YouSaid · the spoken record

Wennesland

lines on the record: 576
first: 2021-05-27
most recent: 2023-12-19
sittings or episodes: 31
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

“Both parties sent high-level delegations to the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow. There is growing Israeli, Palestinian and regional interest in cooperating on shared environmental threats and climate change action. In that regard, the renewed direct engagement, after an extended hiatus, between Israeli and Palestinian environment ministers is a welcome step, In a separate positive development, on 7 November, the Israeli Government approved the issuance of some 500 permits over the next three years for Palestinians to work in the Israeli technology sector.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“I welcome the strong support expressed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at the ministerial conference co-hosted by Jordan and Sweden earlier this month. Despite welcome additional pledges, I am concerned that UNRWA still lacks $60 million to sustain essential services to 2 million Palestine refugees across the region until the end of the year. The Agency has yet to pay the November salaries of over 28,000 United Nations personnel, including teachers, doctors, nurses and sanitation workers, many of whom support extended families, particularly in Gaza, where unemployment is high. I call on Member States to do everything possible to protect services by urgently advancing the disbursement of announced pledges and by providing additional contributions in the coming days and weeks.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“While the gradual easing of restrictions on the entry of materials and the flow of goods and people into Gaza is encouraging, the economic, security and humanitarian situation in the Strip remains of serious concern. The goal remains the lifting of all closures, in line with resolution 1860 (2009). In the meantime, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism continues to play an important role in facilitating access for items and materials that would otherwise not be allowed into Gaza. In a positive development, on 5 November, Israel began providing additional water to Gaza through the new Bani Said connection point, allowing an increase of 5 million cubic metres of water per year into Gaza.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“The United Nations has engaged with Israeli authorities, the designated NGOs and donors to receive more information about the allegations and their implications. I turn now to Gaza. Humanitarian recovery and reconstruction efforts continued, alongside steps to further stabilize the situation on the ground. In October, some 9,406 truckloads of goods entered Gaza through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, some 20 per cent above the pre-escalation monthly average. In addition, almost 3,000 truckloads entered Gaza through the Egyptian-controlled Rafah crossing. As of the end of the reporting period, some 8,500 permits had been issued for traders and merchants in Gaza to enter into Israel.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“The Israeli Defense Forces extended the applicability of the designations to the occupied West Bank through military orders on 7 November. These designated NGOs work closely with the United Nations and the international community, including on human rights and humanitarian response, and several receive a significant portion of their funding from Member States. The legal implications of the designations are potentially wide-ranging and add to increasing pressures on civil society organizations across the occupied Palestinian territory. The Secretary-General has expressed concern about shrinking space for civil society around the world, including in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“The settler corporation also reportedly raised reservations to the Court’s proposal. The Court had previously announced that if the parties did not accept its proposal, it would issue a ruling on the case. I urge Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line its obligations under international humanitarian law. In another concerning development, on 22 October the Israeli Ministry of Defence announced the designation of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as terrorist organizations. The Ministry accused them of constituting “an inseparable arm” of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an organization designated as terrorist by Israel, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan and the European Union.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Overall, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 84 Palestinian- owned structures in Area C and 17 in East Jerusalem, displacing 83 Palestinians, including 24 women and 39 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. On 25 October in Hammamat Al-Maleh, in the northern Jordan Valley, Israeli authorities confiscated a medical clinic serving five communities. On 2 November, four Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah rejected a proposal by Israel’s Supreme Court that would have recognized them as protected tenants in exchange for nominal rent, payable to the settler corporation seeking to evict them, significantly delaying their eviction.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“On 27 October, after a hiatus of some eight months, Israeli authorities advanced plans for some 3,200 housing units in Area C, with many located in outlying settlements. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. Meanwhile, in a rare development, on 28 October and 1 November, Israeli authorities advanced plans for some 6,000 housing units for Palestinians in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Al-Issawiya and some 1,300 housing units for Palestinians in Area C. While such steps are welcome, I urge Israel to advance more such plans and issue building permits for all previously approved plans for Palestinians in Area C and East Jerusalem. Israeli demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian homes and other structures continued during the reporting period.