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

“Despite requests to ease restrictions on prospective candidates, the faction leaders reaffirmed current modalities for conducting the elections. On 17 February, the Palestinian Central Elections Commission concluded voter registration and announced the registration of more than 91 per cent of eligible voters. The candidate nomination period was opened by the Commission on 20 March and will conclude on 31 March. Meanwhile, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic remains a persistent health threat that has had major socioeconomic consequences across the West Bank and Gaza. In February and March, new COVID-19 cases increased significantly in the West Bank. Numbers in Gaza remain low but have increased again after a significant decline.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 15 January, Palestinian President Abbas issued a decree calling for legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections. On 9 February, Palestinian factions concluded talks in Cairo resolving several long-standing differences. The areas of agreement include recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people; the establishment of an electoral court with appointments made by consensus; and the release of all detainees held on the basis of their political affiliation or opinion. On 20 February and 1 March, President Abbas issued decrees to enact the agreements. Initial reports suggest that a number of detainees have been released. The factions met again in Cairo on 15 March.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“A Palestinian Authority (PA) official used anti-Semitic language to describe Jews, while another PA official accused Israel of “striving to destroy the Al Aqsa mosque”. A senior Hamas official called for “annihilating the monstrous State [of Israel],” saying that “the Zionist enemy” seeks to “corrupt all of humanity.” A member of the Knesset praised the establishment of outposts, saying that the settlers who live in them are “preventing with their own bodies any possibility of the future establishment of a Palestinian terror State in the heart of the State of Israel”. Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated calls by the Middle East Quartet for “affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse the negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution”. Some positive steps were recorded during the period.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 5 February, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber decided that the Court’s jurisdiction extended to the occupied Palestinian territory. On 3 March, the ICC Prosecutor confirmed in a statement that her Office had initiated an investigation with respect to the situation in Palestine covering crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court alleged to have been committed since 13 June 2014. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls for the parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. Some Palestinian and Israeli officials continued to use such rhetoric during the reporting period. A senior Fatah official said that Israel was carrying out a “second Holocaust” against Palestinians.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 5 February, a Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli settlers at the Sadeh Ephraim farm outpost in the northern West Bank after reportedly attempting to break into a house. The Israeli security forces characterized the incident as a terrorist attack while stating that the man was unarmed and that no weapons were found in his possession. On 23 February, the Israeli authorities filed an indictment against a 17-year- old Israeli boy accused of throwing stun grenades into Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Sarta, causing property damage. On 13 March, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family, including seven children aged 1 to 14, in Shi’b al-Buttum, south of Hebron. The father was hospitalized with serious injuries. Israeli police have opened an investigation.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The man was reportedly shot in the head with three bullets while he was using a slingshot to throw stones at the Israeli security forces. Settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank continued. There have been 116 attacks by Israeli settlers and others against Palestinians, resulting in two Palestinians killed, 37 injuries and damage to Palestinian-owned properties. Palestinians perpetrated some 170 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians, resulting in 18 injuries and damage to property, according to Israeli sources. On 3 January, an Israeli woman was critically injured by a rock thrown at her vehicle while she was driving near Deir Nidham, close to Qalqilya.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 5 January, a Palestinian man was shot and killed by the Israeli security forces at the Gush Etzion junction in the occupied West Bank after reportedly attempting to throw a knife at Israeli security forces personnel. On 26 January, a 17-year-old Palestinian boy tried to stab a female Israeli soldier near the settlement of Ariel and was subsequently shot and killed by the Israeli security forces. Israel has withheld the body. On 31 January, a 36-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by the Israeli security forces as he ran, reportedly carrying an improvised weapon, towards officers stationed at the Gush Etzion junction. On 19 March, the Israeli security forces killed a Palestinian man during a demonstration in Beit Dajan, near Nablus.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 24 December, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian man near Jenin, who they said confessed to the killing. On 21 December, a 17-year-old Palestinian opened fire at an Israeli police post in the Old City of Jerusalem and was subsequently shot and killed by the Israeli security forces. On 1 January, further south in the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian man was paralysed after being shot by Israeli forces during a dispute over the seizure of an electricity generator. An initial IDF internal probe found that the shooting was accidental, an account disputed by Palestinian eyewitnesses. The IDF opened a further inquiry into the incident.