The UK's Ambassador to the UN and WTO in Geneva,
, delivered this statement during the Special Session on
Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem.
"The United Kingdom strongly welcomes the ceasefire in Israel and
Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary travelled to the region this week to support efforts to
ensure the ceasefire is permanent, which is a necessary step to
ending the cycle of violence.
I offer Boris Johnson’s deepest condolences to the families of
those civilians killed. Each one of those deaths was and is a
tragedy.
The recent conflict demonstrates the urgent need to make progress
towards a more positive future for Israelis and Palestinians
alike.
During the recent escalation in violence, the UK has
unequivocally condemned indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and other
militant groups on Israel.
We are clear that Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence.
All actions taken when exercising that right must be consistent
with the principles of distinction, proportionality, humanity and
necessity, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and avoid
civilian casualties.
We are gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in
Gaza. That is why the UK has provided an initial £3.2 million of
aid to UNRWA’s emergency flash appeal to help address the
immediate humanitarian needs. We continue to push for unhindered
humanitarian access into Gaza.
As we work to rebuild calm, the UK will continue to call on all
actors to adhere to International Humanitarian Law.
We consistently oppose settlements, demolitions and evictions
across the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. Settlements
are illegal under international law and damage the prospects for
peace.
We applaud the efforts of all who have engaged with the parties
in recent days to ensure that the ceasefire is durable and to
find a way to improve the lives of Palestinians.
As has made clear in his meetings with the Israeli and
Palestinian leadership, the UK will continue to work to find a
durable resolution to the conflict. We continue to believe that
the only sustainable solution is a two state solution, leading to
a safe and secure Israel, living alongside a viable and sovereign
Palestinian state, based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the
shared capital of both states."
