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

“Nearly 1,000 of these are in outposts that are in the process of legalization under Israeli law. Following multiple postponements, a meeting of the Higher Planning Committee’s Subcommittee for Objections on sensitive E1 settlement plans has been rescheduled for 12 June. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israeli authorities, citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, demolished, seized or forced people to demolish 331 structures. These actions displaced 388 people, including 89 women and 197 children. A total of 61 structures were donor-funded.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“On 2 January, the Israeli Government informed the High Court of Justice that it intends to legalize, under Israeli law, the outpost of Homesh, built on private Palestinian-owned land, including by repealing part of the 2005 disengagement law. Relevant legislation is currently being advanced in the Knesset. On the same day, the Court gave the Government 90 days to explain why the outpost should not be evacuated. On 12 February, the Israeli Government announced that it authorized nine outposts in the occupied West Bank and that the Higher Planning Committee would convene within days to advance settlement housing units. The Committee subsequently advanced plans for over 7,200 settlement housing units, with approximately 4,000 located deep in the occupied West Bank.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard. Settlement activities have, nevertheless, continued during the reporting period. On 27 December, Israeli settlers took control of a parcel of agricultural land leased by a Palestinian family from the Greek Orthodox Church since 1931 in the Silwan area of occupied East Jerusalem. The settlers maintain that they had purchased the land from the Church, a deal the Church rejected as fraudulent.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: Before turning to the Secretary- General’s report, I would like to note the beginning of the holiday period, when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with Passover and Easter. I extend my good wishes to those who are observing these upcoming holy days. At the outset, I remind all that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected. This should be a period for safe and peaceful religious reflection and celebrations for all. I urge all sides to refrain from unilateral steps that escalate tensions. I call on all leaders to engage to this end and refrain from provocative actions and messages at this sensitive time. I ask for calm. I turn now to the Secretary-General’s twenty- fifth report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 8 December 2022 to 13 March 2023.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“As we continue to work with the parties and regional and international partners to calm tensions, we must identify and pursue every opportunity to advance our long-term goal: an end to the occupation and the establishment of two States, living side by side in peace and security, on the basis of the 1967 lines, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“At the same time, I urge a halt to all settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions, which fuel those tensions. With the holy month of Ramadan once again coinciding with the Passover and Easter holidays this year, joint efforts are needed to ensure that this period passes safely and peacefully for all. Provocations, disinformation and efforts by extremists to stoke violence must be addressed swiftly and effectively. In that context, I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to refrain from steps that could escalate tensions in and around the holy sites, and for all to uphold the status quo, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Preventing more violence is an urgent priority that requires not only coordinated security measures but also considerable political efforts. As such, I urge both sides to refrain from taking unilateral steps that could further inflame the situation. I reiterate my appeal to the parties to rein in violence and incitement and hold perpetrators accountable. In particular, there is a need to address instability in the West Bank, characterized by spiralling tensions between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian factions and friction points between settlers and Palestinians, which drives more violence and emboldens extremists. Restoring security coordination and ensuring that Palestinian security forces can operate effectively is key.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Turning to the region, on the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained despite continued violations by both parties of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces. On 28 January, the Israel Defense Forces fired at two individuals from the Bravo side in the vicinity of the ceasefire line, injuring one man who later succumbed to his injuries. In Lebanon, the situation along the Blue Line remained mostly calm. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon interposed between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces on 18 and 19 January near Sarda and on 23 and 24 January near Markaba in connection with vegetation-clearing works by the Israel Defense Forces. We have seen ominous signs of what awaits if we fail to address the current instability.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Such linkages can help sustain a vision for a political solution to Gaza’s challenges. I welcome the important regional and international diplomatic efforts during the reporting period aimed at preventing a deterioration on the ground. In January, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an effort to advance concrete steps by both parties to lower the temperature, foster greater cooperation and bolster people’s security. The visit coincided with a visit by senior officials from Egypt and Jordan, who met together with President Abbas on 31 January.