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“A total of 480 Palestinians, including seven women and 66 children, were injured, including 55 by live ammunition. One Israeli woman was killed and 12 members of the Israeli security forces injured. In addition, 18 Israeli civilians, including three women and five children, were injured by Palestinians in clashes, rock- and Molotov-cocktail throwing, attacks and other incidents. In Gaza, Palestinian militants launched six rockets and one incendiary balloon from Gaza into Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired 11 missiles into Gaza, striking what it said were Hamas positions, as well as open areas. Seven Palestinian civilians were injured in those incidents, including one child. In the occupied West Bank on 20 December, a 52-year-old Israeli woman was killed by blows from a stone near the settlement of Tal Menashe.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On 15 February and 2 March, the Jerusalem District Court rejected appeals against the evictions of 13 Palestinian households, some 52 people, in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The appeals process to the Supreme Court is ongoing. Israeli courts also upheld eviction orders against six Palestinian families, some 80 individuals, living in the Silwan neighbourhood. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls for “immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction”. Unfortunately, the violence continued daily. Overall, four Palestinians, including two children, were killed by the Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, security operations, attacks against Israeli security personnel and other incidents.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Citing the absence of Israeli- issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, 325 structures were demolished or seized by Israeli authorities or demolished by their owners to avoid heavy Israeli demolition fees. These actions resulted in the displacement of 465 people, including 253 children and 105 women. On five occasions in February, most recently on 22 February, the Israeli security forces demolished or confiscated 80 structures in the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa al-Bqai’a in an Israeli-declared firing zone in the Jordan Valley. The actions repeatedly displaced some 63 people, including 36 children. The Israeli authorities informed the community that it must relocate to a site near the village of Ein Shibli.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“More than 200 units are in outposts, illegal also under Israeli law, that Israeli authorities are regularizing retroactively. On 19 January, the Jerusalem District Court denied an injunction to freeze the tendering process for some 1,200 units in Givat Hamatos. The winning bids were announced on 20 January. The establishment of that new settlement will further consolidate a ring of settlements along the southern perimeter of Jerusalem that would significantly damage prospects for a future, contiguous Palestinian State. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“On behalf of the Secretary-General, I will devote this briefing to presenting his seventeenth report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 11 December to 23 March. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,” and to “fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard”. Settlement activities nevertheless continued during the reporting period. On 17 and 18 January, Israeli authorities advanced plans for some 800 housing units and tendered some 1,900 units in Area C settlements. An additional 210 units were tendered in East Jerusalem. Some 40 per cent of those units are in settlements deep inside the occupied West Bank.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Elections will also help to clear the path towards restoring a legitimate political horizon to realize a two-State solution. The United Nations, alongside its partners in the Middle East Quartet, will continue to support Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to achieve that goal.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The extraordinarily high registration rate among Palestinians is a resoundingly positive response from the people of Palestine in support of President Abbas’ call for elections. The holding of free and fair elections across the occupied Palestinian territory is a crucial step towards re-establishing Palestinian national unity that can renew the legitimacy of national institutions, including a democratically elected Legislative Council and Government in Palestine. The democratic right to vote, particularly for young people, is the right to decide one’s own political future and should be carefully guarded. The United Nations and the international community will continue to play an active part in supporting the election process.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations, incidents of weapons-pointing between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces across the Blue Line contributed to heightened tensions. UNIFIL remains engaged with the parties to defuse tensions, including through its liaison and coordination efforts. In conclusion, allow me to underline that it is critical to begin the process of restoring hope to Palestinians and Israelis that the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace can be realized. Given the reality of developments on the ground, the scale of the task is daunting, but not insurmountable. We must seize emerging opportunities. The upcoming elections in Palestine may be one such opportunity.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The next day, the Israeli Defense Forces informed the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) that they had “carried out a precision strike against infrastructure [in Damascus International Airport] that is utilized by proxies for transfers of weaponry and mobilization against the State of Israel”. UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligations to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and prevent escalation of the situation across the ceasefire line. In Lebanon, the population faces increasing hardship as a result of the steadily deteriorating economic situation and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 26 and 27 January, in Tripoli, two protesters died following clashes with security forces.