Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d'Affaires to
the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
"Last week, this Council adopted Resolution 2803, sending a
powerful message of international support for President Trump's
20-point plan for Gaza, and the diplomatic efforts of Qatar,
Türkiye and Egypt.
This marks a pivotal moment after two years of horrendous
suffering. And is crucial to cementing the ceasefire and charting
a course towards lasting peace.
We urge all parties to abide by the ceasefire
and we reiterate that Hamas must locate and hand over
the bodies of the remaining
three deceased hostages.
I will make three points.
First, Resolution 2803 must be implemented fully, effectively and
in accordance with international law.
We need an International Stabilisation Force and trained
Palestinian police deployed quickly to support the ceasefire and
avoid a vacuum that Hamas could exploit.
Hamas should uphold their commitments under the 20-point plan to
disarm and end their governance over Gaza.
Transitional arrangements must respect Palestinian sovereignty
and self-determination and pave the way for a reformed
Palestinian Authority to resume governance in Gaza.
Palestine must be run by Palestinians.
We look forward to the urgent formation of a Palestinian
Committee alongside the Board of Peace.
Second, Resolution 2803 underscores the importance of the full
resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.
Heavy rains have deepened the misery, worsening shelter needs as
winter closes in.
The United Nations has confirmed that over 1.5 million people are
in urgent need of emergency shelter, yet Israel continues to
restrict lifesaving aid.
Every crossing and route must be opened without delay, and
essential items including shelter kits and medical supplies
allowed in.
Last winter, at least eight newborns died of hypothermia in fewer
than three weeks. Those deaths were preventable.
Israel must allow aid in now, without delay, and permit the
United Nations, including UNRWA, as well as international
non-governmental organisations, to operate freely and
effectively.
Third, while the ceasefire in Gaza offers hope, stability in the
West Bank is essential to any sustainable peace.
Yet we have seen further appalling incidents of settler violence
during the olive harvest.
Last month, OCHA recorded more than 260 Israeli settler attacks,
resulting in Palestinian casualties or damage to property.
This month, we have witnessed horrific arson attacks, including
on a mosque, in the West Bank.
These unacceptable incidents must be thoroughly
investigated and those responsible held
accountable.
We also urge Israel to end its stranglehold on the Palestinian
economy by releasing withheld clearance revenues, protecting
correspondent banking arrangements, and facilitating shekel
transfers from Palestinian banks.
And we reiterate our call on Israel to halt the expansion of
illegal settlements, including the E1 plans.
This is a pivotal moment for the future of the
region.
The United Kingdom will continue to work with all partners to
implement Resolution 2803 and to forge a just and lasting peace
for Israelis and Palestinians, anchored in a two-state solution."
