Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN
Ambassador at the UN Security Council
meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
First, let me start by reaffirming the UK's commitment to the
principles enshrined in UN Security Council resolution 2334 which
serves as a clear reinforcement of international support for a
two-state solution. The suffering we have seen on, and since, the
horrific attacks of October 7, underlines the importance, more
than ever, of a diplomatic solution to this conflict which
guarantees the safety and security of both the Israeli and
Palestinian people. We call for the immediate release of all the
remaining hostages, including the return of those who have died
in captivity, and we are appalled by reports of sexual violence
and abuse. The UK stands firm in its condemnation of these
heinous acts. The best way to get the hostages out is to get a
deal done. We also urge Israel to let humanitarian aid enter Gaza
through all crossing points immediately and guarantee
deconfliction for aid convoys and other humanitarian work. We
echo the Secretary General's tribute to UN workers who have
tragically lost their lives in this conflict and we call upon
Israel to ensure the protection of UN facilities and staff. The
integrity of the UN and its ability to operate is paramount. It
serves as a crucial lifeline for the many innocent civilians
affected by this conflict.
Second, the UK remains deeply concerned by the indiscriminate
firing of rockets towards Israeli population centres, as noted in
the Secretary-General's report. This must stop. We also note with
concern the continuing construction of settlements in the
Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. We are
clear: these settlements are illegal under international law. We
reiterate our call on Israel to immediately and completely stop
all settlement activities. We condemn the human rights abuses and
incitement of violence against Palestinian communities in the
West Bank, where the UK has taken action, in the form of
sanctions, against a number of those individuals and groups
responsible. We are also deeply concerned by Israel's suspension
of revenue transfers to the Palestinian Authority and the risks
to correspondent banking relations. Such measures harm chances
for peace, security and stability.
Finally, Mr President, as the UK has said throughout, a
negotiated pause in the fighting that leads to a sustainable
ceasefire, without a return to fighting, is the best way to
secure the release of the hostages, enable a significant scaling
up of much needed humanitarian aid and leads to a permanent
settlement of this issue. There is now a deal on the table,
endorsed by this Council in resolution 2735, to achieve those
goals. The onus is on Hamas to accept it and end the suffering of
the Palestinian people and the remaining hostages. We must then
work towards a credible and irreversible pathway towards a
two-state solution of Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side
in peace and security for both nations and the wider region.
