Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council
briefing on the Middle East.
"Mr President,
We commend Israeli and Palestinian officials for their engagement
in Aqaba on 26 February and Sharm El Sheikh on 19 March and thank
Jordan and Egypt for hosting.
Commitments to desist from provocative unilateral actions and to
pursue further actions in support of de-escalation are critical
ahead of the convergence of Easter, Passover and Ramadan.
It is also critical that both parties abide by the commitments
made and take forward promised confidence building measures,
including to support the historic Status Quo governing
Jerusalem’s holy sites and all those who worship there.
Mr President, let me make four points.
The Palestinian Authority must resume security cooperation with
Israel, fight against terror and incitement, and maintain
security in Area A. We also condemn indiscriminate rocket fire
from Gaza.
Whilst Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, unilateral
incursions that result in the deaths of innocent Palestinians
only escalate tensions. Israeli security forces must operate in
accordance with international law, show restraint in the use of
live fire, and conduct thorough investigations into the deaths of
Palestinian civilians.
Second, Israel must also cease the approval of settlements and
legalisation of outposts and from evictions of Palestinians in
occupied territory, particularly in East Jerusalem.
The UK opposes the repeal of the Disengagement Law by the
Knesset. This repeal is a unilateral measure which further
undermines prospects for a two-state solution, and damages any
renewed efforts at de-escalation.
Third, settler violence has gone unchecked for too long. The UK
condemns all forms of violence by settlers, including the fatal
attacks perpetrated against innocent Palestinians in Huwara.
I urge Israeli security forces to provide appropriate protection
to the Palestinian civilian population as they are obliged to
under international law, investigate and bring to justice
perpetrators of settler violence, and end the culture of
permissiveness and impunity.
Finally President,
Inflammatory rhetoric and incitement of violence by certain
Israeli political leaders only serves to drive settler violence.
The UK condemned the Israeli Finance Minister’s comments calling
for the Palestinian village of Huwara to be “wiped-out” and his
recent comments that deny the existence of the Palestinian
people, their right to self-determination, and their history and
culture. The United Kingdom extends its full support to Jordan
and its sovereign territory.
All Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and security,
particularly during the holy festivals of Easter, Passover and
Ramadan. This will require political will, good faith, strong
co-operation, and meaningful actions by both Israelis and the
Palestinians."
