YouSaid · the spoken record

Wennesland

lines on the record

576

first

2021-05-27

most recent

2023-12-19

sittings or episodes

31

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un-security-council

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1. “I am also concerned by the continued establishment of settlement outposts, which are also illegal under Israeli law. As we have seen, the recent establishment of Eviatar has already led to protests and clashes with tragic outcomes. I again underscore, in no uncertain terms, that Israeli settlements constitute a flagrant violation of General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and international law. They are a major obstacle to the achievement of a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The advancement of all settlement activity must cease immediately. The continued demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures, including humanitarian projects and schools, is also deeply concerning.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

2. “On 23 June, Palestinian activist and parliamentary candidate Nizar Banat was pronounced dead, hours after being arrested by Palestinian Security Forces at a house in Hebron. According to the victim’s family, the Forces aggressively beat and physically assaulted the victim during the arrest. I will turn now to several observations concerning the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. I remain deeply troubled by continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I am concerned in particular about the approval of a plan to expand the Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem. If implemented, the plan would further consolidate the continuum of illegal settlements separating East Jerusalem from Bethlehem and other Palestinian communities in the southern part of the West Bank.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

3. “On the same day, rallies were organized throughout the Gaza strip by national and Islamic forces, protests erupted at the fence and militants in Gaza released incendiary balloons towards Israel, starting dozens of fires. In response to the incendiary balloons, from 16 to 17 June, Israeli Defense Forces targeted what they said were five Hamas facilities on the strip, causing damage but no injuries. On 16 June, a Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli security forces at the Hizma checkpoint near Jerusalem after reportedly attempting to carry out a ramming and stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers. Between 19 and 23 June, confrontations continued between Israeli civilians and Palestinian residents in Shaykh Jarrah.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

4. “On 15 June, several thousand right-wing Israeli activists, including members of the Knesset, marched through Jerusalem’s Old City, with many participants chanting racist slogans against Arabs and Muslims. The march, initially set for 10 May, was held amid a heavy Israeli police presence after having been rerouted by Israeli authorities from its planned trajectory throughout the Muslim quarter of the Old City. In protests and clashes that occurred in the context of the march, in East Jerusalem, as well as other parts of the West Bank, 66 Palestinians, including 12 children, were injured by rubber bullets, sound grenades and physical assaults.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

5. “Although a military order was issued on 9 June, designating the outpost a closed zone and ordering settlers to vacate, settler and significant Israeli security forces presence persisted, and Palestinian protests continued. On 11 June, Israeli security forces shot dead a 16-year-old Palestinian and on 17 June, another 16-year-old Palestinian succumbed to his wounds from shots sustained by Israeli security forces the previous night, after he reportedly threw an explosive device towards them. Since 3 May, five Palestinians have been killed and some 100 Palestinians have been injured by live ammunition in and around that area. On 12 June, Israeli civilian security guards shot dead a Palestinian woman at the Qalandiya checkpoint near Jerusalem, after she reportedly ran towards them holding a knife.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

6. “The High Court has scheduled a hearing on 2 August to consider a leave to appeal request from some of the families. Separately, the Jerusalem District Court postponed until 8 July its decision on an appeal against an eviction order related to two residential buildings in the Batan Al-Hawa neighbourhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem. Unfortunately, violent incidents have continued on a daily basis throughout the occupied Palestinian territory since the submission of the written report. Clashes have repeatedly broken out in Beita village, near Nablus in the West Bank, in the context of protests against the construction of a new Israeli settlement outpost, Eviatar.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

7. “All sides must do their part to facilitate ongoing discussions to stabilize the situation on the ground and avoid another devastating escalation in Gaza. I also wish to acknowledge the new Israeli coalition Government, which was sworn in on 13 June, under the leadership of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. I congratulate the members of the new Government and look forward to working with them to advance the two-State solution and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. I turn now to developments that have occurred since the submission of the written report. In occupied East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinian households still face the imminent threat of eviction by the Israeli authorities from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

8. “Mr. Wennesland: I am devoting my regular briefing on the situation in the Middle East to the eighteenth report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) (S/2021/584). The written report members have already received covers the period between 23 March and 11 June. Before turning to recent developments, I wish to reiterate that the cessation of hostilities reached last month between Israel and Hamas remains very fragile. The United Nations works closely with all concerned parties and partners, including Egypt, to solidify a ceasefire, allow the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and stabilize the situation in Gaza. I urge all sides to refrain from unilateral steps and provocations, take steps to reduce tensions and allow those efforts to succeed.”

   2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source

9. “Only through negotiations that end the occupation and create a viable two-State solution on the basis of all relevant resolutions, international law and mutual agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, can we hope to bring a definitive end to these senseless and costly cycles of violence.”

