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

“On 16 August, schools managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) opened for more than 300,000 girls and boys across the occupied Palestinian territory. However, UNRWA is once again struggling to obtain funding to operate in the last months of the year. A disruption in UNRWA services will deny hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, namely young people, across the region the essential rights to a dignified life, education, health, food and housing. 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.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Israel also announced plans to issue identification cards for thousands of undocumented foreign nationals in the occupied West Bank and grant an additional 15,000 permits for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, along with an additional 1,000 building permits for Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank. On 6 September, the Palestinian Authority announced that it would hold local elections on 11 December for all villages and municipalities in category C, the smallest 388 of the approximately 450 councils overall. On 27 September, the PA announced that the remaining local elections would be held on 23 March 2022, including for 11 local councils in Gaza, pending an agreement for them to take place in that second phase.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Israel continued to deduct an amount of the clearance revenues from Israel to the Palestinian Authority (PA) equivalent to what Israel calculates is paid by the PA to Palestinian security prisoners and the families of those killed in the context of attacks. The PA continues to face a growing fiscal crisis that has a severe impact on its ability to cover minimum expenditures, including Government salaries and payments to needy households. Following a meeting between President Abbas and Defence Minister Gantz on 30 August, the first such meeting between both sides in years, Israel said it would provide a $150 million loan to the PA, to be repaid through commensurate deductions from the clearance revenues.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“In addition to key humanitarian assistance, access was progressively facilitated for commercial goods and materials for international projects, including allowing some 3,000 tons of rebar outside the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism, with nearly 20,000 trucks entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing during the reporting period. The entry of materials and trade has since returned to pre-escalation levels. Moreover, on 1 September, Israel announced it would increase entry permits for traders and businesspeople from 2,000 to 7,000, expand the Gaza fishing zone from 12 to 15 nautical miles, allow the entry of more goods and equipment and increase the supply of fresh water to Gaza by 5 million cubic metres a year.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated calls by the Middle East Quartet for affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that imperil the two-State solution. On 13 September, the United Nations launched a cash assistance programme to aid nearly 100,000 needy families in Gaza. The effort is supported by the State of Qatar, with $40 million provided over four months. In addition, some $45 million of the requested $95 million has been raised for the United Nations humanitarian flash appeal, and nearly $55 million has been mobilized in support of the humanitarian response more broadly. In Gaza, Israel eased access restrictions imposed during the May escalation.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“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. On 27 June, an Israeli member of the Knesset challenged the status quo on the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount, stating “our demand is full sovereignty, raising the Israeli flag and expelling all Waqf elements seeking to harm us”. On 20 June, a senior Hamas official said that “neither words nor messages” were needed to resolve the status of Jerusalem, and that the movement would arrive in Jerusalem with the help of barrages of hundreds of rockets fired at Tel Aviv.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“On 21 August, Palestinian security forces arrested 23 people in Ramallah for their participation in a planned demonstration. On numerous occasions, Palestinian security forces restricted the freedom of expression and assembly on demonstrators and used force, including beating them with batons and indiscriminately firing tear gas and stun grenades. Women present at the demonstrations reported sexual harassment and gender- based threats on social media afterwards. During the reporting period, Israeli security forces arrested two prominent human rights defenders, one in Ramallah and another in Bethlehem. Israeli security forces also raided and searched three Palestinian civil society organizations located in Area A of the occupied West Bank and closed one for six months for undisclosed security reasons.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, settler-related violence continued, including reports of armed settlers carrying out attacks against Palestinians, in proximity to Israel security forces. On 17 August, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was attacked in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, during which a group of Israeli settlers kidnapped the boy and brutally assaulted him. A total of 102 attacks occurred, in which Israeli settlers or other civilians injured 36 Palestinians or reportedly damaged property. Palestinians perpetrated some 193 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the occupied West Bank, including throwing stones, Molotov cocktails and pipe bombs at civilian vehicles, resulting in 23 injuries and damage to property.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Israeli forces carried out 55 air strikes on what they said were military targets in the Strip, resulting in damage but no injuries. On 21 August in Gaza, thousands of people participated in a demonstration at the perimeter fence. Hundreds hurled stones and, reportedly, improvised explosive devices at Israeli security forces, who responded with live ammunition and tear gas. Some 41 Palestinians were injured, including 24 children. Two Palestinians, including a boy, subsequently died of their injuries. One Israeli soldier was critically injured and later died of his wounds. On 23 August, Israeli forces carried out eight air strikes against what Israel said were Hamas military targets.