Statement by Rt Hon MP, Minister for the
Middle East, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle
East.
President, the ceasefire agreement offers hope for the Israeli
and Palestinian people and for the world.
I would like to thank Egypt, Qatar and the US for their tireless
efforts to achieve it.
The hostages have endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of
Hamas since they were so cruelly taken on the seventh of October.
I welcome the release of three of them, including dual British
national Emily Damari, bringing their horrific ordeal to an
end.
The remaining phases of the ceasefire must now be implemented in
full and on schedule, including the release of all remaining
hostages.
President, civilians in Gaza are enduring suffering that almost
defies belief.
More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, including many
children.
Winter has only worsened this dire situation, with children dying
from hypothermia and the imminent risk of famine in northern
Gaza.
This deal opens the way for them to begin to rebuild their lives.
The UK, with our partners, has been pressing at every opportunity
for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages.
The Foreign Secretary did so just last week during his visit to
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
These intense diplomatic efforts must continue in the days and
weeks ahead.
We must build confidence on all sides to help sustain the
ceasefire, progress through all its phases, and turn it into a
lasting peace that assures the security of Israelis and
Palestinians alike.
The UK will focus all our efforts on keeping up that momentum.
Until every hostage is released.
Until the aid promised to Gaza reaches those in need.
And Palestinians are free to return to their homes, to rebuild
their lives.
It is essential that the surge of assistance is properly
coordinated, with the right level of access and security to reach
those in need.
As the Foreign Secretary has said, Israeli legislation means
UNRWA faces a cliff edge in its ability to support Palestinian
refugees across the West Bank and Gaza. We urge Israel not to
endanger UNRWA's ability to operate.
President, this agreement is a crucial first step towards a
sustainable peace, and a credible pathway to a two-state
solution.
Millions of people are relying on us to build on this progress
and end their agony.
We must not let them down.
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