Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the General Assembly on the situation
in the Middle East
Madam President, as others in the Assembly have made clear
violence across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
must stop. The United Kingdom offers our deepest condolences to
the families of those civilians killed.
The United Kingdom calls for an immediate ceasefire, to prevent
the further loss of life and a worsening humanitarian situation.
We continue to support the ongoing UN, Egyptian and Qatari
mediation efforts.
The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets
at civilian populations. These acts of terrorism and incitement
from Hamas and other terrorist groups must permanently end.
Madam President, Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence,
and the right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it
is vital that Israel makes every effort to avoid civilian
casualties. We call on Israel to adhere to the principles of
necessity and proportionality when defending its legitimate
security interest. We are also concerned by reports that Hamas is
again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for
military operations.
We are gravely concerned, Madam President, by UN reports that
medical installations, schools and hundreds of homes in Gaza have
been destroyed or seriously damaged.
That is why, Madam President, the United Kingdom has today
announced we will provide an initial £3.2 million to UNRWA’s
emergency flash appeal. This support will help UNRWA deliver
life-saving humanitarian aid to those that need it most.
The United Kingdom also urges unimpeded entry and exit of vital
humanitarian supplies and personnel, and that Hamas cease their
mortar attacks on these crossings.
Madam President, I reiterate the importance of maintaining the
historic Status Quo in Jerusalem. The United Kingdom strongly
supports the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s important role as
custodian of the holy sites.
As my Foreign Secretary reiterated this week, the United Kingdom
firmly opposes settlements in the West Bank, including East
Jerusalem, as well as demolitions and evictions of Palestinians
from their homes.
Madam President, recent events highlight the urgent need to make
progress towards a two-state solution: a safe and secure Israel,
alongside a viable Palestinian state, based on 1967 lines, with
Jerusalem as the shared capital.
Above all, Madam President, the United Kingdom will continue
pushing for an end to violence and a political pathway to peace.