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“On 24 November, a Palestinian man was critically injured and his 10-year-old son injured after their car overturned near Al-Mughayyir village in the West Bank, due to an object thrown from un oncoming car. According to witnesses, the car was hit by objects thrown by Israeli settlers. Israeli authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. I reiterate that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. On 24 October, Israeli authorities announced tenders for some 1,350 housing units in settlements. About half are in the settlement of Ariel, at the heart of the northern West Bank. The announcement also included a reissuance of tenders for some 80 units in the settlement of Givat Hamatos, where construction would further risk severing the link between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Since the harvest began on 4 October, some 3,000 olive trees have been damaged or have had their harvest stolen. Physical attacks on Palestinian farmers, volunteers and humanitarian staff have also been recorded, some reportedly having taken place in the presence of Israeli security forces. Overall, settlers and other Israeli civilians in the occupied West Bank perpetrated some 54 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 26 injuries, including to five children, and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated 41 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians, resulting, as I reported earlier, in one death and nine injuries, including to one child and one woman, and damage to property. Most incidents resulting in injury or damage were caused by stones and Molotov cocktails thrown at civilian vehicles and buses.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“On 21 November, a Palestinian man opened fire at Israeli civilians in Jerusalem’s Old City, killing one Israeli civilian and injuring two others. Israeli security forces returned fire and killed the attacker. Two Israeli security forces were injured. Hamas claimed the assailant as one its members. Following the attack, the Israeli security forces reportedly conducted search- and-arrest operations in the Shu’fat refugee camp, where the perpetrator lived, detaining several of his family members. All were later released. Violent attacks and acts of terrorism can never be justified and must be condemned by all. Settler-related violence remains at alarmingly high levels amid continued tensions over settlement expansion and the annual olive harvest season.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“The Israeli security forces stated their personnel had returned fire after they were shot at and that an improvised explosive device was thrown at them from a passing vehicle. No Israeli security forces were injured in that operation. Palestinian Islamic Jihad later claimed the man as a member. Tensions and clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces also heightened in and around Jerusalem’s Old City On 17 November, a 16-year-old Palestinian from the Al-Issawiya neighbourhood, in occupied East Jerusalem, stabbed and injured two Israeli security forces personnel in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, an Israeli civilian and the Israeli security forces shot the perpetrator, who was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. According to eyewitnesses, the perpetrator was being restrained when shot.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clashes, attacks, search-and-arrest operations and other incidents resulted in the deaths of four Palestinians, including two children, and injuries to 90 Palestinians, including 12 children, caused by the Israeli security forces. One Israeli civilian was killed and nine civilians, including one woman and one child, and six members of the Israeli security forces were injured in the course of these events. On 5 November, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy during clashes near Nablus. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the incident is being investigated. On 16 November, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 26-year-old Palestinian during a search operation and subsequent clashes in Tubas.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“In a joint statement, the Quartet Envoys expressed concern regarding negative developments across the occupied Palestinian territory, including ongoing acts of violence in the West Bank, the advancement of new settlement units, an untenable fiscal crisis within the Palestinian Authority and threats of violence from the Gaza Strip. The Quartet Envoys also reiterated the need to take constructive steps to advance the two-State solution and called on all parties to help address the current urgent challenges through fiscal and other reforms, as well by avoiding unilateral steps that could exacerbate tensions and undermine the prospects for peace. In the meantime, violence continued daily throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Amid these concerning developments, on 17 November the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians met in Oslo at the ministerial level. Participants commended the parties for approaching the meeting with a constructive attitude, urging them to implement reforms and follow through on commitments to help stabilize the Palestinian economy and strengthen its institutions. Participants expressed support for a package of recommended steps for the parties and the donor community. On the margins, I met with my fellow Middle East Quartet Envoys.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: I brief the Security Council today as we face a series of heightened and interrelated risks across the occupied Palestinian territory. In the West Bank, a severe financial and economic crisis is threatening the stability of Palestinian institutions. At the same time, ongoing violence and unilateral steps, including Israeli settlement expansions and demolitions, continue to raise tensions, feed hopelessness, erode the Palestinian Authority’s standing and further diminish the prospect of a return to meaningful negotiations. In Gaza, the fragile cessation of hostilities continues to hold, but further steps on the part of all parties are needed to ensure a sustainable solution that will ultimately enable a return of legitimate Palestinian Government institutions to the Strip.