Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
"Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Dr Efron for
your briefing.
And thank you, Mr Levy, for sharing your family's story with
us.
The suffering you and your family have been through is
unimaginable.
Let me state at the outset that the UK stands with you, and with
all those hostage families seeking desperately to bring their
loved ones home. We reiterate our condemnation of the abhorrent
Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the kidnapping of over 250
hostages, including Emily Damari and three hostages with UK
links. The hostages must be released immediately and
unconditionally.
Let me make three additional points.
First, the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling.
Over 45,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October. And the last
two months were the worst for aid since October 2023.
The UN has reported a shocking increase in cases of acute
malnutrition in children, and that Gaza now has the highest
number of child amputees per capita in the world.
The UK continues to urge Israel to do much more to protect
civilians and civilian infrastructure and to abide by their
international obligations.
This includes facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered
humanitarian aid and basic services to the Palestinian
people.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering this life-saving aid.
On 11 December, my Prime Minister committed an additional $16.5
million to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian
refugees in the OPTs and the wider region, bringing the UK's
support to UNRWA to $52 million since April this year.
Second, President, northern Gaza must not be cut off from the
south.
The UK is clear: there must be no forcible transfer of Gazans
from, or within, Gaza.
There must be no reduction of the territory of the Gaza
Strip.
Israel's expansion of military infrastructure and the destruction
of civilian buildings and agricultural land across the Strip is
unacceptable.
Third, the UK calls on Israel to stop settlement expansion on
Palestinian land, which is illegal under international law, and
to hold violent settlers to account.
Continued instability and settler violence in the West Bank
should not be tolerated by Israel and the culture of impunity
must end.
This does nothing to bring about peace and security for
Palestinians or Israelis.
We also note the decision of the Government of Israel to extend
correspondent banking relations for twelve months and continue to
urge Israel to remove its restrictions on clearance revenues.
President, the fall of Assad and the ceasefire in Lebanon offer a
moment of hope for the people of the region, as we look ahead to
2025.
We must now use this momentum to deliver a long sought after
ceasefire, secure the immediate release of all hostages and put
an end to the humanitarian crisis and suffering in Gaza."