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“A total of 11 rockets were fired: five were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, two landed in open areas and one fell short in Gaza. In retaliation, Israeli security forces carried out air strikes on 14 occasions against what it said were Hamas militant targets in the Strip, causing damage. I reiterate that the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centres violates international law and must stop immediately. The United Nations has continued to deliver vital humanitarian and development assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and remains engaged with all the parties to reduce access restrictions to support the Gaza economy and basic service delivery. Increasing the movement of goods, in particular between Gaza and the West Bank, is vital for the Gaza economy to grow and generate employment opportunities.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Also on 7 February, Israeli authorities said they would postpone the demolition of a multi-story structure housing approximately 100 Palestinians in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan. The postponement came a day after the police had told residents that they would move forward with the demolition. I am concerned about the significant increase in demolitions, particularly in East Jerusalem. I urge Israel to cease that practice, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Turning to Gaza, the relative calm of the past few months was interrupted by exchanges of fire during the reporting period, once again demonstrating the fragility of the ceasefire. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets from the Strip towards Israel on six occasions.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 52 Palestinian- owned structures in Areas B and C and 46 in occupied East Jerusalem, displacing 130 Palestinians, including 68 children. The demolitions were carried out owing to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. On 7 February, Israel’s High Court of Justice instructed the Government to submit by 2 April its response to a petition seeking a forced implementation of standing demolition orders against the Bedouin village of Khan Al-Ahmar. The Government had requested a postponement until 1 June.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“It also said the Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Committee would convene in the coming days to advance housing units in settlements, and that police and border police units in Jerusalem would be reinforced and their operations expanded. Such outposts increase the settlement footprint and create friction points in the occupied West Bank. The announcement was met with widespread opposition from the Palestinian Authority and members of the international community. Many emphasized that such unilateral moves exacerbate tensions and undermine prospects for a negotiated two- State solution. Israeli settlements, including outposts, are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian- owned property also remain a serious concern.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“In the light of those deductions, the PA said that it expected to maintain and potentially increase measures, such as paying partial salaries for PA employees, which will severely impact the delivery of health, education and social support services. The financial implications of those various factors clearly contribute to undermining the stability of the PA. Significant decisions were announced by the Government of Israel related to settlement advancements and settlement outposts. On 12 February, the Israeli Security Cabinet announced that it had decided to authorize nine illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Following the 27 January terrorist attack in Jerusalem, the Israeli Security Cabinet announced a series of measures, including steps to reinforce security and strengthen Israeli settlements, as well as punitive measures against the perpetrators of the attacks in Jerusalem and their families. On 2 February, Israel’s Finance Minister announced an increase in monthly deductions from clearance revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the PA. The deductions — carried out in line with an Israeli law mandating the Government to withhold the equivalent of what it says the PA pays to Palestinian perpetrators of attacks against Israelis or to their families — will be doubled from approximately $15 to $30 million per month.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“I reiterate that the perpetrators of all acts of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. Security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. I am particularly appalled that children continue to be the victims of violence and involved in violent incidents. Children must never be the targets of violence, used or put in harm’s way. Amid the mounting violence, there has also been a concerning deterioration in relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Following the 26 January Israeli search and arrest operation in Jenin, the Palestinian Authority announced that security coordination with Israel “no longer exists”.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Two Palestinians were killed by settlers in the occupied West Bank, one while attempting to carry out a stabbing attack on 21 January and one shot in a confrontation with a group of settlers near a Palestinian village on 11 February. On 13 February, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy stabbed a member of the Israeli security forces in East Jerusalem, during which a second Israeli security forces member was shot and killed in a friendly fire incident. As the Secretary-General noted last month, the current escalation of violence is deeply worrisome. There can never be any excuse for acts of terrorism or the targeting of civilians, which must be clearly condemned and rejected by all. The celebration or glorification of such attacks is abhorrent and must be unequivocally condemned.