Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate
on the Middle East Peace Process.
My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must
end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.
A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a
reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been
cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling
suffering of Palestinian civilians.
I will make three points.
First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous
and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of
children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.
The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an
almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.
We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to
account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid
distribution in line with humanitarian principles and
international humanitarian law.
And let me reaffirm the UK's firm and unequivocal support for the
UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.
We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah.
Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.
Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz's proposals of forced
displacement to Rafah. Illegal settlement expansion in the West
Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even
terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign
to prevent a Palestinian state.
We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens
to account.
We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan,
which is a flagrant breach of international law.
Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the
governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel's security
again. However, the organisation which represents a credible
alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being
undermined by Israeli actions.
Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues,
crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health
and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to
Israel's security.
President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a
two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that
we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible
erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.
Next week's conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is
a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international
resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and
the region.
