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

“Urgent action is required by the PA, Israel and donors to avert its fiscal collapse and pave the way for long-term fiscal reforms. To that end, I welcome the current work of the mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support the PA’s important work on fiscal stability and reform. The IMF is expected to provide its report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians later in the spring. I also welcome ongoing efforts by Israel to facilitate greater access for Palestinian workers from Gaza and the West Bank to the labour market in Israel, which should be continued. With regard to Gaza, the further easing of restriction on access of materials into Gaza remains a key priority.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“From 6 to 9 February, the Palestinian Central Council met for the first time since 2018, electing a new leadership for the Palestinian National Council and new members for vacant positions in the Palestinian Liberation Organization Executive Committee. In its final statement, the Central Council called for a halt to security coordination and the suspension of recognition of Israel until it recognizes the Palestinian State based on the June 1967 borders and halts settlement activity, and reiterated decisions from the previous Central Council meeting. I once again underscore that the fiscal condition of the Palestinian Authority remains dire. Revenues are not keeping pace with needed expenditures, leading to accumulated debt, and investment in important sectors, including health, education and infrastructure, is virtually non-existent.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“In the wake of that decision, tensions increased in the neighbourhood, with numerous reports of violent altercations and damage to property. The already-sensitive situation escalated on 13 February, when a far-right Israeli Knesset member set up a makeshift office near the family’s home and called for supporters to come to the neighbourhood. On 22 February, an Israeli court suspended the eviction, pending consideration of an appeal by the family and contingent on the family’s depositing approximately $8,000 as collateral. I call on Israeli authorities to end the displacement and eviction of Palestinians and approve additional plans that would enable Palestinians to build legally and address their development needs.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 72 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and seven in East Jerusalem, displacing 73 Palestinians, including 32 children. The demolitions were carried out owing to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. I remain particularly concerned about the potential eviction of a number of Palestinian families from homes in which they have lived for decades in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, in occupied East Jerusalem. On 30 January, Israeli authorities authorized the eviction of a Palestinian family comprising 11 people, including four children, from their home in Sheikh Jarrah during the month of March.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“With regard to settlement advancements, on 24 January, the Jerusalem District Planning Committee advanced plans for some 400 new housing units in place of an existing 80 units in the settlement of Gilo, in occupied East Jerusalem. On 1 February, Israel’s Attorney-General published a legal opinion allowing Israeli authorities to advance plans for a settlement in the partially evacuated outpost of Evyatar and authorize accelerated planning procedures for that purpose. The opinion was issued following a land survey by Israel’s Civil Administration. Advancement of the plan requires a decision by Israel’s Defence Minister. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“On 24 January, Israeli settlers drove a convoy through the Palestinian town of Huwwara, near Nablus, throwing stones at Palestinians, their vehicles and shops and causing significant damage. Three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old boy, were injured. Israeli police opened an investigation and on 16 February announced the arrest of 17 Israelis in relation to the incident. Following those incidents, several senior Israeli Government members and members of the Knesset condemned the violence carried out by settlers and pledged to act against it. I note such constructive statements and urge tangible action in line with Israel’s obligation, as the occupying Power, to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population. I reiterate that perpetrators of all acts of violence must be held accountable and brought swiftly to justice.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Israeli security forces evacuated the boy, who was later pronounced dead. According to conflicting reports, the boy was either throwing stones or a Molotov cocktail when shot. All loss of life is deeply regrettable, and I reiterate that children must never be the target of violence or put in harm’s way. Security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect lives. Settler-related violence remained a concern throughout the reporting period. On 21 January, adjacent to Burin village, near Nablus, settlers injured five Israeli activists involved in a tree-planting activity with local Palestinians, set one of their vehicles ablaze and damaged another. On 7 February, three residents of the outpost of Givat Ronen were arrested for suspected involvement in the attack.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“The boy was killed amid clashes that erupted after Israeli forces entered the village to demolish the family home of one of the perpetrators of a December 2021 shooting attack that killed an Israeli civilian. On 15 February, a 19-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli security forces in the village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. The incident occurred near an Israeli checkpoint in a confrontation between Israel security forces and youths, where the man was reportedly shot in the back. On 18 February, during demonstrations in Beita village, near Nablus, 26 Palestinians were injured, including four by live ammunition. Two of the injured were first responders from the Palestine Red Crescent Society. On 22 February, Israel security forces shot a 13-year-old Palestinian boy in Al-Khader, near Bethlehem.