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“On 10 September, following a call from Fatah and Hamas, demonstrations linked to six escaped prisoners were held across the occupied West Bank and Gaza, with several escalating into clashes with Israeli security forces, resulting in 183 Palestinians injured. On 26 September, Israeli forces conducted a search- and-arrest operation targeting what Israel said were Hamas operatives in several locations in the West Bank. Five Palestinians were killed, including a 16-year-old boy, and seven others were injured during exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinians. Two Israeli security personnel were also injured. In Gaza, Palestinian militants launched five rockets and numerous incendiary balloons into Israel, injuring four civilians, including one child, all while running to shelter, and causing dozens of fires. In response.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“On 16 August, four Palestinians were killed and another injured in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces during an Israeli search operation in the Jenin refugee camp. On 24 August, Israeli forces shot and killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy in the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. According to Israeli officials, the boy had been preparing to throw a large rock at Israeli security forces personnel from a rooftop. However, witnesses disputed the account of Israeli security forces. On 31 August, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 39-year-old Palestinian man in Beit Ur, west of Ramallah, under unclear circumstances. Israeli security forces announced that it would open an investigation into the killing.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“On 27 September, a Palestinian military court held its first hearing for the 14 officers from the Palestinian security forces charged with the death of Nizar Banat. On 18 July, three Israelis, including a one-year-old child, were injured by stones thrown by Palestinians near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. On 23 July, Israeli security forces shot killed a 17-year-old Palestinian during clashes in Nabi Saleh. Israeli security forces stated that the boy was throwing stones. On 28 July, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was killed in Beit Ummar after Israeli security forces fired at the car he was travelling in with his father and siblings. The next day, Israeli security forces shot and killed a Palestinian man amid clashes during the boy’s funeral.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Since June, four Palestinians, including one child, have been shot and killed and 3,530 others injured by Israeli forces during these clashes. On 16 June during protests in Beita, Israeli security forces shot a 16-year-old boy, who later died from his injuries. During a demonstration on 24 September, a Palestinian man was killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces. On 24 June, Palestinian political activist Nizar Banat died following an arrest operation by Palestinian security forces in Hebron, during which he was reportedly beaten severely. Banat’s death sparked several demonstrations since late June, leading to dozens of arrests; all were subsequently released.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Overall, 24 Palestinians, including two women and five children, were killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, security operations and other incidents. Some 4,814 Palestinians, including 10 women and 530 children, were injured. Of these, 3,369 injuries were due to tear gas inhalation. Some 205 people were injured by live ammunition. One Israeli soldier was killed by Palestinians and 41 Israelis, including seven women and one child, were injured by Palestinians in clashes, rock and Molotov cocktail throwing, attacks and other incidents. Beita village, in the occupied West Bank, remained a flashpoint, where demonstrations against the nearby Israeli settlement outpost of Evyatar often escalated into clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“On 11 August, the Jerusalem Local Affairs Court froze the demolition of several dozen structures in the Al-Bustan section of the Silwan neighbourhood until 10 February 2022, pending ongoing planning discussions. On 2 August, Israel’s Supreme Court held a hearing to consider an appeal request by four Palestinian families facing forced eviction in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The judges made a proposal, which was not accepted, and the hearing was adjourned with no date to reconvene. There are currently some 970 Palestinians facing eviction in East Jerusalem. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls for “immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including all acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction”. Unfortunately, daily violence continued.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Citing the absence of Israeli- issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, 302 structures were demolished or seized by Israeli authorities or demolished by their owners to avoid heavy Israeli demolition fees. These actions displaced 433 people, including 251 children and 102 women. On 7 July, Israeli authorities demolished some 30 structures, of which 17 were provided as humanitarian assistance, in the Bedouin community of Humsa Al-Baqai’a, in the Jordan Valley. On 14 July, Israeli authorities confiscated at least 49 structures in the Bedouin community of Ras Al-Tin, in Ramallah governorate. As a result, 84 people, including 53 children and 14 women, were displaced.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: On behalf of the Secretary- General, I will devote this briefing to presenting his 19th report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 12 June to 27 September. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem” and to “fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard”. During the reporting period, there were no new settlement housing plans advanced, approved or tendered. On 2 July, some 50 Israeli settler families left the settlement outpost of Evyatar, illegal also under Israeli law, following an agreement with the Israeli Government that the Israeli military would re-establish a presence at the site and that a land survey would be conducted to determine land status.