Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy
Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council
meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
Thank you President. I join others in thanking Mr Wennesland, Mr
Lazzarini and Mr Levy for their valuable briefings today.
Let me start by welcoming the two-year anniversary of the Abraham
Accords this month. The Abraham Accords are a historic milestone
that bring us closer to the goal of shared prosperity and peace
throughout the region.
President,
As we stated at the emergency session on 8 August, the UK
welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza and we reiterate our calls for the
parties to make every effort to sustain it. It is critical that
humanitarian access in and out of Gaza is ensured, in accordance
with International Humanitarian Law.
We were appalled by the terrorist attack in Jerusalem on 13
August. The UK unequivocally condemns any and all acts of
terrorism. Our thoughts are with the victims and families of
those affected. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to
Israel’s security. This conflict has taken a terrible toll
on both sides. We are concerned at the record number of
Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces this year and urge
Israel to show restraint in the use of live ammunition and to
ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into all
fatalities.
President,
We have been clear about our concern over the Israeli
government’s decision last year to designate six Palestinian NGOs
as terrorist organisations. The subsequent raids on the offices
of seven Palestinian NGOs, and arrests of their staff, are
equally concerning. Civil society organisations play an important
role in upholding human rights and democracy and they must be
able to operate freely in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
We continue to engage with a number of these organisations.
President,
We call on the Israeli authorities to halt plans to advance
evictions at Khan Al Ahmar and on the E1 settlement plan.
Advancing E1 would seriously hinder a two-state solution.
Settlements are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.
This month we also saw demolition orders issued in Masafer Yatta
and against a donor-funded school in Ein Samiya. Such demolitions
cause unnecessary suffering and in all but exceptional
circumstances are contrary to international law.
The UK is a long-standing supporter of UNRWA for the vital role
they play in providing core services and humanitarian and
protection assistance to Palestinian refugees across the region.
We were pleased to announce at the pledging conference in June
that we have agreed a new multi-year funding agreement with UNRWA
and will provide £15m this year.
The situation on the ground demonstrates the urgent need to make
progress towards a Two State Solution that ensures a safe and
secure Israel, living alongside a viable and sovereign
Palestinian state based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem the shared
capital of both states. The UK remains committed to working
with all parties to reduce tensions and take steps towards a
sustainable peace.