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“On 8 February, Israeli security forces entered Nablus, in Area A of the occupied West Bank, and shot and killed three Palestinians in a car. According to Israeli authorities, the three were members of a cell that had carried out attacks on Israeli forces, were planning additional attacks and tried to shoot at Israeli security forces during the incident. The Fatah- affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades later claimed the men as members. The Palestinian Cabinet and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs condemned the killing, calling it an assassination and demanding an international investigation. Palestinians across the West Bank protested the killing, and a general strike was announced in some areas. On 13 February, a 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and killed by Israeli security forces in the village of Silat Al-Harithiya, near Jenin.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“In the occupied West Bank, six Palestinians, including two children, were killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, search-and-arrest operations, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis and other incidents, and 205 Palestinians, including 25 children, were injured. Israeli settlers or other civilians perpetrated 55 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 18 injuries and/or damage to Palestinian property. In all, nine Israeli civilians, including at least one woman and two children, and eight Israeli security personnel were injured by Palestinians in clashes, shooting, stabbing and ramming attacks, the throwing of stones and Molotov cocktails and other incidents. In total, Palestinians perpetrated 108 attacks against Israeli civilians, resulting in injuries and damage to Israeli property.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“In Gaza, a fragile calm currently prevails. However, absent fundamental change, that is only temporary. Hamas control of the Strip, Palestinian divisions and the Israeli closure regime are creating a generation that has experienced multiple wars and humanitarian crises and few prospects for a better life. In line with resolution 1860 (2009), Israel should further ease restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza, with the goal of ultimately lifting them. Daily violence continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory during the reporting period.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority continues to face a prolonged financial crisis, which severely undermines its capacity to deliver services and has crippled the economy. Economic and political reforms, driven from inside the Palestinian Authority, are a critical first step to changing that situation. The PA must be strengthened, and the international community should support actions to that end. High-level dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership has led to welcome commitments and some economic steps, but those efforts must be rapidly turned into substantial, durable achievements and significantly expanded, alongside policy changes on both sides. Recent efforts by Israel to reduce settler violence in the West Bank and avoid further provocative steps in Jerusalem are well-noted.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: This month has witnessed a worrisome continuation of the trends I have outlined repeatedly in the Security Council, particularly the destabilizing deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Across the West Bank, daily violence continues. Tensions in East Jerusalem and the refugee camps are mounting. And settler violence remains a serious concern. Illegal settlements and planning processes are steadily advancing, alongside demolitions and evictions, including in and around Jerusalem. Those factors increase the territorial fragmentation of the West Bank, undermine the Palestinian Authority (PA) and further erode prospects for peace.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Yet, at the same time, we must ensure that the solution put in place advances our ultimate goal: an end to occupation and the achievement of a two-State solution on the basis of United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements. The United Nations will continue to actively engage, along with its counterparts in the Middle East Quartet, regional and international partners and Israeli and Palestinian leaders, to reach a just comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“In closing, allow me to reiterate the urgent need for a coordinated approach to addressing the political, economic and institutional obstacles blocking the way for a meaningful peace process. Alongside key reforms and steps by all parties to defuse tensions, we must focus on providing a political context that will ensure that the positive engagement that we have witnessed in recent months is not squandered. Partners, including those in the region, have a vital role to play. Efforts must also be made to continue to encourage all Palestinian political factions to move towards political consensus and bring Gaza and the occupied West Bank under one legitimate democratic Palestinian Authority. Gaza remains integral to a future Palestinian State as a part of the two-State solution. Short-term challenges and urgent crises must be addressed.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“During a visit to Lebanon in December, the Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people in the context of the country’s difficult socioeconomic situation. He reiterated the need for political leaders to work together to urgently find a solution to the crisis. Parliamentary elections have been announced for 15 May. The full reactivation of the Cabinet will be important, including to reliably support election preparations. The situation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations remains relatively stable, despite isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour against peacekeepers. UNIFIL remains engaged with the parties to contain incidents and defuse tension along the Blue Line.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“For 2022, UNRWA is again presenting a zero- growth core programme budget, despite the increased needs of Palestinian refugees. The Agency is confronted with a serious financial existential threat that can affect the rights and well-being of refugees and regional stability. I therefore urge Member States to continue and expand their contribution to UNRWA. Turning briefly to the region, in the Golan, while the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has generally been maintained, violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties continue to increase tensions. It is important that the parties respect the obligations under the terms of the Agreement and refrain from taking unilateral steps in the occupied Golan that further erode peace and stability in the region.