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, serious political efforts are required to return to meaningful negotiations that will address all final-status issues and achieve a negotiated end to the occupation and the vision of two States, living side by side in peace and security, based on the 1967 borders, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and signed agreements. In the meantime, both sides should abide by the signed agreements and avoid unilateral actions that change the reality on the ground and undermine the two-State solution.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee remains the established mechanism whereby the parties and donors can address relevant issues pertaining to the economic situation of PA institution-building. The next meeting of the AHLC can work out plans for how outstanding issues can be addressed by the parties, with the support of donors and the United Nations. I also believe that no positive, hopeful step should be wasted, and despite the formidable challenges, we should help provide momentum to that renewed engagement.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 17 August, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) observed projectiles fired from west to north-east of their positions’ strike locations and heavy explosions on the Bravo side. UNDOF continues to observe the presence of unauthorized military personnel and equipment in the area of separation. Finally, demonstrable change is needed on the ground, especially for the people living in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. I remain extremely concerned by the dire financial situation facing the Palestinian Authority and its ability to withstand the ongoing fiscal and health crises. That may affect all Palestinians. It is critical that the PA be empowered to exercise its responsibilities throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including on reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“The lifting of fuel subsidies on 11 August exacerbated fuel shortages, causing widespread disruption in service delivery. The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains tense following the launching of rockets from Lebanon towards Israel on 4 and 6 August — the latter instance claimed by Hizbullah. Israel responded on both occasions with artillery fire, as well as air strikes in southern Lebanon on 5 August. UNIFIL remains engaged with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to defuse tensions. On the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained, despite the continued volatile situation and violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“I welcome that dialogue, and I encourage more ministerial-level engagement, particularly to advance financial and economic cooperation. I hope that such contacts can result in bringing the parties to a position to advance unresolved issues, including political ones and those related to the implementation of agreements made by the parties. On 27 August, Israeli Prime Minister Bennett met with United States President Biden. The two sides exchanged views on the efforts to advance peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians, and reaffirmed the importance of Israel’s historic partnerships with Egypt and Jordan, as well as expanding relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Turning to the region, in Lebanon, the Government formation process has yet to yield tangible progress.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“I urge Israelis and Palestinians to resolve the impasse over the prisoner payment scheme and other fiscal leakages; and I call on donors to provide urgent financial support to the PA. On a positive note, on 29 July, the Israeli Ministers of Health and Environmental Protection met with their Palestinian counterparts for the first time in many years, amid an increase in engagement between Israeli and Palestinian officials. On 29 August, yesterday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz met with President Abbas in Ramallah, where they discussed security policy and economic issues, among other aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. That was the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the formation of the current Israeli Government.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“While Hamas subsequently vacated the school, such actions undermine the inviolability and neutrality of UNRWA premises and compromise the safe return of children to their schools on time. UNRWA and the United Nations Mine Action Service are working to remove any remaining unexploded ordnance as soon as possible. The state of the Palestinian Authority’s finances remains precarious. While the monthly transfer of clearance revenues from Israel to the PA occurs regularly, Israel continues to deduct an amount equivalent to what is calculated as paid by the PA to the families of prisoners and martyrs. Those deductions, along with numerous other fiscal leakages, make it increasingly difficult for the PA to cover its minimum expenditures, including salaries to Government employees and social protection payments to needy households.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Gaza requires political solutions that will see a full lifting of Israeli closures, in line with resolution 1860 (2009), as well as the return of a legitimate Palestinian Government to Gaza and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian State of which Gaza is an integral part. It must also see Hamas and other armed groups stop the launching of incendiary devices, rockets and mortars and end the militant build-up. Following the takeover by Hamas of a school of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Agency reiterated, in an 11 August statement, that its installations are inviolable at all times. The Agency protested the takeover and condemned the existence and potential use of structures, including tunnels, under its premises in the strongest possible terms.