Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security
Council meeting on the Middle East.
The UK is extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence in
the Occupied Palestinian Territories. So far in 2023, UN agencies
have recorded 591 settler-related incidents resulting in
Palestinian casualties, property damage or both. That is the
highest monthly average of incidents since records began. This
includes the murder of Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan by
settlers, which the UK condemns.
The displacement of over 400 Palestinians across seven
communities from their land due to ongoing settler violence is
unacceptable. As an occupying power, Israel is obliged under
international humanitarian law to properly provide security for
the local population.
Israeli authorities must do more to hold to account and prevent
those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the
communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable. This
includes thoroughly investigating every instance of settler
violence to bring those responsible to justice and end the
culture of impunity.
The UK condemns the abhorrent terrorist attacks in Tel Aviv on
Saturday 12 August, the West Bank town of Huwara on 19 August,
and the South Hebron hills just today. These attacks have taken
the lives of a further four innocent Israelis. The Palestinian
Authority must tackle terrorism and incitement.
We also see continued violations of international humanitarian
law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including evictions
and demolitions. On Friday 17 August, Israel demolished a West
Bank Protection Consortium school in Ein Samiya. The continued
demolition of Palestinian property and the evictions by Israeli
authorities from their homes are contrary to international
humanitarian law, it renders Palestinians at risk of forcible
transfer, and causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary
Palestinians. This is harmful to the peace process. Israel must
also urgently provide a clear, transparent route to construction
for Palestinians in Area C.
President, UNRWA faces a deep funding crisis. UNRWA can only be a
stabilising force in the region whilst it is able to deliver
vital services to the Palestinian refugees. We call on members of
the council and UN member states to work collectively to fill
critical funding gaps.