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“That is not the endgame, but rather key steps in the process that can and must lead us back to genuine negotiations, end the occupation and allow for the realization of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, international law, United Nations resolutions and previous agreements. We must build consensus in support of a broader framework for engagement, or face an increasingly desperate reality shaped by extremist voices and unilateral actions that will heighten the risk of Palestinians, Israelis and the region entering into a more severe conflict. The United Nations is actively engaged in advancing those efforts, including through the Middle East Quartet, key regional partners and Israeli and Palestinian leaders.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Despite the enormity of the current political, economic and humanitarian challenges, we cannot afford to be pessimistic or passive. I welcome the efforts of the envoys of the Middle East Quartet, including in the call held on 14 October. I encourage both parties to urgently implement positive and significant policy shifts to address the security situation, improve the Palestinian economy and strengthen Palestinian governance and institutions. I also urge Israeli and Palestinian authorities to find additional avenues for cooperation, including on the implementation of existing agreements.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“On 14 October, deadly clashes erupted in Beirut at a protest calling for his removal. We can no longer lurch from crisis to crisis. Our approach cannot be to address the current situation piecemeal, incident by incident on a short-term, day- to-day basis, as stand-alone issues. A broader package of parallel steps by the Government of Israel, the PA and the international community is needed. Such a framework should begin to address key political, security and economic challenges that are preventing progress. Such efforts are urgently needed and will require a clear political commitment and involvement from the Government of Israel, the PA and the international community. We must begin to restore hope in a peaceful and sustainable negotiated resolution to the conflict.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“With regard to the Golan, while the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained, violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties continue, increasing tensions. Both parties’ adherence to the terms of the Disengagement Agreement is important for preserving stability. In Lebanon, a new Government was formed on 10 September by Prime Minister Najib Azmi Mikati, ending 13 months of the caretaker period. The 24-member Government, which includes one woman minister, voted to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on tackling the energy crisis and holding the 2022 elections on schedule. The investigations into the Beirut port explosion has faced setbacks as a result of reported intimidation of the judge in charge of the investigation.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“I reiterate that the Gaza reconstruction mechanism remains best-placed to enable the entry of the accountable delivery of items and materials that would otherwise not be allowed into the Strip. I remain concerned about the continued budgetary shortfall of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and I welcome the recently announced contributions from key donors. However, UNRWA continues to lack the necessary funds to sustain its critical programmes for the rest of this year. UNRWA remains indispensable with regard to regional stability and must have the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate. I now turn briefly to the region.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“During the month of September, nearly 7,000 truckloads of goods were sent to Gaza through the Israeli- controlled Kerem Shalom crossing — approximately 80 per cent of the pre-escalation monthly average. About 2,000 truckloads entered through the Egyptian- controlled Rafah crossing, marking one of the highest- recorded volumes of entering goods. In addition, as of 18 October, more than 6,000 permits had been issued for Gaza merchants and traders to enter into Israel — a critical contribution to boosting the local economy, which can be expanded. While I welcome the issuance of permits and improvements in the movement of goods into and out of the Gaza Strip, much more is needed to facilitate sustainable access.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“That will form a key part of the upcoming agenda of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians, scheduled to take place in Oslo in November. Efforts continue to stabilize the situation in Gaza and support recovery and reconstruction following the May escalation. The United Nations has launched reconstruction efforts for severely damaged housing units. Preparations for additional reconstruction have begun with assistance from Qatar after the lifting of some restrictions on the entry of construction materials by Israeli authorities. Up to 1,800 of the more than 2,000 destroyed and damaged civilian homes will be rebuilt in the first phase. In addition, Egypt began repairing one of Gaza’s main coastal roads in late September.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Together with other long-standing fiscal leakages that are contributing to the financial crisis, Israel continues to deduct millions of dollars a month from clearance revenue transfers in response to Palestinian payments to security prisoners, their families and the families of those killed in the context of attacks. Israel’s recent loan of 500 million shekels against future Palestinian revenue was critical, but it only temporarily delays the looming crisis and does not address the structural impediments imposed on the Palestinian economy. Significant reforms and policy changes by both Israelis and Palestinians must be implemented to address the structural challenges. Such reforms could and should be met with increased support from the international donor community.