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“On 5 February, the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber decided that the Court’s jurisdiction extends to the occupied Palestinian territory. In the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has generally held. However, the security situation continues to be volatile, with continued violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties, leading to heightened tensions between Israel and Syria. Late on 3 February, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force observed kinetic activity in its area of operation.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“On the same day, Israeli police announced that they had arrested several Israelis in the West Bank on suspicion of stone-throwing that injured Palestinians, illegal possession of weapons and membership in a terrorist organization. On 23 February, Israeli authorities filed an indictment against a 17-year-old Israeli boy accused of throwing stun grenades into Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Sarta and causing damage to property. Israeli police also arrested four additional individuals suspected of involvement in the incident. I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. Particular care should be taken to protect children from all violence.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“On 5 February, a Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli settlers in the Sadeh Ephraim Farm outpost, near the village of Ras Karkar, after reportedly attempting to break into a house. Israeli security forces stated that the incident was a terrorist attack and that the man was unarmed — no weapons were found in his possession. I call on Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident. On 15 February, Israeli civilians vandalized nine vehicles belonging to Palestinian workers near the West Bank settlement of Shiloh. The Israeli police opened an investigation into the incident, noting that it occurred following the removal of an unauthorized structure from a nearby outpost by Israeli security forces.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“On 26 January, a 17-year-old Palestinian boy tried to stab a female Israeli soldier near the settlement of Ariel and was subsequently shot and killed by Israeli security forces. On 31 January, a 36-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli security forces as he ran towards officers stationed at the Gush Etzion junction, south of Bethlehem, reportedly while holding an improvised weapon. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers and other civilians perpetrated some 25 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in five injuries and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated 59 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in eight injuries and damage to property.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I reiterate the Humanitarian Coordinator’s message and urge Israel to cease the demolition and seizure of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to allow Palestinians to develop their communities. Daily violence also continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory during the reporting period. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations and other incidents resulted in the death of two Palestinians, including one child, reportedly while they were attempting to stab Israeli soldiers, as well as injuries to 34 Palestinians, including 6 children. In addition, 10 Israelis, including two women and three children, were injured by Palestinians during the reporting period.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In a particularly concerning series of incidents, on 1, 3, 8, 16 and 22 February, Israeli security forces demolished or confiscated 80 structures in the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa Al-Baqai’a, in an Israeli-declared firing zone in the Jordan Valley. The actions reportedly displaced 63 people multiple times, including 36 children, and followed a similar demolition in November 2020. On 23 February, my Deputy and the Humanitarian Coordinator visited the site and called on Israeli authorities to cease further demolitions, in accordance with international law, and to allow the humanitarian community to provide shelter, food and water to this extremely vulnerable community.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“This arrangement will generate over 12 hours of stable electricity per day. The United Nations stands ready to play its part and will continue to work closely with donors to ensure the continuity of existing commitments. Unfortunately, concerning developments on the ground continued throughout the reporting period. Overall, Israeli authorities demolished or seized 170 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and 10 in East Jerusalem, displacing some 314 Palestinians, including 67 women and 177 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“Israeli facilitation of vaccine deliveries has also been essential, and I appreciate efforts by the Israeli Government to support the Palestinian response to COVID-19. It is critically important that this cooperation continue and be enhanced to ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza receive a fair and timely share in the distribution of vaccines. Turning to Gaza, I welcome Egypt’s reopening of the Rafah crossing on 9 February in both directions until further notice. The Rafah crossing is the main gateway to the world for 2 million residents of Gaza. I also commend the decision of the Government of Qatar to significantly increase its financial contribution for Gaza, including the agreement signed with the United Nations Office for Project Services to provide fuel to the Gaza power plant to the end of this year.