Security Council discusses Gaza crisis – SecCo’s 7231st PM Meeting – Press release (excerpts)

Security Council

7231^st Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL WEIGHS EFFECTIVENESS DURING ‘EVENTFUL AND AT TIMES TRAGIC MONTH’

Although the Security Council should be commended for overcoming divisions and adopting important measures in the face of several grave international crises, it remained clear that Council members were once again unable or unwilling to use their influence to find sustainable political solutions, the representative of Rwanda, Council President, told the 15-member body today.

Describing July as an “eventful and, at times, very tragic month”, Council members met for a monthly wrap-up session to evaluate its ability to address a wide range of pressing international crises, which now included the conflicts in Syria and Gaza, as well as the violence in Ukraine.

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Around the table, members highlighted the crises in Gaza…The representative of Chile said…the Council was not completely fulfilling its role, as evident by the current grave situation in Gaza.

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On that point, the representative of the Russian Federation said the presidential statement of 28 July on Gaza was an important effort, but it was insufficient and had come a “tad too late”.

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Statements

MARÍA CRISTINA PERCEVAL (Argentina)…the Council’s calls on Gaza been heeded, she said, pointing to open defiance of international humanitarian and human rights law.  A press statement and a presidential statement had been released demanding a ceasefire and calling for respect for civilian facilities.  Instead of a ceasefire, however, violence had intensified and Council members had awakened to news of 15 deaths in an attack on a school.  She called on the Council to play a more active role, assuming its Charter-based responsibilities and ensuring that the parties to conflict heeded its calls to renew talks and find political solutions.  Only that would give the Council the ability to influence world events.

SYLVIE LUCAS (Luxembourg)…The humanitarian crisis in Gaza had now gone beyond what had been foreseen for Operation Cast Lead, she said, recognizing Israel’s right to self-defence but not its disproportionate use of force.  The deep-rooted causes of the conflict must be addressed for any lasting settlement to be achieved, including the lifting of the blockade, and she hoped the Council would continue to speak out about that.  

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Mr. GOMBO (Chad) said the Council’s agenda had been dominated by the crises in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question…The situation in the Middle East, including the violence in Gaza, continued despite repeated calls for a ceasefire there.  The hostilities had reached unacceptable levels, claiming more than 1,200 lives, the majority of whom were civilians. .

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ROSEMARY A. DICARLO (United States)…Regarding the situation in Gaza, she expressed deep concern for the civilians affected by the hostilities and called on the parties to comply with international humanitarian law.  The United States had repeatedly urged an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.  

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OH JOON (Republic of Korea) expressed frustration with civilian deaths in conflicts, as well as with the humanitarian crises around the world.  Four emergency meetings and an open debate had been held in relation to Gaza, and in line with the call for increased international humanitarian support his country had donated $1 million to help the Palestinian people.  

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ZHAO XINLI (China)…On the issue of Palestine, the Gaza conflict had caused massive civilian casualities, and, condemning the use of force against non-combatants, he urged all parties to implement an immediate ceasefire.  Peace talks, he added, were the only way to create a peaceful co-existence between the parties.

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VITALY CHURKIN (Russian Federation) said the Council this month had been unable to play its role.  The presidential statement of 28 July on the situation in Gaza was an important effort, but it was insufficient and had come a “tad too late”.  The unilateral efforts of the United States to reconcile the two parties had failed yet again, as secretive negotiations had outlived their usefulness.  He proposed the convening in August of an informal brainstorming session involving politicians from Washington to allow for detailed discussions on the issues and exploration of the factors hampering progress.

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MARK LYALL GRANT (United Kingdom)…called for a durable ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and said the Council was ready to do what it could to bring about comprehensive and lasting peace.  He praised the open debate held on peacekeeping, and looked forward to the Secretary-General’s review.  He stressed the importance that more must be done to prevent conflict and respond to early warning signals.

MAHMOUD DAIFALLAH MAHMOUD HMOUD (Jordan) said the month had been marked by grave tragedies in the Middle East, including in Gaza, Syria and Iraq.

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U. JOY OGWU (Nigeria)…said she was disappointed that action on Gaza had come after three weeks of hostilities,…

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CRISTIÁN BARROS MELET (Chile)…said despite the gravity of the situation in Gaza, it seemed incapable of preventing continued violence there.

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EUGÈNE-RICHARD GASANA (Rwanda)…The Council had been confronted with the resurrection of hostilities in Gaza, which brought to light the divisions in the 15-member body.  It nonetheless had overcome them and adopted important measures, although it remained clear that members were again unable or unwilling to use their influence to find sustainable political solutions.  Team spirit was the best chance for success.

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For information media • not an official record