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“While some 6,000 trucks — including of construction materials, food and non-food items and fuel — entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom, the volume of trade still remains below pre-escalation levels. On 23 August, for the first time in over six months, Egyptian authorities closed the Rafah crossing to all movement, and reopened it fully on 29 August. Although movement and access in and out of Gaza should be further improved, no amount of humanitarian or economic support on its own will address the challenges facing Gaza. The current gradual approach is a holding operation and not a strategic way forward or a solution for the people of Gaza.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“I urge Israel to cease the demolition and seizure of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Returning to the situation in Gaza, I note a gradual and partial easing of the access restrictions by Israeli authorities. On 29 July, the fishing zone was again expanded to 12 nautical miles after being restricted for four days in response to the launching of incendiary balloons into Israel from the Gaza Strip. On 13 and 26 August, Israeli authorities announced additional easing of import and export restrictions. For the first time in 18 months, permits will be given to 2,000 Palestinian traders and 350 businesspeople to cross from Gaza into Israel.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“The confiscation was carried out due to the community’s location in an Israeli-declared “firing zone”. On 2 August, Israel’s Supreme Court held a hearing to consider an appeal request by four Palestinian families facing eviction in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The judges proposed a compromise, which was not agreed to, and the hearing was adjourned with no date to reconvene. On 15 August, the Supreme Court postponed the eviction of several other Palestinian families living in the same area of Sheikh Jarrah, pending a decision on their request to appeal the decision to evict them. On 11 August, the Jerusalem Local Affairs Court froze the demolition of several dozen structures in the Al-Bustan section of the Silwan neighbourhood until 10 February 2022, pending planning discussions that are under way.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“I also urge the Palestinian Authority to immediately stop arrests of human rights defenders, journalists and activists on charges that impinge upon the exercise of freedom of expression. Israeli demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian homes and other structures continued throughout the reporting period. Overall, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 81 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and 22 in East Jerusalem — displacing 165 Palestinians, including 33 women and 98 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. On 4 August, 17 structures were seized in the Bedouin community of Ibziq in the Jordan Valley — displacing 27 people, including 19 children.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 29 July, Israeli security forces reportedly conducted searches of the offices of the Bisan Center for Research and Development and the Defence for Children International-Palestine in Ramallah and confiscated equipment. On 21 August, Palestinian security forces arrested 23 people in Ramallah for their participation in a planned demonstration, the majority of them before the protest started. Several of those arrested were well-known human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and political activists. All the detained were subsequently released. I call on Israel to take all necessary measures to protect the right to freedom of association and ensure that human rights organizations in the occupied Palestinian territory are protected from arbitrary actions.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Further measures must be taken to ensure that Israel fulfils its obligation to protect Palestinian civilians from violence, including by Israeli settlers, and to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for such attacks. I reiterate that security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. In a concerning incident on 14 August, during the protests in Beita, Palestinians set fire to a Star of David containing the image of a swastika. Such displays of anti-Semitism are unacceptable. I urge all parties to refrain from incitement and provocative actions. During the reporting period, Palestinian civil society organizations and human rights defenders continued to face restrictions on their freedoms of expression, assembly and association.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 17 August, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was attacked in the northern West Bank, during which a group of Israeli settlers kidnapped the boy, tied him to a tree and brutally assaulted, cut and burned him. The boy, who lost consciousness, was eventually handed over to a Palestinian ambulance. I am deeply concerned about this heinous act, and I expect the Israeli authorities to undertake a swift, thorough and transparent investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. I am concerned about the continued tragic loss of life and serious injuries in the occupied Palestinian territory. I note that settler violence against Palestinian civilians is recurrent in my reporting to the Council.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 24 August, Israeli forces killed a 15-year-old boy with live ammunition during an arrest operation in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. According to Israeli officials, the boy had been threatening to throw a large object at Israeli security forces personnel. However, witnesses dispute the account and say that the boy was shot in the head by Israeli security forces personnel at some distance. During the reporting period, six Palestinians, including one woman and one child, were injured in five violent incidents involving Israeli settlers. Palestinians perpetrated attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians, resulting in five injuries and damage to property.