Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General
Assembly tenth emergency special session on Gaza.
Thank you, President. Let me open by paying tribute to the UN for
their vital and lifesaving work in Gaza, and offer sincere
condolences for the loss of over 130 UN staff.
President, the scale of civilian Palestinian deaths and the
massive displacement in Gaza cannot continue.
The 7th October attacks committed by Hamas, which killed
1200 innocent civilians, were an abhorrent act of terrorism which
should be unequivocally condemned. All hostages need to be
released immediately.
We have been clear that Israel must be targeted
and precise in its efforts to address the threat posed by Hamas,
and must minimise civilian casualties and protect civilian
infrastructure in line with international humanitarian
law. My Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have repeatedly
delivered this message to Israel, and will continue to do so.
As the Prime Minister has also said, we support calls for a
sustainable ceasefire, where hostages are released, more aid can
get in and Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel.
President, we have heard clearly from the Secretary-General and
UNRWA Chief that a humanitarian catastrophe of grave proportions
is unfolding. We agree urgent action is needed to scale up aid
into Gaza.
And for our part, we have recently announced a further $38
million of humanitarian assistance, bringing it to a total of $76
million since 7th October.
But more needs to be done to unlock humanitarian access, and to
deliver aid sustainably without interference.
First, we welcome Israel’s decision to open Kerem Shalom. This is
a vital step towards ensuring significantly more aid reaches
Gaza. We look forward to its urgent implementation.
We need to continue to increase the amount of humanitarian
support to Gaza through as many direct routes as possible. And
access to northern Gaza for humanitarian organisations must also
be secured to enable them to deliver assistance to vulnerable
Palestinians.
Second, Israel should immediately increase the range of
humanitarian items allowed into Gaza. This includes fuel. We need
to see supplies of at least 200,000 litres per day, the minimum
the UN says it needs to support aid and essential services in
Southern Gaza alone. As well as shelter and public health and
sanitation items, and items for critical infrastructure.
Third, Israel must rapidly approve visas for staff of UN and
humanitarian organisations to manage and facilitate assistance to
those in need. We need the UN to be able to do its job.
President, in closing we reiterate the need to work towards a
long-term political solution to this conflict based on the
two-state solution - to deliver statehood for the Palestinians
and security for Israel. Peace, justice and security are
essential and must be a reality for both Israelis and
Palestinians alike.
