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Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov, High Representative Mladenov and director Hijjo for their detailed informative and at times very concerning briefings.
Mr. President,
Six months ago, this Council adopted resolution 2803 with one clear objective: to bring an end to the two years of devastating war in Gaza.
We welcome the report on the implementation of the resolution by the Board of Peace, and recognize the progress made under these immensely difficult circumstances.
However, as is also clear from the report and this morning’s briefings the past six months have not brought lasting peace to Gaza. Rather, we continue to see immense humanitarian suffering and a level of conflict that is neither war, nor peace.
As a result, the full promise of resolution 2803 has not yet come to fruition, in particular in respect to the implementation of the humanitarian provisions of the resolution.
The people of Gaza continue to suffer a humanitarian catastrophe. More than 850 people have been killed and over 2,400 injured in Gaza, since the start of the ceasefire. Israeli forces have expanded territorial control in Gaza, confining Gaza’s population to some 40% of the territory. Many families continue to live on only one meal per day in deplorable conditions.
At the same time, we have seen no movement or willingness from Hamas to end its regime and lay down arms as stipulated in resolution 2803.
So, as we reflect on the past six months and look to the next, it remains our urgent responsibility to reverse this trend, to make resolution 2803 succeed and to preserve the prospects of lasting peace.
To do this, we should be guided by several core points many of which were also contained in the roadmap described by Mr. Mladenov:
First, all parties must fully respect the ceasefire, and cease all attacks. With more than 200 children killed since the beginning of the ceasefire, it is clear that civilians are still not sufficiently protected. This week’s focus on Protection of Civilians reminds us of this obligation and how far we are from fulfilling it.
Second, Israel must lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and respect international humanitarian law. All crossings into Gaza must be opened fully and consistently, humanitarian personnel must be protected, UNRWA must be allowed to operate freely and arbitrary restrictions on international NGOs as well as the type of goods allowed in must end.
Third, Hamas must hand over its weapons, as an essential part of the peace plan. Hamas can play no role in the future of Gaza.
Fourth, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza must be allowed in as a transitioning body until the PA can return. The Board of Peace and the National Committee should also from the outset work with the Palestinian Authority as well as the UN-led humanitarian system.
Fifth, the International Stabilisation Force must be deployed in Gaza and Israel must withdraw from the strip.
And finally, the rebuilding of Gaza must commence as soon as conditions allow and in line with international law. It is not only a matter of clearing rubble; but a question of restoring the foundations of human dignity. Of ensuring that people have roof over their heads, have access to proper hygiene and that basic infrastructure such as sewers are functioning.
Mr. President,
Progress on these aspects should be done as soon as possible in parallel and without delay.
Equally important for the prospect of a lasting peace is a reversal of the current trajectory in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
As the Security Counsel meeting in Arria-format held two weeks ago demonstrated, the situation in the West Bank is approaching a point of no-return with expansions of settlements violence of extreme settlers and administrative changes which undermine the viability of the Palestinian state. In this context we condemn the evacuation orders issued for the Khan Al Ahmar community earlier this week. All such steps undermine the two-state solution and the implementation of the 20-point plan.
We reiterate that Gaza and the West Bank must be reunited under a reformed Palestinian Authority governing a Palestinian state that stands alongside Israel in peaceful co-existence.
Mr. President, in closing,
The moment for peace is not lost, but must be seized with urgency. Our responsibility is not simply to end the violence, but to create the conditions that prevent the resurgence of violence. The frameworks are there; inter alia resolutions 2334 and 2803 as well as the New York declaration on the two-state solution.
What is needed, as ever is political will and action.
I thank you.
