Explanation of vote by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, after the adoption of UN General
Assembly resolution A/RES/ES-10/27 on the Occupied Palestinian
Territories.
The UK voted in favour of this resolution in line with our
unwavering determination to end the suffering in Gaza, bring the
hostages home and move towards lasting peace in the region.
Let me start by repeating our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas
and their despicable actions on and since 7 October. They must be
held accountable and can play no role in the future governance of
Gaza. The UK's commitment to Israel's security is resolute.
President, the text of the resolution is clear that both Israel
and Hamas need to agree to an immediate and unconditional
ceasefire; that Hamas must immediately and unconditionally
release the hostages; and that Israel, as the occupying power,
must end its blocks on aid and ensure unhindered humanitarian
access.
And crucially, there must be an end to any actions that stand in
the way of a two-state solution and the best chance for peace for
the Israeli and Palestinian people.
That is why this week, the UK, along with Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, and Norway, sanctioned Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar
Ben-Gvir. These two men are responsible for inciting settler
violence against Palestinians in the West Bank with their
extremist rhetoric. Attacks by violent settlers have led to the
deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole
communities.
We will not stand by while Israeli actions attempt to entrench a
one-state reality.
The UK is deeply concerned by ongoing Israeli operations in the
West Bank, including incidents where children have been killed.
This is appalling and unacceptable.
President, there can be no military solution to this conflict.
Over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed and the IPC have been
clear that half a million people are facing starvation.
Israeli Government policies which have completely blocked or
severely restricted humanitarian aid are unacceptable. That
civilians have been killed whilst desperately trying to feed
their families is inhumane. And the UK rejects any attempts at
demographic or territorial change in the Gaza strip.
While the UK voted in favour of this resolution, we wish to
clarify that our long-standing position remains that Common
Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions does not impose a legal
obligation on states to ensure respect for international law by
third parties.
President, a two-state solution remains the only viable framework
for a just and lasting peace. This is the fundamental principle
that we must continue to strive for, to end the cycle of violence
and give Palestinians and Israelis alike a better future.
We welcome the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia in convening
next week's Conference in pursuit of this.