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“In a welcome development earlier today, Israeli and Palestinian officials announced that some 4,000 Palestinians living in the West Bank without proper documentation would be registered in the Palestinian population registry and receive identity documents. The PA’s fiscal situation is reaching a breaking point. Expenditures far exceed its revenues, and the gap is growing. Donor support, including direct budget support, has continued its multi-year decline. Estimates suggest that the PA will have a 2021 budget deficit of approximately $800 million. That would nearly double the 2020 gap, and, even with donor support and emergency measures, we will see that situation continue. The borrowing capacity of the PA with banks has been exhausted.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“On 4 October, Israel’s Supreme Court presented a proposal to four Palestinian families facing evictions in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah and to the Israeli settler cooperation seeking to evict them. The proposal would significantly postpone eviction efforts, while requiring the families to pay a nominal annual rent to the settler cooperation. The Court specified that the agreement would in no way prejudge ongoing legal proceedings to determine ownership of the properties. If the parties do not reach an agreement by 2 November, the Court stated, it would issue a ruling. I urge Israel to cease demolitions and evictions in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Overall, the Israeli authorities demolished, seized and forced owners to demolish 18 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and seven in occupied East Jerusalem, displacing five Palestinians, including three women and one child. The demolitions were carried out owing to the lack of Israeli building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. On 29 September, Israel’s High Court of Justice granted a request by the State of Israel to postpone to March 2022 its response to a petition to implement an eviction notice against the Bedouin village of Khan Al-Ahmar, in Area C of the West Bank. In its request, the Government cited the coronavirus disease pandemic and the current diplomatic security situation, adding that there had been significant progress towards an agreement that could avoid a demolition.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“The police appealed the decision to the Jerusalem District Court, which overturned the lower court decision and reinstated the appellant’s temporary visit ban on 8 October. In a statement released the same day, Israel’s Public Security Minister reiterated that the status quo must be observed, adding that any changes to the existing arrangement “would endanger public safety and could cause a flare-up”. I welcome that statement by the Israeli Minister. And I reiterate that all sides must respect and uphold the status quo at the holy sites. Israeli demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian homes and other structures continued during the reporting period.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“If built, those units would sever the connection between the northern and the southern West Bank, significantly undermining the chances for establishing a viable and contiguous Palestinian State as a part of the negotiated two-State solution. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. On 5 October, the Jerusalem Magistrates’ Court granted the appeal of a Jewish Israeli who had been expelled from the Holy Esplanade for praying in violation of Israeli police regulations that allow only Muslims to pray at the site. The Court’s decision was condemned as a violation of the status quo by the Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian Governments, by Palestinian factions and by Muslim and Christian leaders in Jerusalem and throughout the region.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Since the annual olive harvest began a week ago, some 1,200 olive trees have reportedly been vandalized by settlers. On 15 October, some 40 settlers attacked Palestinian farmers east of Yasuf village, north of Salfit, injuring a Palestinian woman with pepper spray and three others by throwing stones. I call on Israel to take all the necessary steps to fulfil its obligation to protect Palestinian civilians from violence, including by Israeli settlers, and to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for such attacks. On 4 and 18 October, the Israel Civil Administration held discussions on objections to two settlement housing plans, for a total of nearly 3,500 units in the strategic E-1 Area in the West Bank. I am concerned that Israeli authorities continue to consider plans for constructions in E-1.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Palestinians also threw stones towards Israelis during the incident, injuring one soldier. On 29 September, Israeli Foreign Minister Mr. Yair Lapid condemned the attacks tweeting, “This violent incident is horrific and it is terror.” He called the perpetrators “a violent and dangerous fringe” and said Israel had “a responsibility to bring them to justice”. Israeli security forces arrested at least six Israelis in relation to those incidents, including two children, as well as three Palestinians. And at least four Israelis have reportedly since being arrested, and later released. An investigation by the Israeli authorities is ongoing. I welcome the swift condemnation of the attacks from the Israeli Foreign Minister and underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Meanwhile, settlers and other Israeli civilians perpetrated 26 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 18 injuries and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated 31 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in injuries in four cases and in damage to property in the rest. On 28 September, some 70 Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Mufaqara, l-Rakeez and Al-Tuwani, in the South Hebron Hills. The settlers injured nine Palestinians, including children, killed livestock and damaged vehicles and homes, as well as community infrastructure. A 3-year-old Palestinian boy, hit in the head by stones as he slept, was hospitalized with a skull fracture. In related clashes, 20 Palestinians were injured by Israeli Defense Forces.