   2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

10. “We must avoid the pull of short-term fixes and focus instead on how to work towards resolving the deadlock in Gaza and the Palestinian divide, which have remained unresolved for over 14 years and require real political solutions. Palestinian national unity and the return of a legitimate Palestinian Government to Gaza are needed to ensure sustainability. At the same time, we must create a political horizon that allows the parties to return to the path of meaningful negotiations. To that end, I remain in close contact with my fellow Envoys in the Middle East Quartet, key Arab and international partners, and Israeli and Palestinian leaders. After decades of conflict, it is the lack of a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel — of a political horizon — that kills hope and provides space for those not interested in sustainable peace.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

11. “This is not the first time we have witnessed the end of a war in Gaza. Each time, those who lose the most are the civilians. The loss and trauma extend far beyond the period of hostilities. Ending the violence and taking immediate steps to address the humanitarian consequences are crucial priorities, but we cannot stop there. This reality — and avoiding the recurrence of hostilities — should be the point of departure for us all as we look toward sustainable, long-term solutions to this conflict. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s appeal to the international community to work with the United Nations on developing an integrated, robust package of support for a swift recovery and sustainable rebuilding that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions. I am committed to ensuring that the United Nations plays its part.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

12. “The IDF fired artillery rounds in response, impacting north of the Blue Line. No injuries or damages were reported. In addition, a number of demonstrations were organized throughout Lebanon to express solidarity with the Palestinians. On 23 May, over 900 protesters gathered in demonstrations in southern Lebanon, including close to the Blue Line. In the Shaba’a area, several individuals briefly crossed south of the Blue Line and placed flags on the Israeli technical fence. Throughout, UNIFIL and the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon have engaged the parties to defuse tensions. As a preventive measure, UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has maintained a strong presence along the Blue Line and remained in close contact with both parties.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

13. “Nevertheless, they and many others in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan face the risk of displacement, with eviction cases commenced by settler organizations currently pending before Israeli courts. I reiterate that all settlement activity is illegal under international law, and 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. The violence in Gaza has reverberated in the immediate region, particularly in Lebanon. Since my last briefing on 16 May (see S/2021/480), the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) detected several rockets fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel on 17 and 19 May, one of which impacted east of Haifa.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

14. “Propelled by events in Gaza and East Jerusalem, there has also been a sharp rise in the number of clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, settler- related violence and Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the occupied West Bank, as well as an apparent increase in the use of live ammunition by the Israeli security forces against Palestinians participating in demonstrations. I reiterate that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable. Israeli forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable, in order to protect life. Potential evictions in occupied East Jerusalem also continue to be a major concern. On 9 May, the Supreme Court temporarily postponed the eviction of several families from Sheikh Jarrah until a hearing could be held on their appeal.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

15. “The entry of fuel purchased through the United Nations for the Gaza power plant has been barred by Israel since 10 May. Gaza authorities reported that fuel purchased from Egypt has been used to ensure that it continues to function, albeit at reduced capacity, resulting in an average of five hours of electricity per day. The Gaza power plant is the only source of large-scale electricity supply within Gaza, critical to ensuring that hospitals, health clinics and water and sanitation facilities can operate. The health-care system, already overwhelmed by chronic drug shortages, inadequate equipment and the coronavirus disease pandemic, will likely be unable to meet the needs of those injured during the violence.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

16. “Due to rockets fired from Gaza, the majority of planned humanitarian supplies on that day were not able to cross. Following the cessation of hostilities, on 21 May, 40 truckloads of humanitarian supplies were permitted entry. On 25 May, Israel announced the opening of the crossings for certain humanitarian goods and personnel, including a shipment of over 46,000 thousand COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility vaccines. It is critical that a predictable schedule for the entry of all humanitarian materials and personnel be put in place at both crossings. In addition, Israel reinstated the fishing zone off the Gaza coast on 25 May to six nautical miles, which had been fully closed during the hostilities. Repair to some damaged sewage and water infrastructure has commenced.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

17. “The Security Council convened four times to discuss ways to end the hostilities, and the General Assembly held a special debate on the crisis (see A/75/PV.70). The sustained attention of the international community provided crucial momentum to ceasefire efforts at decisive moments in time. On 20 May, Israel and Hamas announced that they had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, which went into effect in the early morning hours of 21 May. It has since held, with no further rockets or air strikes reported. The humanitarian impact of the fighting on Gaza has been devastating, compounding an already-dire situation. Humanitarian access was limited to only five trucks of fuel for UNRWA installations, which entered via Kerem Shalom on 18 May.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