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“On 26 January, 10 Palestinians, including militants and a 61-year-old woman, were killed in the Jenin refugee camp. A few days later, on 30 January, Israeli security forces killed five armed Palestinians during an arrest operation that led to an exchange of fire in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp, near Jericho. Those killed were later claimed by Hamas as members of its armed wing. Two terrorist attacks were carried out in occupied East Jerusalem. Six Israelis, including a child and one foreign national, were killed in a shooting attack perpetrated by a Palestinian outside a synagogue on 27 January, and three Israelis, including two children, were killed in a ramming attack on 10 February.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“I call upon the parties to match security efforts with political steps that can halt the negative slide and restore hope in an end to the conflict and prospects for a viable two-State solution. Since I last briefed the Council (see S/PV.9246), we have seen an alarming number of fatalities. Forty Palestinians, including one woman and seven children, have been killed in the occupied West Bank. In the same period, 10 Israelis, including one woman, three children and one security personnel, as well as one woman foreign national, have been killed. A significant number of Palestinian casualties have occurred in the context of Israeli security forces search and arrest operations and clashes with armed Palestinians, including in Area A of the occupied West Bank.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: We are witnessing a surge in violence, including some of the deadliest incidents in nearly 20 years. I am concerned that developments on the ground are continuing their negative trajectory, gaining in both pace and intensity. At the same time, unilateral actions are moving the parties still further apart, exacerbating tensions and driving the conflict. Immediate efforts are required to reduce tensions, but restoring calm is not, on its own, a recipe for progress. The United Nations, along with regional and international partners, has engaged intensively with all parties to de-escalate the situation. I appreciate in particular the Council’s efforts to focus its attention on the situation here, as reflected in the presidential statement (S/PRST/2023/1).”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“I reiterate my call from November for immediate concrete steps towards reversing negative trends on the ground, strengthening the Palestinian Authority and improving access and movement for Palestinians, while ensuring the necessary space for Palestinian economic activity. Absent a concerted and collective effort by all, with strong support from the international community, spoilers and extremists will continue to pour more fuel on the fire and we will move still further from a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The United Nations remains committed to supporting an end to the occupation and establishing a two-State solution, with an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, in line with United Nations resolutions, and international law and bilateral agreements.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“During the gathering, the Negev Forum regional cooperation framework was released, in which participants affirmed, inter alia, that the new regional relationships can be harnessed to create momentum in Israeli-Palestinian relations towards a negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israelis and Palestinians remain today on a collision course amid escalating political and inflammatory rhetoric as well as heightened violence in the West Bank, both with potentially grave consequences. Courageous political leadership is urgently required to generate the momentum necessary to transform the current dynamic. It is imperative that both sides refrain from provocations and unilateral steps — including at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem — that undermine stability and the ability to achieve a negotiated peace.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“It remains important for the parties to respect their obligations under the terms of the Agreement and prevent risks of escalation. Lebanon remains without a President and with a caretaker Government. Meanwhile, the situation along the Blue Line remains calm, without any major incidents. The United Nations is following up with Lebanese authorities regarding the incident in December that resulted in the death of one peacekeeper of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and injuries to three others. On 9 and 10 January, senior officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and the United States gathered in Abu Dhabi for the inaugural meeting of the Negev Forum working groups.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“I welcome the resolution of the issue and the lifting of the exit ban, which had been in place since 7 November. While continued progress in those areas is vital, humanitarian or economic support alone will resolve neither the situation in Gaza nor the broader conflict. Political solutions are required. There are no quick fixes. The ultimate goal remains to fully lift the closures in line with resolution 1860 (2009) and reunite Gaza and the occupied West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian national authority, as an integral part of a two-State solution. Turning briefly to the region, in the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria was generally maintained despite continued violations by both parties of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Turning to the Gaza Strip, the United Nations continued to deliver vital humanitarian and development assistance. I also continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to further ease restrictions on the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza. Despite those efforts, the socioeconomic situation remains a grave concern, with access restrictions continuing to impact the delivery of assistance. Currently, approximately 300 staff of the United Nations and implementing partners have either been denied or not yet received a response to their permit applications. The reporting period witnessed an increase of nearly 500 economic needs permits — to more than 16,000 — while the number of trader and businessmen permits remained largely consistent. On 30 December, Israel resumed the exit of fish from Gaza to the West Bank.