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In addition, in February, 30,000 doses of vaccines were delivered to Palestinians, including in Gaza, by Russia and the United Arab Emirates. This is in addition to the Israeli’s earlier transfer of 5,200 vaccines to the Palestinian Authority, the vaccination of 5,000 Palestinian education and health workers working in Israel and efforts to vaccinate the population in East Jerusalem, which is 50 per cent completed. The Palestinian Government’s efforts to prepare and plan these vaccination efforts are to be commended, as is the dedication of United Nations agencies, in particular the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and their partners.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In the United Nations report to the AHLC meeting, it was clearly underlined that the Palestinian economy had contracted, mostly due to the negative effects on the economy of the COVID-19 pandemic and to the Palestinian Authority’s suspension of coordination with Israel. Let me be clear, it may take years for the economy of Palestine to recover. The AHLC Chair also noted the critical importance of rolling out a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine programme as rapidly as possible, both in the West Bank and Gaza. In this respect, the United Nations welcomes the announcement of the Palestinian vaccination strategy and the initial allocation to the Palestinian Ministry of Health of at least 37,440 doses of vaccines by the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Advance Market Commitment Facility.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“On 23 February, members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) met virtually in a meeting chaired by the Foreign Minister of Norway and the European Union High Representative. The Chair’s summary highlighted that the parties expressed renewed commitment to enhancing cooperation. The donor community called on the parties to take specific steps to improve their relations on the economic front, to facilitate critical infrastructure and assistance projects on the ground. They were also called to avoid unilateral actions that could undermine the resumption of negotiations. The donor community also pledged increased assistance to the Palestinians in a variety of areas, including to support the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In a number of recent meetings, the international community has demonstrated that it is focused on helping the parties return to the path of negotiations and signalled its continued support to the Palestinian people and institutions, including in COVID-19 response. 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. On 15 February, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet — from Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations — 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.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I welcome the positive steps to date and appreciate the leadership of Egypt in helping move this process forward. Meanwhile, the Palestinian public is doing its part. On 17 February, the Central Elections Commission closed voter registration and announced 421,000 new registrants during the period, raising the total registered voters to over 2.6 million, 93 per cent of all eligible voters according to population estimates from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. An estimated 40 per cent of registered voters are under the age of 30 years old. It is encouraging to see such strong public participation in the democratic process. The United Nations will continue to work collectively to support the Palestinian people, including by facilitating and supporting preparatory processes towards these important elections.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“We are working actively with the parties and with our partners in the international community to address the pressing socioeconomic needs of the Palestinian people, including in the context of the pandemic. We are also advancing the goal of ending the occupation and realizing a negotiated two-State solution based on United Nations resolutions, international law and prior agreements. Palestinian factions are making progress towards holding legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections. Earlier this month they met in Cairo, reaching agreement on several outstanding issues and advancing the election process. The factions also emphasized that elections must be held throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, without exception.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I extend my greetings to the young guests with us today, Oren Gian and Malak AbuSoud. Your voices are important, and what I will say to the Security Council now will illustrate that point. Significant developments in the coming weeks and months will influence the dynamics and the prospects for advancing peace going forward. Palestinians and Israelis are fully engaged in their respective electoral processes. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis remains a persistent health threat that has triggered a massive economic fallout. Meanwhile, unilateral steps on the ground are eroding the prospect for establishing a viable and contiguous Palestinian State and are moving the parties further from constructive dialogue and compromise. The United Nations is continuing its engagement to meet these challenges.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I will support and encourage Israelis and Palestinians in pursuit of peace, urge them to refrain from taking damaging unilateral steps and help to create an environment conducive to dialogue. I humbly request the Council’s support in these efforts.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“I assume this role with deep appreciation for the crucial work that is being carried out every day by United Nations personnel on the ground, and I look forward to working with Deputy Special Coordinator Lynn Hastings and together with the entire United Nations family to support the peace process and redouble our collective efforts to strengthen the institutions of the Palestinian Authority, in line with our respective mandates. I wish to acknowledge and thank my predecessor for his perseverance in his role and his friendship to me personally, both now and in my previous capacity. Nickolay Mladenov’s performance as Special Coordinator is a hard act to follow. I intend to continue Mr. Mladenov’s efforts to speak openly and frankly with all sides.