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 6 August, another Palestinian was killed by Israeli security forces’ live fire in Beita during clashes with those forces. On 28 July, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was killed in Beit Ummar after the ISF fired at the car in which he was travelling with his father and siblings. Israeli authorities have opened an investigation. The next day, the ISF killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man amid clashes during the boy’s funeral. On 3 August, six Palestinians were injured during an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces in the Jenin refugee camp, in Area A of the West Bank, including a 25-year-old man, who later succumbed to his wounds. On 16 August, four Palestinians were killed and another was injured by live ammunition in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces during an Israeli search operation in the camp.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Near-daily clashes near Beita village, in the northern West Bank, took place in the context of protests against the nearby outpost of Evyatar, which is held by Israeli security forces after settlers evacuated the location in July. In more than 100 days of protests, seven Palestinians were killed and 972 injured by Israeli security forces, with one killed and 226 injured during the reporting period. On 27 July, a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli security forces near Beita. According to Israeli forces, the man advanced towards Israeli soldiers holding a suspicious object and ignored warning shots. The man, reportedly a water technician, was seen on video with a pipe wrench near a water pump shortly before he was shot. Israeli authorities said they opened an investigation.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“On 25 August, another demonstration near the security fence east of Khan Younis led to another clash between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. Fourteen Palestinians were injured, including five by live ammunition. I reiterate that children must never be targeted or put in harm’s way, and I call on all sides to show restraint, avoid provocations at the fence and keep the protests peaceful. In the occupied West Bank, clashes, attacks, search- and-arrest operations, including in Area A, and other incidents resulted in the death of nine Palestinians, including two children, and injuries to more than 280 Palestinians, including with live ammunition or, in the case of the vast majority, with rubber bullets. One Israeli security personnel was injured during those events.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Tensions along the Gaza perimeter reached a peak on 21 August, when hundreds of Palestinians attended a rally organized by Palestinian factions. During the demonstration, hundreds of people approached the security fence and threw stones and, reportedly, improvised explosive devices towards Israeli security personnel. Israeli forces fired on Palestinian protesters, injuring 51 Palestinians, including 25 children, the vast majority due to live ammunition. One Palestinian man and a 12-year-old Palestinian boy subsequently died of their wounds. One Israeli soldier was shot by a Palestinian and later died of his injuries. That evening, Israel launched six retaliatory air strikes against what it said were Hamas military sites in Gaza.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“In addition, some $45 million of the requested $95 million has been raised for the United Nations humanitarian flash appeal, and an additional nearly $55 million has been mobilized in support of the humanitarian response more broadly. I again thank donors for their generous support, while reiterating that further contributions are urgently needed. Concerning the continued level of violence throughout the occupied Palestinian territory during the reporting period, in Gaza, militants launched incendiary balloons on multiple occasions, and one rocket towards Israel. The rocket was intercepted, causing no damage, while the balloons caused several fires in areas around the Gaza Strip. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces fired some 37 missiles against Hamas targets, resulting in damage but no injuries.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Such support came following the United Nations humanitarian appeal in May and its call to the international community at the technical meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) in July to work with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the United Nations on implementing a robust programme of humanitarian aid and recovery for the Gaza Strip, developed in full contact with the Palestinian Authority. As the United Nations is about to implement the programme of cash assistance for needy families, I wish to thank the Government of Qatar for its generous support to those programmes, and the Palestinian Authority for its support for them.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: More than three months have passed since the deadly escalation between Israel and militants in Gaza, and the situation remains tense. In response, the United Nations continues to engage all sides to maintain calm and provide urgent assistance to Gaza’s residents. On 19 August, the State of Qatar announced a contribution of $40 million over four months to the United Nations to provide cash assistance to some 100,000 needy families in Gaza. I welcome Qatar’s contribution to support vulnerable families, which comes in addition to the $10 million per month that Qatar already gives to provide the programme of the United Nations Office for Project Services to support fuel to the Gaza power plant. Those two efforts combined are vital to improving the dire socioeconomic and humanitarian situation of the Gaza Strip.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“The United Nations remains committed to supporting the parties in resolving the conflict and ending the occupation in line with the relevant General Assembly and Security Council 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. Even as we focus on the pressing challenges in Gaza, I reiterate our determination to work with Israelis and Palestinians, fellow members of the Middle East Quartet and key regional and international partners to lay the groundwork for a return to meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I call for an independent investigation into his death and for those responsible to be held accountable. In conclusion, I would once again like to highlight the significant risks we face over the coming period as we confront the prospect of a renewed escalation. While immediate international efforts are rightly focused on solidifying the cessation of hostilities, providing humanitarian assistance and beginning the process of Gaza’s reconstruction, recent events have also highlighted the urgent need to re-establish a political horizon and restore hope to Palestinians and Israelis.