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On 8 January, the Israeli Finance Minister instructed the tax authorities to implement the withholding of Palestinian tax funds to pay for those damages. I am seriously concerned about the impact of such measures on the PA’s financial situation. Also on 8 January, Israel’s National Security Minister issued a directive to the Israeli police to increase the enforcement of the removal of Palestinian flags from public spaces in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. On 16 January, a statement was issued with 39 Member States as signatories, reconfirming support for the International Court of Justice, international law and multilateralism and noting deep concern regarding the Israeli Government’s decision to impose punitive measures following the request by the General Assembly to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On 30 December 2022, the General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” (General Assembly resolution 77/247), which includes a request to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion relating to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. In response, on 6 January, the Israeli security cabinet approved a series of measures against the Palestinian Authority, including the transfer of approximately $39 million in withheld tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to the families of Israelis killed in Palestinian attacks.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Following the visit, senior Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister’s Office, reaffirmed that the Government is committed to upholding the status quo and stated that the visit did not represent a deviation from it. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to refrain from steps that could escalate tensions in and around the Holy Sites, and for all to uphold the status quo, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Jerusalem’s Anglican Archbishop called it a “clear hate crime”, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the attack “an affront to religion.” On 6 January, two Israelis, aged 14 and 18, were arrested for the act, and, according to a statement issued by Israeli police following an investigation, a formal indictment is expected. As outlined during our 5 January Council briefing (see S/PV.9236), on 3 January, Israel’s new Minister for National Security conducted a visit to the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. The visit was condemned by the Palestinian Authority and Jordanian officials, among others, who said it was a provocation and violation of the status quo.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On 27 December, Israeli settlers accompanied by Israeli security forces forcibly took control of a parcel of agricultural land that a Palestinian family has leased from the Greek Orthodox Church since 1931 in the Silwan area of occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli forces arrested at least five Palestinians protesting the takeover. The settlers maintain that they purchased the land from the Greek Orthodox Church, in a deal the Church rejected as fraudulent. On 1 January, in a despicable act, some 30 gravestones were desecrated at the protestant cemetery on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On the same day, the Court issued a decision giving the State 90 days to explain why the outpost should not be evacuated and the Palestinian rights holders not allowed to exercise their rights. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned property remain a serious concern. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 126 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and seven in occupied East Jerusalem, displacing 127 Palestinians, including 60 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli- issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. We have also seen several additional concerning developments in Jerusalem.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. I am particularly appalled that children continue to be the victims of violence. Children must never be the targets of violence or put in harm’s way. Turning to settlement-related developments, on 2 January, the Israeli Government informed the High Court of Justice that it intends to legalize, under Israeli law, the outpost of Homesh by repealing part of the 2005 disengagement law. Built on private Palestinian land, the outpost consists of a religious school and was previously a settlement that was demolished under the 2005 law.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On 16 December, a 16-year- old Palestinian boy was assaulted and injured when a group of settlers — reportedly from the Yitzhar settlement — entered Madama village near Nablus and attacked Palestinian houses and vehicles with stones. On 11 January, an 18-year-old Palestinian stabbed and injured an Israeli civilian near the settlement outpost of Havat Yehuda, in the South Hebron Hills. The Palestinian was subsequently shot and killed by an armed Israeli. On 13 January, a group of Israeli settlers attacked a group of Palestinians and foreign nationals who were hiking near Jericho, according to eyewitness accounts and video footage from the incident. Two women were reportedly injured. I reiterate that perpetrators of all acts of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“On 8 December, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 16-year-old boy in the Aboud community, near Ramallah, as he and four others were apparently preparing to throw stones and paint at Israeli vehicles. On 3 January, a 15-year-old boy was killed by Israeli security forces in the Duheisha refugee camp in Bethlehem; Palestinians threw stones and Molotov cocktails towards Israeli security forces, and the boy was reportedly lighting a Molotov cocktail at the time he was shot. On 5 January, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 16-year-old Palestinian during an arrest operation in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. The boy was apparently caught in an armed exchange between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinians. Settler-related violence also continued during the reporting period.