Statement by Ambassador at the Security Council
briefing on the Middle East.
"Thank you, President. I join others in thanking Special
Coordinator Wennesland and Deputy Commissioner-General Stenseth
not only for your briefings, but also for the work of your teams
on the ground.
I would like to thank members of this Council for our work to
come to a consensus on a Presidential statement. This statement
sets out the international community’s continued commitment to a
two-state solution based on 1967 lines, and urges an end to
Israeli settlement activities, and the prevention of terrorism.
All parties must desist from unilateral measures that further
undermine peace, stability and the two-state solution.
President, violence and instability in Israel and the Occupied
Palestinian Territories has led to further loss of life. Ten
Israelis have been killed in two abhorrent terror attacks in
2023. The UK condemns all forms of terror, for which there is no
justification. Since the start of the year, 44 Palestinians have
been killed by Israeli security forces. This includes 11
children. Israel must exercise maximum restraint in the use of
live fire, and the Palestinian Authority must urgently resume
full security cooperation, and renounce and confront terror. We
also condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza on 11 and
12 February towards civilian populations. This escalating cycle
of violence must be brought to an end as swiftly as possible,
particularly ahead of upcoming religious festivals.
Second, the UK condemns Israel’s announcement to legalise ten
outposts and advance up to 10,000 units in settlements in the
Occupied Palestinian Territories. As set out by the British
Foreign Secretary and our partners in the quint statement, the UK
strongly opposes these unilateral actions which exacerbate
tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Settlements and
outposts are not only contrary to international law, but they
also undermine the prospects for peace. The UK calls on Israel to
reverse these decisions. I also condemn increasing settler
violence, including the killing of Mithqal Rayyan on 11 February.
Perpetrators of violence must face justice.
Thirdly, the UK urges Israel to avoid measures that could amount
to collective punishment against Palestinians, particularly
punitive demolitions. These cause unnecessary suffering and
contribute to the cycle of violence; four Palestinians have been
killed during punitive demolition operations so far this year.
In conclusion, President, restoring stability and securing peace
is still possible but will require effort from all sides. The UK
stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between
Israel and the Palestinians, and remains firm in its belief that
a negotiated two state solution, based on 1967 lines with
Jerusalem as a shared capital, is the only way to ensure a
lasting peace, security and prosperity between the parties.
Thank you."