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“I hope that the promise of the recent agreements made between Israel and Arab countries will lead to a situation where a more peaceful Middle East can be realized. However, it requires leaders on all sides to re-engage meaningfully and return to the path of negotiations. I look forward to working with Palestinians, Israelis and Quartet partners, along with Egypt, Jordan and other regional and international stakeholders, to ensure that we create and preserve the necessary conditions for progress. In that context, allow me to reiterate that the financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East remains a serious concern. The Agency is not only a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, but is also critical for regional stability. I renew the Secretary-General’s appeal for support.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“As we contend with one urgent crisis after another, we must not lose sight of our overarching goal — supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict, end the occupation and achieve the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security, based on the 1967 lines, United Nations resolutions and international law. That solution must reflect that both peoples have an undeniable historic bond with this place, that its holy sites are deeply important to three world religions and that both peoples have a right to live on it independently and as free peoples. Despite the significant challenges, achieving that outcome remains possible, and there are opportunities unique to this moment that should not be missed. I join the Secretary-General in welcoming the agreement signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Participants in the 2 December Paris conference, co-chaired by the United Nations and France, expressed support for the Lebanese people and took stock of the response to the 4 August Beirut port explosion. Participants expressed concern about the political deadlock and worsening socioeconomic situation. While the situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon area of operations was generally stable, tensions remained high. There were increased violations of Lebanese airspace by Israel and incidents of weapons-pointing across the Blue Line between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“There were also reports of air strikes attributed to Israel on locations in Syria on 25 and 30 December and on 6, 13 and 22 January, resulting in casualties. On 6 January, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) personnel observed kinetic activity in the UNDOF area of operation involving the firing of anti-aircraft tracer rounds from the north-east across the area of separation, with two of them exploding mid-air. UNDOF personnel heard aircraft activity on the Alpha side and explosions on the Bravo side. UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligation to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and prevent any escalation of the situation across the ceasefire line. In Lebanon, consultations to form a Government continue.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“On 11 January, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan met in Cairo to discuss ways to advance the Middle East peace process. In their joint statement following the meeting, the Ministers emphasized their support for the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, United Nations resolutions and international law, rejected unilateral steps and urged all parties, including the Quartet, to take steps towards launching negotiations. Briefly turning to the region, on the Golan, 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 increased tensions.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“In two separate incidents in East Jerusalem and Al-Lubban Ash-Sharqiya, near Nablus, a boy and a man were physically assaulted and injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians perpetrated some 55 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in six injuries and damage to property. On 3 January, a woman was critically injured by a thrown rock while driving near Deir Nidham, close to Qalqilya. All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable. On 23 December, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian peace and the latest developments on the ground. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts very soon to identify concrete steps to bring the parties back to the path of meaningful negotiations.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centres violates international law and must stop immediately. There can be no justification for attacks against civilians. There was an increase in settler-related violence throughout the reporting period. That increase took place in the aftermath of the death of a 16-year-old boy from the settlement of Bat Ayin while he was being chased by Israeli police on suspicion of throwing stones at Palestinians. During the reporting period, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 45 incidents in which Israeli settlers and others injured Palestinians or reportedly damaged their property, resulting in 22 injuries and damage to property.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“An initial Israel Defense Forces internal probe found that the shooting was accidental and happened in circumstances where the soldiers feared for their lives, an account disputed by Palestinian eyewitnesses. The IDF opened a further inquiry into the incident. On 5 January, a Palestinian man was shot dead by the Israeli security forces at the Gush Etzion junction, in the West Bank, after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack. The man’s body is being withheld by Israeli authorities. 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.