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“The pipeline aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency and electricity generation at the Gaza power plant. I urge all parties to facilitate the implementation of that important project. On 28 December 2021, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced the start of cash assistance allocation of $8.2 million to families whose homes were damaged during the May 2021 escalation. Thanks to exceptional financial contributions, an advance on 2022 contributions, a Central Emergency Response Fund loan and debt carried into 2022, UNRWA was able to sustain critical education, health care and humanitarian services for millions of Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories and throughout the region.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“I welcome the stated willingness of the Government of Israel, in line with the commitments made in November 2021 at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Oslo, to increase the movement of goods and people into and out of the Gaza Strip and the steps taken in that regard. At the same time, I reiterate that more such measures are needed for durable economic benefits to materialize. I urge both parties to engage with the United Nations to find concrete ways to further enhance access and trade, including facilitating the entry of dual-use materials for key sectors of the economy under the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism. On 27 December 2021, the State of Qatar announced that it had signed an agreement with the PA and the Gaza Electricity Distribution Corporation to advance the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Israel to Gaza.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“On 12 January, the Palestinian Central Elections Commission concluded voter registration for a second phase of local council elections, scheduled for 26 March. However, on 17 January, the Palestinian Cabinet postponed local council elections in Gaza over procedural disputes. On 14 January, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss the most recent political developments and the situation on the ground. Turning to Gaza, during the month of January Israeli authorities completed the issuance of permits to approximately 10,000 Gazan merchants and traders — some 12,000 total approved permits, the highest number in years.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Following the meeting, Israel announced several measures, including updating the registration of some 9,500 Palestinians on the West Bank in Gaza, an advance of 100 million Israeli shekels against the clearance revenue that Israel collects on behalf of the PA and additional entry permits for Palestinian officials and businessmen. I welcome the ongoing high-level engagement between Israel and Palestinian officials and the recent steps that have been announced. I urge both sides to continue to expand that engagement to end past underlying political issues. Following the designation by Israel of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations as terrorist organizations, the United Nations continues to engage with all relevant parties to receive more information about the allegations and their implications.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“I remain concerned about the potential eviction of a number of Palestinian families from homes in which they have lived for decades in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem and the risk that such actions pose for escalating violence. I call on Israeli authorities to end the displacement and eviction of Palestinians, in line with its obligations under international law, and to approve additional plans that would enable Palestinian communities to build legally and address their development needs. On 28 December 2021, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli Defence Minister Benjamin Gantz for the second time in four months.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Israeli authorities demolished, seized and forced owners to demolish 54 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and 23 in occupied East Jerusalem, thereby displacing 102 Palestinians, including 26 women and 47 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. On 19 January, Israeli forces evicted a Palestinian family and demolished their home in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, which displaced 12 Palestinians and reportedly resulted in a number of arrests. According to the Jerusalem Municipality, the structures were built illegally in recent years and the land was cleared to build a special needs school to serve Palestinian children from East Jerusalem.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“On 10 January, the Israeli District Planning Committee advanced a plan, pending revision, to build some 800 housing units in place of an existing 182 units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Gilo. On 17 January, the Jerusalem District Planning Committee advanced a plan for some 1,200 housing units next to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, in the southern Jerusalem area, a significant number of which are intended for construction across the Green Line in East Jerusalem. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. I call on the Government of Israel to cease the advancement of all settlement activities immediately.