations. The donor community also pledged increased assistance to the Palestinians, including in support of the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination effort. Humanitarian concerns in Gaza persisted. Owing to a lack of funding, there continued to be a serious shortage of medical supplies in Gaza’s health system, including essential drugs.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“That includes Israel’s provision of some 5,000 vaccines to the Palestinian Authority as well as the vaccination of more than 100,000 Palestinians holding permits to enter Israel, including Palestinian health workers in Israel. In the last days of the reporting period, there were reports of progress in talks about increased vaccine provision, including by Israel. The COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the impact of the occupation and the protracted humanitarian crisis, has worsened the socioeconomic conditions of women across the occupied Palestinian territories. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Women’s Affairs, gender-based violence has soared 300 per cent since the pandemic began; women’s labour-force participation rate has shrunk to 16 per cent; and only 14 per cent of senior positions in the public sector are held by women.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The Palestinian vaccination campaign has begun, although the availability of vaccines remains a key concern. The global COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility Advance Market Commitment delivered its first batch of some 60,000 vaccines to the West Bank and Gaza on 17 March. Approximately 70,000 additional vaccines were reportedly delivered to Palestinians, including in Gaza, by donations from the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates. Israel, where the vaccination campaign is progressing at a quick pace, indicated that the vaccination of the Palestinian population was the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority. Nevertheless, Israel has facilitated deliveries across the occupied Palestinian territories and extended its vaccination programme to some Palestinian populations, including in East Jerusalem.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source