Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council
briefing on the situation in the Middle East.
"Thank you President. I also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland
for his briefing and for the continued efforts of his team.
Last week, the UK Minister for the Middle East, , visited Israel and the
Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Minister met many
inspirational Israelis and Palestinians doing vital work to
improve the situation. This included Palestinian business leaders
who, despite the challenges, are driving success in the
Palestinian economy. The Minister also met Israelis in Lod who
are working to bridge gaps and foster tolerance and co-existence
in their communities.
However, the visit took place against a backdrop of ongoing
violence and instability across the Occupied Palestinian
Territories. As the Secretary-General’s report on the
implementation of resolution 2334 highlights, we are seeing
continued negative trends and unnecessary loss of life. The
Minister saw for herself last week the pain and suffering
evictions and demolitions are causing Palestinians in Masafar
Yatta and Sheikh Jarrah. Protecting human rights and
ensuring accountability for illegal actions and abuses is
essential.
Turning to UNRWA, the Minister observed first hand the critical
role the agency plays in helping maintain stability through its
delivery of core services and humanitarian and protection
assistance to Palestinian refugees. The UK was proud to announce
this week our new multi-year funding agreement with UNRWA and
provide £15 million this year.
We are alive to the challenges facing the agency, and are
committed to ensuring it’s on a more viable financial footing. We
call on all donors, especially in the region, to provide
predictable, multi-year funding so it can continue its vital
work.
President, we must not ignore the toll this prolonged conflict
has taken on the people of Gaza. We continue to call on the
Israeli authorities to end restrictions on movement, access and
trade. Fifteen years of these restrictions have caused
significant damage to the living standards of ordinary
Palestinians in Gaza. Supporting prosperity for Gazans is
firmly in Israel’s long-term interests. We encourage a time bound
commitment for a durable solution for Gaza.
The ongoing tensions underline that a just and lasting resolution
that ends the occupation and delivers peace for both Israelis and
for the Palestinians is long overdue. We urge the parties,
supported by the international community, to do all they can to
rebuild trust and take the path back to dialogue.
Thank you."