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“On several occasions during reporting period, Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers clashed in the context of efforts by the security forces to dismantle unauthorized structures set up by Israeli settlers in Homesh and other outposts, which are also illegal under Israeli law. All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and brought swiftly to justice. Turning to settlement-related developments, on 5 January Israeli authorities postponed a planned discussion on objections to two plans for some 3,500 housing units in the controversial E-1 Area on the West Bank. A new date for the discussion has not been set. The same day, Israeli authorities published tenders for some 300 settlement housing units in the Talpiot East neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Another Palestinian who had been driving the vehicle of the alleged assailant later turned himself in to the Israeli security forces. Settler-related violence remained a serious concern throughout the reporting period. From 23 to 25 December 2021, 156 Palestinians were injured by rubber bullets from Israeli forces and 15 from live ammunition in confrontations that erupted in and around Burqa, near Nablus, after settlers repeatedly raided the village, vandalized property and clashed with the local residents. That occurred as part of settler protests against the killing of an Israeli settler in that area on 16 December 2021 and demands to re-establish the adjacent settlement of Homesh, which had been officially evacuated in 2005.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“The man subsequently died from his injuries on 17 January. Police reported that a driver was injured in the head by stones thrown at him and required medical attention. On 12 January, an 80-year-old Palestinian man died in the context of an Israeli security forces operation near Ramallah, in which the victim was reportedly handcuffed, blindfolded and physically assaulted by the security forces. According to the IDF, the man was released alive. I note that Israeli authorities have initiated an investigation and called for a swift, thorough and transparent outcome. On 17 January, Israeli security forces reported that a Palestinian man attempted to stab an IDF soldier with a knife near Hebron. Israeli security forces shot and killed the alleged assailant. No injuries were reported among the Israeli security forces.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“According to Israeli security forces, the man had opened fire from a vehicle at Israeli forces conducting a search and arrest operation in the area. On 31 December, a Palestinian man reportedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers and civilians near the village of Salfit. He was shot by Israeli security forces and later succumbed to his wounds. On 6 January, a 21-year-old Palestinian man was killed during armed exchanges with Israeli security forces as the conducted a search and arrest operation in the Balata refugee camp, near Nablus in Area A. On 5 January, a tow truck under supervision by Israeli police hit and severely injured a 70-year- old Palestinian activist man in Un Al-Khail, south of Hebron, during a police operation to confiscate unregistered vehicles.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“In all, Palestinians perpetrated some 89 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians, resulting in 15 Israeli civilians injured and damage to property in clashes, shootings, stabbings and ramming attacks, as well as incidents involving the throwing of stones and Molotov cocktails and other incidents. Five members of the Israeli security forces were also injured. On 29 December, a Palestinian man who reportedly attempted to carry out a ramming attack against Israeli security forces near the Mevo Dotan settlement, in the northern West Bank, was killed by Israeli security forces. On 22 December, a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli security forces near the Al-Amari refugee camp near Ramallah.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Israeli forces subsequently carried out air strikes against what they said were facilities belonging to militant groups in Gaza. No injuries were reported. In the occupied West Bank, six Palestinian men were killed by Israeli security forces, and another died in unclear circumstances in the context of demonstrations, clashes, search and arrest operations, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis, as well as in other incidents. Two hundred and forty-nine Palestinians, including four women and 46 children, were injured. Settlers and other Israeli civilians perpetrated 28 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in six injured and damage to property. Two Palestinians were killed under unclear circumstances involving Israeli civilian vehicles.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Without a realistic prospect of an end to the occupation and the realization of a two-State solution based on United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements, it is only a matter of time before we face an irreversible, dangerous collapse and widespread instability. Daily violence continued throughout the occupied Palestinian territory during the reporting period. In Gaza on 29 December, a Palestinian opened fire towards the Gaza perimeter fence, injuring an Israeli civilian. In retaliation, Israeli forces fired several tank shells at what they said were Hamas observation posts in the northern Gaza Strip. Four Palestinian civilians were reportedly injured, including a 16-year-old boy. On 1 January, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that two rockets fired from Gaza had landed off the coast of central Israel.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“We must be frank about what is needed to reverse those trends and provide momentum towards a reinvigorated peace process. Piecemeal approaches and half measures will only ensure that the underlying issues perpetuating the conflict continue to fester and worsen over time. Unilateral steps and conflict drivers must stop. Political and economic reforms must be implemented to ensure the PA’s continued ability to function effectively, while boosting donor confidence and support. Above all, efforts by the parties and the international community to stabilize and improve conditions on the ground should be linked to a political framework.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: In my recent briefings, I have highlighted the ongoing deterioration of the economic, security and political situation across the occupied Palestinian territory. Regrettably, that trend continues, and urgent steps are required to prevent the situation from worsening. The Palestinian Authority’s (PA) fiscal situation continues to be dire, threatening its institutional stability and its ability to provide services to its people. Violence continues unabated across the occupied Palestinian territory, including settler violence, leading to numerous Palestinian and Israeli casualties and increasing the risk of a broader escalation. Settlement activity, demolitions and evictions also continue, fuelling hopelessness and further diminishing prospects for a negotiated solution.