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Those included three Palestinians killed on 8 December during a search-and-arrest operation that involved an exchange of fire between Palestinians and Israeli security forces; a 15-year-old girl who was killed during a search- and-arrest operation in the Jenin refugee camp on 11 December; two Palestinians, including a 17-year-old boy, killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces in the context of a punitive demolition in Kafr Dan village on 2 January; and, finally, on 12 January, two Palestinians killed during a military operation in Qabatiya, in which armed exchanges were reported. Violence continued to affect children, with five Palestinian children killed during the reporting period.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“In total, such operations resulted in 10 Palestinian fatalities, including three children, and 86 injuries, as well as injury to three members of the Israeli security forces during the reporting period. Casualties remained concentrated in the northern West Bank, particularly in Jenin governorate.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Israeli settlers or other civilians perpetrated 63 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 28 injuries, including six children, and/or damage to Palestinian property. According to Israeli sources, five Israeli civilians, including three women, and four Israeli security forces personnel were injured by Palestinians in attacks, clashes, the throwing of stones and Molotov cocktails and other incidents. In total, Palestinians perpetrated some 89 attacks against Israeli civilians, resulting in injuries and/or damage to Israeli property, 57 of which were stone-throwing incidents. A high proportion of Palestinian casualties occurred during Israeli search-and-arrest operations, including in Area A of the occupied West Bank, many of which included armed exchanges.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Despite the complex challenges, I reiterate the United Nations commitment to supporting Israelis and Palestinians to achieve sustainable peace. The United Nations and its partners have been, and continue to be, engaged in efforts to improve the situation on the ground. I urge all sides to reduce tensions and take concrete steps towards establishing a political horizon in line with the priorities I outlined to the Security Council in November. In total, between 8 December and 13 January, 14 Palestinians, including five children, were killed and 117 Palestinians, including three women and 18 children, were injured by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, search-and-arrest operations, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis and other incidents.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: As a new year begins, a dangerous cycle of violence persists on the ground, amid increased political tension and a stalled peace process. The violent trends that dominated the last months of 2022 continue to take a devastating human toll. The violence must stop. Preventing more loss of life and reversing negative trends on the ground must be our collective priority. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the ultimate goal: to end the occupation, resolve the conflict and realize a two-State solution. Since my previous briefing (see S/PV.9203), a new Israeli Government has been sworn in. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government of Israel.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“The United Nations is committed to achieving a two-State solution, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“There is no substitute for a legitimate political process that will resolve the core issues driving the conflict. In line with the recommendation that I made to the Council in November, I urge the parties, along with States of the region and the broader international community, to take concrete steps that will change the negative trajectory on the ground and have an immediate impact on Palestinian and Israeli lives, while ensuring that those steps are anchored in a political framework that moves the parties forward towards the establishment of two States. The United Nations remains actively engaged in advancing those efforts with all relevant parties and is committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“I also remain seriously concerned about the financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which is putting at risk the delivery of essential services to Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory and in the region. As the West Bank has witnessed the highest level of violence in years, UNRWA remains one of the most significant stabilizing elements in the lives of thousands of Palestinians. I reiterate my urgent call to provide UNRWA with the funds needed to fully deliver on its General Assembly mandate. As I told the Council in my briefing last month (see S/PV.9203), seeking to freeze this conflict or manage it in perpetuity are not viable options.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“More needs to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation and enable the economy to grow. Ultimately, solving Gaza’s challenges will require political solutions, including a return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to the Strip, a full lifting of Israeli closures, in line with resolution 1860 (2009), and an end to the militant build-up. As commodity prices spike, humanitarian needs and costs are rising across the occupied Palestinian territories. The World Food Programme (WFP) in particular is facing a significant decline in bilateral financial support, putting at risk its ability to maintain critical food and cash assistance to more than 400,000 of the most vulnerable food-insecure people across the occupied Palestinian territories. The WFP needs $35 million over the next six months to be able to continue its ongoing support.