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“On 24 December, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian man in the village of Tura, near Jenin, on suspicion of the killing in a premeditated attack. According to Israeli authorities, he subsequently confessed to the killing. Four other Palestinian men were also arrested in connection with the killing. On 21 December, a 17-year-old Palestinian opened fire at an Israeli police post in the Old City of Jerusalem and was subsequently shot and killed by the Israeli security forces. On 1 January, a Palestinian man was left paralysed after being shot by live ammunition by Israeli forces in the Al-Rakeez community, in the southern West Bank, during a dispute between Palestinians and the Israeli forces over the seizure of an electricity generator.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“On 23 January, an explosion reportedly caused by materials stored in a house in Beit Hanoun resulted in injuries to 47 people, including 19 children and 15 women. Turning to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, two Palestinians, including one child, were killed after reportedly carrying out attacks against Israelis, and 63 Palestinians were injured, including two children and two women, in clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations and other incidents. Eight Israelis, including two soldiers, two women and one child, were injured by Palestinians during the reporting period. On 21 December, a 52-year-old Israeli woman was found killed in a forest near the settlement of Tal Menashe in the occupied West Bank, having been attacked with a stone.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“On 25 December, Palestinian militants in Gaza fired two rockets towards Israel, which were both intercepted by the Iron Dome system. On 26 December, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliated against what it said were Hamas targets in Gaza. As a result, three Palestinian civilians were injured, including a 6-year-old girl, and damage was caused to civilian structures. On 18 and 19 January, three additional rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, with two landing in the sea off Israel’s southern coast and one reportedly landing in an open field, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF retaliated by striking what it said were Hamas targets in the Strip, with no injuries reported.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The demolitions and seizures were executed owing to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. Israeli forces also bulldozed agricultural land and more than 2,000 Palestinian-owned trees, claiming they were planted on State land. On 23 December, the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem ruled in favour of a settler organization, upholding an eviction order against four Palestinian families in the Batan Al-Hawa section of the Silwan neighbourhood, in East Jerusalem. I urge Israel to cease demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and to allow Palestinians in Area C and East Jerusalem to develop their communities. Violent incidents, unfortunately, continued throughout the reporting period.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“On 19 January, the Jerusalem District Court denied a request for an interim injunction to freeze the tendering process for some 1,200 units in Givat Hamatos. The bidding period for the tender closed on 18 January, and winning bids were announced on 20 January. I reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and are a major obstacle to peace. They undermine the prospect of achieving a two-State solution. I urge the Government of Israel to cease all settlement activity in the occupied territory, including in East Jerusalem. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 71 Palestinian-owned structures, including 19 residential structures, displacing 73 Palestinians, including 17 women and 37 children.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“In a separate development in Israel, on 23 December 2020, the Israeli Knesset dissolved after failing to pass a budget, and general elections were scheduled for 23 March. In a concerning development, on 17 January, Israeli authorities advanced plans for some 800 housing units in Area C settlements. The following day, on 18 January, Israeli authorities published tenders for some 1,900 units in Area C and an additional 210 units in East Jerusalem. Of the units advanced and tendered, the majority are in settlements in outlying locations, deep inside the occupied West Bank. More than 200 units are located in illegal outposts that Israeli authorities are retroactively regularizing under Israeli law.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“According to the decree, legislative elections will take place on 22 May, followed by presidential elections on 31 July and Palestinian National Council elections on 31 August. I also note the amendment of the elections law raising the quota for female representation from 20 to 26 per cent. I welcome that step and join the Secretary- General’s call on Palestinian authorities to take further steps to facilitate, strengthen and support women’s political participation, including as voters and candidates, throughout the electoral cycle. The United Nations has continued its engagement with the Palestinian Central Elections Committee in support of free and fair elections and stands ready to support the Committee and the Palestinian people as plans for elections progress.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“That will be critical for the broader efforts of both Governments to control the pandemic and is also in line with Israel’s obligations under international law. Israel has worked closely with the United Nations and its partners throughout the course of the pandemic to ensure that equipment and supplies are delivered throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It is important that the same level of engagement and cooperation be sustained with regard to the delivery of vaccines. As I noted earlier in my opening remarks, President Abbas issued a long- anticipated presidential decree on 15 January stating that legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections would be held later in the year.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source