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Nevertheless, I look ahead to next year with the determination that we will find opportunities to reverse the negative trajectories and work towards constructive engagement by the parties, with the support of the international community, to restore the political horizon. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in resolving the conflict and ending the occupation through the achievement of a two-State solution in line with the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements. We will continue our intensive engagement with the parties, the Middle East Quartet and regional and international partners to advance that goal.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“We must act now to prevent that from happening. Strengthening the Palestinian Authority is critical to maintaining stability on the ground. Financial support is essential, but not enough. I urge positive steps from all parties and necessary reforms that increase the Palestinian Authority’s ability to deliver for the Palestinian people. At the same time, negative actions that undermine its authority need to stop. This has been a year of significant shifts in the political context affecting the conflict, resulting in one of the most challenging set of circumstances to face the Palestinian Authority since its establishment.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“I also note the high turnout in the 11 December municipal elections, echoing the level of public engagement leading to the campaign period for planned elections earlier this year. I look forward to the second round of local council elections on 26 March and encourage all parties to respond positively to calls by the Central Elections Commission to allow local elections across the occupied Palestinian territory, including in Gaza. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the rising level of violence we have seen in recent weeks should be a clear warning to us all. If left unaddressed, the festering conflict drivers described in my briefing today and in the latest written report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) will drag us into yet another destructive and bloody round of violence.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Concerted efforts by all parties — more than we have seen to date — are required to maintain calm, strengthen Palestinian institutions and restore hope. Furthermore, steps by all parties are urgently needed to shore up the economic and institutional stability of the Palestinian Authority, including through the implementation of needed reforms. I note that the situation in Gaza also remains fragile. While constructive measures initiated during the reporting period are encouraging, further steps are required to solidify the cessation of hostilities and meet the needs of the population in the Strip. For any durable stability, movement and access in and out of the Strip must be improved with a view to the full lifting of the closures in line with resolution 1860 (2009).”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“The continuing violence, incitement to violence and attacks against civilians, including acts of terrorism and sexual-related violence exacerbate mistrust and undermine a peaceful resolution to the conflict. There can be no justification for such acts, which must be condemned by all. I reiterate that the violence must stop and all perpetrators must be held accountable. The deterioration of the security and socioeconomic situations across the occupied Palestinian territory is deeply worrying and the situation must be reversed. It is essential that the parties avoid unilateral steps that change the realities on the ground, reducing flashpoints and violence across the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“I remain concerned about the potential eviction of a number of families from homes that they have lived in for decades in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of occupied East Jerusalem. I call on Israeli authorities to end the displacement and eviction of Palestinians and approve plans that would enable those communities to build legally and address their development needs. In this context, I welcome the advancement of plans for several thousand housing units for Palestinians in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Al-Isawiya and Area C. I urge Israel to continue regularly advancing such plans and to issue building permits for all previously approved plans for Palestinians in area C and East Jerusalem.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“I will now turn to several observations concerning, the implementation of the provision of resolution 2334 (2016) during the reporting period. Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains deeply concerning, particularly the consideration of advancements of plans in highly controversial areas crucial to the continuity of a future Palestinian State, including in E-1, Atarot and Givat Hamatos. Israeli settlements constitute a flagrant violation of the relevant United Nations resolutions and international law, and I call on the Government of Israel to cease the advancement of all settlement activities immediately.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“On 11 December, the Palestinian Central Elections Commission conducted the first round of local council elections in several hundred small communities in the West Bank, with more than 66 per cent of eligible voters participating. More than 25 per cent of the candidates were women, with nine heading electoral lists. Their representation in the local councils will amount to some 22 per cent, close to the minimum legal requirement for at least two seats per council. On 12 December, the Central Elections Commission announced the start of preparations for a second round of municipal elections in the larger West Bank communities and all local councils in Gaza, set for 26 March. On 14 December, United States and Palestinian officials met virtually to renew the United States-Palestinian economic dialogue — the first such meeting in five years.