Statement from Ambassador at the Security Council
Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the
Palestinian question.
As we have heard from UN Special Coordinator Wennesland, we are
seeing an increasingly worrying deterioration of the security
situation in the West Bank. It is crucial that all parties take
urgent steps to reduce tensions, condemn incitement and avoid
further escalation in violence.
The cycle of violence continues to take many lives. We are
alarmed by the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank,
including East Jerusalem, by Israeli Security Forces, including
six minors this month. Investigations should be transparent and
comprehensive. Where there has been excessive use of force, those
responsible must be held to account.
We are also concerned by the increase in Palestinian violence,
where two IDF soldiers sadly lost their lives this month after
being shot by Palestinians. We repeat our call on all parties to
take immediate steps to reduce tensions. We also stress the
importance of ensuring access for humanitarian and development
organisations, including in Palestinian refugee camps, even
during periods of instability.
More action also needs to be taken to tackle settler violence,
which has affected IDF soldiers, but affects Palestinians on a
daily basis across the West Bank, especially during the olive
harvest. The Israeli government needs to end the culture of
impunity and bring those responsible to justice.
Mr President, as we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the
International Day of the Girl this month, we should all be
reminded of the vital role that UNRWA plays in the region,
including in providing education and health services to women and
girls. But while girls in the OPTs outperform boys at school and
represent around 60% of Palestinian graduates, the fact that
employment rates remain low, with only 13% of women over 25
employed, needs urgent and meaningful attention.
The UK remains a firm supporter of UNRWA and values its
importance as a vital humanitarian and stabilising force. We
encourage efforts to improve UNRWA’s serious financial situation,
which threatens its ability to deliver vital services later this
year if action is not taken.
Mr President, the need for the parties to engage in meaningful
dialogue and collaborate to address the escalating situation in
the West Bank is urgent. We are working closely with the parties
to that end and we welcome the efforts of the UN Special
Coordinator to support de-escalation and encourage further work
to reverse negative trends on the ground.