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“According to Israeli security forces, the man had opened fire at Israeli troops as they were conducting an arrest operation. Palestinian Islamic Jihad later claimed that the man was one of its members. On 14 October, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian and wounded another while they were allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at civilian vehicles west of Bethlehem. On the same day, a Palestinian man drove his vehicle into and injured an IDF soldier near the Qalandia checkpoint. Israeli forces fired on the vehicle and injured and arrested the driver. In addition, since 8 October we have witnessed nearly nightly clashes between Palestinians and Israeli civilians, as well as Israeli security forces, in and around the Old City.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Relatives of the man disputed the accounts, saying he was hunting birds. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations and other incidents resulted in the death of three Palestinians and injuries from live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets to 66 Palestinians, including nine children and one woman. Four Israeli civilians and two soldiers were injured in the course of those events. On 30 September, a Palestinian woman was shot and killed by Israeli security forces after reportedly attempting to stab Israeli security forces officers in Jerusalem’s Old City. On the same day, Israeli security forces shot and killed a Palestinian man in the village of Burqin near Jenin.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“In addition, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is facing an unprecedented fiscal and financial crisis. A strengthened PA and PA institutions are needed in order to implement the necessary reforms and eventually return to Gaza. I am concerned that those negative trends are occurring simultaneously across the West Bank and Gaza; they should not be left unaddressed. Daily violence continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory during the reporting period. In Gaza, while a relative calm largely prevailed, on 30 September a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli security forces as he approached the perimeter fence. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the man had approached the fence in the central Gaza Strip with two other men carrying a suspicious bag and digging in the ground.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Settlement activity, evictions, demolitions and the seizure of Palestinian property; military operations by Israeli security forces, in particular in Area A; and movement and access restrictions, including the severe closure of Gaza, further fuel the cycle of violence. A large number of Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed or injured by Israeli security forces. Settler-related attacks against Palestinians and their property, including in the presence of Israeli security forces, continue. Israeli civilians continue to be subjected to attacks by Palestinians, which have caused deaths, injuries and damages. Israeli and Palestinian civilians are suffering and paying a steep price for the persistence of the conflict, including the protracted occupation.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: At the outset, I welcome the ongoing engagement between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials. I strongly encourage further expansion of such efforts, which can improve conditions on the ground and pave the way towards reinvigorating the peace process. But we should have no illusions about the current state of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to deteriorate, and we have seen no progress towards realizing a two-State solution. That political stagnation is fuelling tension, instability and a deepening sense of hopelessness. The security situation in Gaza remains fragile, and security dynamics in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are deteriorating, including growing tensions in and around the holy sites.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“I will continue to actively engage in advancing those efforts with my counterparts in the Middle East Quartet, key regional partners and Israeli and Palestinian leaders.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“We must now re-energize efforts aimed at establishing a legitimate political horizon that will end the occupation in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of achieving the vision of two States — 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. I once again urge Israelis, Palestinians, States of the region and the broader international community to take practical steps that will enable the parties to re-engage on the path to peace.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I encourage the Palestinian Authority to resume the election process as soon as possible. I am encouraged that many Israelis and Palestinians remain committed to achieving a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace despite the significant challenges. We in the international community must support the civil society organizations that continue to work tirelessly to build trust and advance the prospects for peace. In closing, while I am encouraged by the recent engagement of senior Israeli and Palestinian officials, we must continue our efforts to address the worrying situation on the ground, including reversing negative trends across the occupied Palestinian territory and stabilizing the fragile situation in Gaza.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Crucially, Gaza requires political solutions that will see a focus on working towards advancing intra-Palestinian unity, lifting the debilitating closures in Gaza, in line with Security Council resolution 1860 (2009), and, ultimately, returning to a peace process that will end the occupation and create a viable two- State solution. Palestinian unity is crucial to advancing a two-State solution. It is therefore critical that the Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts continue. The United Nations stands firm in its support of these efforts. The holding of elections in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza would be a crucial step towards Palestinian unity, giving renewed legitimacy to national institutions, including a democratically elected Parliament and Government in Palestine.