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“On 17 December, settlers entered the village of Qaryut, south of Nablus, severely beat a Palestinian man and damaged property. On 19 December, Israeli security forces arrested six Palestinians in the village of Silat Al-Harithiya, near Jenin, on suspicion of involvement in the shooting. On 19 December, hundreds of settlers attempted to enter the Homesh outpost and set up illegal structures, breaking through Israeli security forces barricades and using violence against Israeli soldiers, including hitting one soldier with a vehicle. On 20 December, Israeli Minister of Defence Benny Gantz condemned violent acts by Israelis against Palestinians and Israeli security forces, saying that such attacks would not be accepted or tolerated. Some affirmative steps have been taken since the submission of the written report.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“On 12 December, clashes erupted in Aida camp, Bethlehem, between Hamas supporters and Palestinian security forces during a celebration for a released prisoner. Two Palestinian officers were injured by an explosive device. On 13 December, Israeli security forces conducted a search-and-arrest operation in Nablus, which was followed by an exchange of fire with armed Palestinians. One Palestinian man was killed and two others were injured in unclear circumstances. Later that day, a general strike took place in Nablus to protest the incident. Clashes between Palestinian security forces and other armed Palestinians were reported during the man’s funeral. On 16 December, a 25-year-old Israeli was shot and killed by armed Palestinians near the evacuated settlement of Homesh, near Nablus. Two other Israelis were injured in the attack.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“In all, two Israeli civilians have been killed and 39 Israelis — 30 civilians, including two women and two children, and nine members of the Israeli security forces — injured by Palestinians in clashes and shooting, stabbing and ramming attacks, as well as incidents involving the throwing of stones and Molotov cocktails and other incidents. Palestinians have perpetrated 105 attacks resulting in damage to Israeli property. On 10 December, a Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israel security forces during clashes near the town of Beita in the West Bank, near Nablus. The man was the ninth Palestinian fatality in the same area this year since protests began in May in the vicinity of Beita against the neighbouring Evyatar settlement outpost, which was partly evacuated in July.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Overall, since 29 September, 12 Palestinians, including one woman and four children, have been killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, search-and-arrest operations, attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis and other incidents across the occupied Palestinian territory; and 306 Palestinians, including three women and 53 children, have been injured, including 16 by live ammunition. Thirty-nine Palestinians, including four children, have been injured by Israeli settlers or other civilians, who have also perpetrated 121 attacks, resulting in damage to Palestinian property.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Continued unilateral steps, including Israeli settlement advancement, evictions and demolitions, and the severe fiscal and economic crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory are further exacerbating the situation and undermining the institutional stability of the Palestinian Authority. If left unchecked, I am concerned that not only may the situation in the West Bank further deteriorate, but the dynamics could also impact the security situation in Gaza and undermine the cessation of hostilities in place since 21 May. It is crucial that all parties take immediate steps to lower tensions and restore calm. Violent incidents have, unfortunately, continued throughout the occupied territories.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Mr. Wennesland: I am devoting my regular briefing on the situation in the Middle East to the twentieth report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). The written report of the Secretary- General that members of the Security Council have already received covers the period from 29 September and 9 December. Before turning to developments that have taken place since the submission of the written report, I would like to express my continued concern about recent developments in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in particular the deteriorating security situation. Clashes, attacks, military operations, including in Area A, and high levels of settler-related violence have continued, alongside calls by Palestinian militant factions for increased confrontations with Israel.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“We need a coordinated approach to encourage all parties to implement policy shifts and reforms; address quickly and in parallel the key conflict drivers at the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in Gaza and those facing the PA; and restore a political horizon that will help stop the endless cycle of crisis management and move back towards meaningful negotiations to end the occupation and resolve the conflict on the basis of United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements. The Quartet will continue its consultations with the parties and key regional actors.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“But even a full and immediate financial package may not be sufficient or come quickly enough — if at all — to help buffer the consequences of the current crisis. I therefore emphasize again the importance of concerted efforts by the parties to calm things on the ground. I am concerned that, if we do not act quickly and decisively, we risk plunging into another deadly escalation of violence. Recent developments on the ground are worrisome.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“I was encouraged by the engagement between Israeli and Palestinian delegations at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians in Oslo and took note of the concerns shared by all parties about the fiscal crisis facing the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, nearly all participants expressed serious concerns about the overall trajectory of the conflict. It is essential that the parties avoid unilateral steps, reduce flashpoints and violence across the occupied Palestinian territory, solidify the cessation of hostilities and support economic development in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, steps by all parties are urgently needed to shore up the economic and institutional stability of the PA, including through the implementation of needed reforms.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source