Thank you Madam President.
Thank you Special Coordinator Mladenov for your briefing, and for
the work you and your team do in difficult circumstances.
Thank you also to Ms Raemer for your briefing and the perspective
you shared.
Madam President, three years since the adoption of resolution
2334 by this Council, the United Kingdom notes with concern the
Secretary-General’s assessment that the situation on the ground
since then has only deteriorated.
In light of the continued increase in Israeli settlements, we
reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law,
present an obstacle to peace, and threaten the physical viability
of a two-state solution.
The United Kingdom notes the Israeli Defence Minister’s
instructions to act for the advancement of a new Jewish
neighbourhood in Hebron. We understand that this does not signal
the start of a formal planning process; however, if such plans
were to advance this would be of grave concern given the
sensitivities of the location.
Demolitions of Palestinian-owned homes and structures have also
increased. The UK is concerned in particular by the targeting of
donor-funded structures in Area C – which are provided on
humanitarian grounds to support vulnerable communities.
As we have made clear before, any suggestion that parts of the
Occupied Palestinian Territories should be annexed is contrary to
international law, damaging to peace efforts and could not pass
unchallenged.
Madam President, as the UK made clear last month, following the
escalation of hostilities in Gaza, the indiscriminate attacks
against Israeli civilians by Palestinian Islamic Jihad were
completely unacceptable.
All countries, including Israel, have a legitimate right to
self-defence, and the right to defend their citizens from attack.
In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in
line with International Humanitarian Law, and are calibrated to
avoid civilian casualties.
It is critical that the Palestinian leadership continue their
efforts to tackle terror and incitement. Israeli security forces
must also avoid the use of excessive force and we encourage
Israel to properly investigate all potential breaches of law,
holding those responsible to account.
The UK is concerned to hear of a further increase in the number
of attacks by settlers on Palestinians. As the Occupying Power,
Israel has a responsibility to protect the Palestinian
population. We urge Israel to thoroughly investigate every
instance and bring those responsible to justice.
Turning to positive steps, the United Kingdom welcomes the
progress made on implementation of the AHLC-endorsed package of
interventions for Gaza, but we remain concerned by the dire
humanitarian situation. We call again on Israel to ease
restrictions on water, electricity, and movement and access,
which impact the livelihoods and life prospects of ordinary
Palestinians in Gaza and breed resentment.
We welcome the renewal of UNRWA’s mandate, and encourage partners
to step up with more funding and more predictable disbursements
as the UK has done.
And we welcome continued work towards genuine and democratic
national elections for all Palestinians, which is crucial to the
establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian State.
Finally, Madam President, at this highly sensitive time in the
region, we call on the parties to show real leadership, including
the willingness to make tough compromises, in order to achieve a
secure Israel, standing alongside a sovereign Palestinian state.
Thank you.