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I reiterate the gratitude of the United Nations to all donors who continue to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). I urge Member States to sustain the funding levels of UNRWA’s programme budget in the past years and advance disbursements of funds as much as possible to avoid a disruption of essential services and humanitarian aid across the occupied Palestinian territory. We must provide the Agency with adequate resources to fulfil the mandate it was given by the General Assembly. Investing in UNRWA remains an indispensable investment in regional stability and support for the goal of Middle East peace.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“The scope of private-banking-sector lending to the Palestinian Authority is now at its limit. I encourage donors to provide urgent support to the Palestinian Authority. I welcome recent high-level contacts between Israeli and Palestinian officials and the steps taken by the Israeli Government to ease the economic pressure on the Palestinian Authority, and I encourage their further expansion. I encourage both Parties to take urgent steps that are necessary to stabilize the Palestinian economy and strengthen Palestinian institutions. I also urge the implementation of existing agreements by both sides. The next meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee can examine how outstanding issues can be addressed by the parties, with the support of donor community and the United Nations.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian staff from the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations must also be able to enter and exit Gaza on a regular basis. Hamas must cease practices that hinder the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance. A recent assessment by UN-Women of the impact of the May hostilities has highlighted the importance of addressing the protection needs of women and children in Gaza. I encourage support for United Nations partners to continue to offer gender-based- violence-related services. The Palestinian Authority’s finances continue to be of serious concern. In addition to the severe impact of the occupation on the economy, Israelis and Palestinians should urgently resolve the impasse over prisoner payments and the other fiscal files.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I welcome Qatar’s generous contribution to support vulnerable families and improve the dire socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority and partners, including Egypt, to solidify the ceasefire, allow the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and stabilize the situation in Gaza. While materials for humanitarian assistance have entered Gaza more regularly, predictable access for materials necessary for stability and economic recovery remains a key challenge. All materials required to implement the 2021 humanitarian response plan and the May 2021 flash appeal should be allowed into Gaza. All parties must facilitate unimpeded access for humanitarian relief.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I also remain deeply concerned by the continued Israeli practice of holding the bodies of Palestinians. I call upon Israel to return withheld bodies to their families, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. The death of Nizar Banat while in the custody of Palestinian Security forces is unacceptable. I call on the Palestinian Authority to ensure that his death and all allegations of use of disproportionate force against protesters by Palestinian security forces be investigated and those responsible held accountable. All arrests of human rights defenders, journalists and activists on charges that interfere with their exercise of fundamental freedoms of expression must cease.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I am deeply concerned by the continued settler- related violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israel, as the occupying Power, has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population and to investigate such attacks. I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. The launching of indiscriminate rockets and incendiary devices towards Israeli civilian population centres violates international law and must stop. I would like to reiterate that the fate of two Israeli civilians and that of the bodies of two Israel Defense Forces soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza remain an important humanitarian concern. I call upon Hamas to provide information on their status, as required by international humanitarian law.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“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. I am deeply troubled by the continued loss of life and serious injuries in the occupied Palestinian territory. I am appalled that children continue to be victims of violence. I reiterate that security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Pertinent authorities must carry out thorough, independent, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force and hold perpetrators accountable.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to share the Secretary- General’s observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and that they undermine the prospects for achieving a viable two-State solution, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and prior agreements. The pause in new advancements and tenders of plans for housing units in settlements observed during this reporting period must become permanent. I remain deeply concerned by the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures, which have included internationally funded humanitarian projects.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) also called upon all parties to continue, inter alia, to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations. On 15 July, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss the most recent developments on the ground and agreed to remain engaged on the matter and chart a way forward. On 2 September, the Presidents of Egypt, Jordan and Palestine met in Cairo. All three leaders pledged to work together to resume peace negotiations, in accordance with international legitimacy, under the auspices of the Quartet. In conjunction with International Day of Peace on 21 September, Palestinian and Israeli peace organizations hosted several events to promote the establishment of a long-term solution to the conflict and warn about the costs of maintaining the status quo.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source