Statement by Ambassador Archie Young at UN General
Assembly 51st plenary meeting 78th Session.
Colleagues, we have heard the repeated warnings from humanitarian
experts on the ground in Gaza that nine out of ten people are
only getting one meal a day. That over half a million people are
projected to be facing catastrophic levels of hunger. And that
disease is spreading in overcrowded areas as people go without
basic healthcare, shelter and clean water. So it is devastating
to hear that aid is still piling up outside Gaza, undelivered to
those in desperate need.
The UK reiterates our strong support for Security Council
resolution 2720, for which we voted in favour, and reiterates our
thanks to the UAE for their leadership. The resolution set out
the urgent demand for expanded humanitarian access, the release
of hostages and steps towards a sustainable ceasefire where Hamas
can no longer pose a threat to Israel.
The UK, as a P5 member, considers the veto a heavy
responsibility, to be used in the interests of securing the peace
and security that people around the world seek. It should be
exercised responsibly, and with caution.
United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 is
definitive. It demands that the parties to the conflict “allow,
facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery
of humanitarian assistance” throughout the Gaza strip. We call on
all parties to implement this resolution in full.
We want to see at least 500 aid and private sector trucks enter
Gaza every day, far more than the 150 currently taking place.
Israel should accelerate and rationalise its screening, clear the
backlog of loaded trucks in Egypt, and do everything else it can
to facilitate aid into Gaza. Israel should also open more entry
points for longer, for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if security
allows.
The UK warmly welcomes the appointment of Sigrid Kaag as the UN’s
Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator. She brings a
vast wealth of experience to this crisis. All parties to the
conflict should cooperate fully with her and her team. The UK is
also clear that Israel should renew visas for UN and NGO
staff.
The Foreign Secretary has consistently raised these issues with
his Israeli counterparts, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz
and Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. The Foreign
Secretary has also appointed Mark Bryson-Richardson in December
as his Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories to coordinate our efforts to relieve the
suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