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“The United Nations stands firm in its support of Egypt in that regard, and I call upon all Palestinian factions to make serious efforts to ensure the reunification of Gaza and the occupied West Bank under a single, legitimate, democratic national Government. Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State, as part of a two-State solution. In that context, I note that the postponement of the Palestinian elections has compounded frustrations and undermined hope for the Palestinian national project. I commend the tireless efforts of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, which ensured that all technical aspects were effectively implemented. I am deeply concerned by the news today of the death of political candidate and activist Nizar Banat, who died in the context a Palestinian security forces arrest operation.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“In the first week of July, the donor group of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians will convene an emergency meeting at which it will discuss how to quickly mobilize donor support in a common effort with the Palestinian Authority. The $150-million shortfall in the programme budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East remains a major concern. I welcome the resumption of funding from the United States in April and call on Member States to ensure that the Agency has the resources needed to conduct its operations. It is also critical that the Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts continue.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“We are now moving quickly to ensure that there is a well-coordinated international response focused on the two million people in Gaza who have suffered for far too long. I am particularly concerned that the Kerem Shalom crossing to Gaza from Israel has been effectively closed for over five weeks, with some narrow exceptions for food, animal feed and limited humanitarian items. Kerem Shalom should be open for regular, non-sensitive trade. In the coming days, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union will soon release a rapid damage needs assessment that will estimate the longer- term reconstruction and recovery needs in Gaza.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I call upon Hamas to release the full information on their status immediately, as required by international humanitarian law. I also remain concerned by the continued Israeli practice of withholding 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. Turning back to Gaza, in the context of a fragile cessation of hostilities, the United Nations is continuing to coordinate the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. I highlight the $95 million humanitarian flash appeal launched on 27 May and thank members for the pledges and contributions made so far. All parties must also facilitate unimpeded access for humanitarian relief.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“Israeli and Palestinian authorities must carry out thorough, independent, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force. On too many occasions during the reporting period, officials exacerbated tensions and violence with unacceptable rhetoric and provocative actions that contributed to the dangerous dynamics on the ground. Violence and incitement must be clearly condemned and unequivocally rejected by all. In that context, I commend initiatives by civil society organizations and other leaders calling for peace, reconciliation and the rejection of violence. The fate of two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza remains an important humanitarian concern.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I am also deeply concerned by the increased intensity of settler-related violence and by violent attacks between Israeli and Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. I urge Israel to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population in line with its responsibilities under international law. The perpetrators of violence on all sides must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. I also note with concern reports of armed civilians carrying out attacks against Palestinians in proximity to the Israeli security forces. I reiterate that the security forces must exercise maximum restraint and may use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect lives.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli civilian population centres from highly populated civilian neighbourhoods by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and others is prohibited by international humanitarian law. Palestinian militants must cease that practice immediately. The Israeli authorities must also abide by the rules of international humanitarian law governing armed conflict and take all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations. I am appalled that children continue to be victims of violence. Children should be afforded special protection from violence. They should never be the target of violence or put in harm’s way, nor should they be encouraged to commit or participate in acts of incitement or violence.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I call on Israeli authorities to put an end to the demolition of Palestinian property and the displacement of Palestinians and to approve plans that would enable those communities to build legally and address their development needs. The reporting period witnessed an alarming increase in the level of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, including hostilities between Israel and factions in Gaza at a scale and intensity not seen in years. I am especially concerned by the attempt to exploit the sensitive status of Jerusalem and to use it to justify a broader armed conflict. Those events have only deepened divisions between Israelis and Palestinians and are making progress towards peace an even greater challenge. The incitement and the violence must stop immediately.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source