Madam President, the UK remains concerned by the
negative trends in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian
Territories. We continue to be deeply concerned by
ongoing Israeli settlement advancements in the West
Bank, including East Jerusalem, in violation of
international law. We urge Israel to fulfill its
obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth
Geneva Convention.
I would also reiterate here the United Kingdom’s
position that annexation of any part of the West Bank
would be destructive to peace efforts and could not
pass unchallenged. Annexation of territory by force is
prohibited under international law.
Madam President, we are troubled by the increase in
settler violence. Many recent incidents - including
assaults on Palestinian farmers, the setting fire to
olive trees and stealing of produce - have coincided
with the Palestinian olive harvest, which began earlier
this month. The Israeli authorities have a
responsibility to provide appropriate protection to the
Palestinian civilian population.
We are also extremely concerned that the number of
structures demolished this year has increased by almost
40 percent compared to the same period last year. We
condemn the demolition of Palestinian property and
evictions of Palestinians from their homes.
Ongoing and periodic tensions on Haram al-Sharif, or
Temple Mount, are a further source of concern. We
recognize that Jerusalem holds huge significance and
holiness for Jews, Muslims and Christians and reiterate
the fundamental necessity of maintaining the status quo
at the holy sites.
Turning to Gaza, Madam President, the reduction in
violence at the border fence is welcome and we urge
continued calm. Indiscriminate attacks against
civilians are unacceptable and unjustifiable. Hamas and
other terrorist groups must cease all actions which are
violent or provocative. The United Kingdom fully
supports Israel’s right to defend its citizens from
such acts of terror.
I would also like to echo the concern relayed by the
special coordinator that Hamas is putting children at
risk of violence at the demonstrations at the Gaza
fence. Children should never be the target of violence.
They must never be put at the risk of violence or
encouraged to participate in violence. It is totally
unacceptable that Hamas and their operatives have been
cynically exploiting the protests for their own
benefit. Hamas must cease all actions which proactively
encourage violence or which put civilian lives at risk.
The United Kingdom underlines the damage that Israeli
restrictions are doing to the living standards of
ordinary Palestinians in Gaza. We call on Israel, the
Palestinian Authority and Egypt to work together to
ensure a durable solution.
In more positive developments, Madam President, we
welcome the agreement between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority on the transfer of tax revenues.
We urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to
continue to work together to meet their obligations
under the Oslo Accords. And we continue to urge the
Palestinian Authority to make reforms to prisoner
payments, ensuring it is needs-based, transparent and
affordable.
Madam President, we welcome the work by the Palestinian
leadership towards genuine and democratic national
elections for all Palestinians.
Madam President, we need a viable Israeli-Palestinian
peace agreement, which addresses the legitimate
concerns of both parties. That means we need genuine
and committed engagement from both Israelis and
Palestinians, including the end of actions which
undermine trust and threaten the viability of the
two-state solution.