18. “The vast majority have returned home, but approximately 9,000 people remain displaced, with their homes destroyed or uninhabitable. The violence we have witnessed and its tragic consequences are unacceptable. Civilians should never be the target of violence. Children, in particular, must never be put in harm’s way. Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of attack or harassment. Throughout the hostilities, the United Nations worked tirelessly with all sides to restore calm, including through calls from the Secretary-General on Israel and Palestinian armed groups to take immediate and decisive steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

19. “Initial reporting during the hostilities indicated that at least 258 buildings, including four high-rise towers — one hosting international media outlets — were damaged or destroyed. This translates to nearly 2,000 housing and commercial units. The United Nations and partners are currently undertaking a rapid damage and needs assessment to understand the full scale of destruction and needs on the ground. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 1,948 Palestinians were injured in these strikes and over 112,000 people displaced, with some 77,000 sheltering in nearly 60 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools, where they had limited access to water and nearly no access to health care or food.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

20. “In Israel, direct hits were reported in multiple locations, causing damage to residential and commercial property, as well as schools and energy infrastructure, including power lines supplying Gaza. Hundreds of Israelis were injured in these attacks. In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted over 1,500 air strikes against what it said were militant targets belonging to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Nevertheless, there was significant damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. During the hostilities, the United Nations and partners reported that at least 57 schools, 9 hospitals and 19 primary health-care centres sustained complete or partial damage.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

21. “At least 126 of them were civilians. One journalist was also killed. In some cases, entire families, including women, children and infants, were killed in their homes. Over the same period, nine Israelis, including two children and five women, and three foreign nationals were killed by rockets and mortars launched indiscriminately by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, and one soldier was killed by an anti-tank missile fired near the Gaza perimeter fence. Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets from Gaza at an unprecedented intensity and scope. A significant number were intercepted by the Iron Dome system and others landed inside Gaza.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

22. “Israeli security forces reportedly shot and injured over 650 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and other crowd-control means. Thirty-two Israeli security forces personnel were injured. Although Israeli authorities took steps to reduce tensions — including by rerouting the march, postponing a Supreme Court hearing on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions and barring Jewish visits to the Holy sites — the violence and heavy security presence continued. That very same day, Hamas fired seven rockets towards Jerusalem, causing some property damage and setting off the escalation of hostilities. From 10 to 21 May, during ensuing hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Gaza, 253 Palestinians, including at least 66 children, 38 women and three persons with disabilities, were killed during Israeli air strikes and shelling.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

23. “In parallel, tensions escalated sharply among Palestinians and Israeli security forces and civilians in and around the Old City, including all the Holy Sites, during the month of Ramadan, leading to clashes and hundreds of arrests and injuries. The violence was accompanied and amplified by inflammatory statements and incitement, including violent threats issued by senior Hamas leaders, racist chants by Israeli extremists marching near the Old City and provocative visits to Sheikh Jarrah by far-right Israeli members of the Knesset and their supporters On 10 May, amid a heavy presence of Israeli security forces ahead of the Israeli-organized Jerusalem Day march, thousands of Palestinians clashed with police in and around Jerusalem’s Old City.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

24. “Broader developments on the ground will be covered in the upcoming report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). The escalation that engulfed Gaza, the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and cities across Israel led to terrible suffering and destruction and took the lives of too many civilians. I share my condolences with all who have lost loved ones or been affected by the fighting. The hostilities spread amid a spike in tensions in occupied East Jerusalem. Long-standing protests intensified over the potential eviction by Israeli authorities of several Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

25. “The United Nations is coordinating the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and I highlight the $95-million humanitarian flash appeal launched today. At the same time, we remain focused on the important political steps that are needed to solidify the cessation of hostilities that began on 21 May. Those recent events have made clear once again the costs of perpetual conflict and lost hope. The challenges in Gaza — like the conflict as a whole — require political solutions. As we look ahead, our approach cannot be business as usual, and we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Given their magnitude, I will focus today’s briefing on the recent escalation and its consequences.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source

26. “Mr. Wennesland: As I brief the Security Council today, a cessation of hostilities is holding between Palestinian militants in Gaza and Israel following 11 days of the most intense hostilities we have witnessed in years. I welcome this agreement as it brings a halt to the violent escalation and allows us to address the most urgent humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. At the outset, I wish to thank the Security Council for the support expressed to United Nations efforts to de-escalate the situation, address urgent needs and respond to the aftermath. I also wish to commend the crucial role of Egypt and the United States, and the work of Qatar, which all, in close contact with the United Nations, were instrumental in bringing this latest round of violence to an end.”

    2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source