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“In Gaza, the situation remains fragile, and the risk of escalation persists. Efforts by the United Nations and regional and international partners, including Egypt and Qatar, to improve Palestinian lives, as well as measures by Israel to ease some movement and access restrictions and facilitate more economic activity, have enabled the ceasefire to hold. There are currently more than 18,000 permits for Palestinian residents of Gaza to work or do business in Israel, the highest number since 2007. The volume of goods exiting Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel increased by nearly 50 per cent in 2022. While progress has been made, restrictions and delays continue to negatively affect humanitarian and development efforts, as well as important sectors of the economy.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“I call on political, religious and community leaders on all sides to help to calm the situation, avoid spreading inflammatory rhetoric and speak up against those seeking to incite and escalate the situation. I am increasingly concerned by the fragility of the current political and security dynamics, particularly in the occupied West Bank, including in Jerusalem. The deepening occupation, the increase in violence, including terrorism, and the absence of a political horizon have empowered extremists and are eroding hope among Palestinians and Israelis alike that a resolution of the conflict is achievable. Simultaneously, the Palestinian Authority is facing mounting economic and institutional challenges, compounded by the constraints of the occupation, the absence of serious reforms and unclear prospects for donor support.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“Children must never be the target of violence, used or put in harm’s way. Also disturbing are the continued killings of Palestinians by Israeli security forces in incidents in which they did not appear to present an imminent threat to life. I reiterate that security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. The increase in the number of Israelis killed or injured by Palestinians, including in bombings and shooting attacks, is also alarming. The violence must stop, and all perpetrators must be held accountable. I condemn all acts of terrorism, which must be rejected and condemned by all.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“I am gravely concerned by the sharp increase in violence against civilians on both sides, which exacerbates mistrust and undermines a peaceful resolution to the conflict. I am particularly appalled that children continue to be victims of violence. The year 2022 has tragically witnessed the killing of 44 Palestinian children and one Israeli child. Those include the killing by Israeli security forces of a 16-year-old boy in the context of alleged stone-throwing in the Aboud community, near Ramallah, on 8 December, and of a 15-year-old Palestinian girl in the context of a search-and-arrest operation in Jenin on 11 December that involved an exchange of fire between Israeli security forces and Palestinians. According to an initial Israel Defense Forces investigation, the girl was shot unintentionally and was not involved in hostilities.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“I call on the Government of Israel to cease the advancement of all settlement activities immediately. I am also deeply concerned by the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures. I am alarmed in particular by the demolition of a donor- funded school in Masafer Yatta and the stated intention of Israeli authorities to demolish additional structures in the herding communities of that area, which would have a significant humanitarian toll if implemented. I call upon the Government of Israel to end the demolition of Palestinian-owned property, prevent the possible displacement and eviction of Palestinians, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and approve plans that would enable Palestinians to build legally and address their development needs.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“They undermine the prospect of achieving a two-State solution by systematically eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State. While the reporting period saw no advancements of housing units in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the total number of settlement housing units advanced in 2022 remains high, albeit slightly lower than in 2021. Overall, during the year, in Area C some 4,800 units were advanced, as compared with 5,400 in 2021, while tenders dropped from 1,800 in 2021 to 150 in 2022. Moreover, in occupied East Jerusalem, the number of housing units advanced more than tripled from the previous year — from 900 units in 2021 to 3,100 units in 2022, with tenders doubling from 200 to 400.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source
“Regrettably, in the period following the submission of the written report, violence has continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. Since 8 December, six Palestinians, including two children, have been killed by Israeli security forces. Of those, four were killed during search-and-arrest operations in Jenin, one during an exchange of fire following an alleged shooting attack near Ofra settlement and one was killed in the context of alleged stone-throwing. I will now turn to several observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains deeply concerning. Settlements constitute a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions and international law.”
2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9224 (2022) · source