Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Palestine.
I will make three points.
First, the United Kingdom reaffirms that a two-state solution
remains the only viable path to peace and security for both
Israelis and Palestinians.
That is why last week, the UK formally recognised the State of
Palestine. As my Foreign Secretary said, this decision reflects a
grave urgency. The two-state solution is under threat from
relentless violence, deepening humanitarian catastrophe and
political obstruction.
In the West Bank, the Israeli government continues its
stranglehold on the Palestinian economy, further destabilising
the Palestinian Authority. We urge Israel to release withheld
clearance revenues, restore correspondent banking relationships,
and facilitate Shekel transfers from Palestinian banks.
We also repeat our calls on Israel to halt the expansion of
illegal settlements, including the E1 plans, and act decisively
against extremist settler violence.
Like others in this Council, we reiterate that Israeli annexation
of the West Bank cannot be allowed to happen.
Second, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is intolerable.
Civilians continue to face famine, destruction, and displacement
on a scale that defies description.
Since the 1st September, four hospitals in northern
Gaza have been forced to close and clinics, including those of
the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, continue to be struck by
Israel. Israel must protect the healthcare sector in line
with its obligations under international law.
Last week, doctors who had worked in Gaza described to me the
awful challenge of trying to save lives in conditions of
destruction and with medical equipment and food
withheld.
So, we continue to call on Israel to let in aid without
restriction, including fully re-opening the King Hussein/Allenby
Bridge.
We also urge Israel to allow international media access to Gaza,
in line with the principles of press freedom.
Third, as my Foreign Secretary said, recognition must be a spur,
not a substitute for urgent action. We desperately need a
ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a huge surge in
humanitarian aid.
The hostages and Palestinians in Gaza have known only death and
misery for the past two years. We commend the tireless efforts of
the US, Qatar and Egypt to try to end this cycle of violence.
The UK is ready to build on the positive momentum from last
week's Two State Solution Conference, and to play our part in
securing a deal to provide a better future for Israel, Palestine
and the region.
