General Assembly Adopts Draft Resolution “Assistance to the Palestinian People” Without a Vote – Press Release (GA/12477) (Excerpts)

GA/12477
6 DECEMBER 2022

Français 

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JAKUB KULHÁNEK (Czech Republic),…By the terms of the resolution “Assistance to the Palestinian people”, the Assembly underlines the importance of emergency and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip and the need to advance its reconstruction.  The text calls on the international community to provide urgently needed assistance and services to ease the difficult humanitarian situation faced by Palestinian women, children and their families and help reconstruct and develop relevant Palestinian institutions.

Introducing the resolution, the representative of the Czech Republic, speaking for the European Union, expressed concern over the difficult humanitarian situation affecting Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip.  He called for full, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, noting that the European Union will keep contributing to Gaza’s development through investments in reforms, support to economic sectors and work in the water and energy sectors.  The bloc expects that Israel will facilitate such efforts, he said.

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said there is no effective humanitarian response without a political response, underscoring the importance of delivering international action and promoting peaceful settlement to end the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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He then introduced the draft resolution titled “Assistance to the Palestinian people” (document A/77/L.34), expressing concern over the difficult humanitarian situation affecting Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip.  The European Union deplores the continuing risk of demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank, he said, calling on Israel to allow for a tangible improvement in the freedom of movement and living conditions for those living there.  The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a grave concern and, while welcoming the easing of some restrictions, he called for full, unimpeded humanitarian access.

The European Union will continue to contribute to Gaza’s development through investments in reforms, support to economic sectors and work in the water and energy sectors — and the bloc expects that Israel will facilitate such efforts, he said.  Underscoring that a fundamental change of the situation in Gaza is necessary to ensure lasting results, he called on all parties to take urgent steps towards this end pursuant to Security Council resolution 2334 (2016).  He added that this includes an end to the closure policy, the full opening of crossing points and the provision of full humanitarian access, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.

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ABDULAZIZ F. A. AL THANI (Qatar)…It has also provided humanitarian aid and assistance to the Palestinian people, including the signing of a multi-year agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in 2018.  Going forward, Qatar will continue to provide development aid and assistance, support United Nations agencies and cooperate on humanitarian affairs, he pledged.

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The Assembly then adopted without a vote the draft resolution “Assistance to the Palestinian people” (document A/77/L.34).

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ZAHRA ERSHADI (Iran) voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine and Yemen…

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CARMEN NISHIHARA (Chile) expressed concern over escalating violence, especially that present in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip.  Noting that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people increase every year, reflecting the gravity of economic and health crises faced by those in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, she underscored the need to provide assistance on the ground and increase resources available to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).  She went on to stress that the disproportionate use of force has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and the indiscriminate use of violence against civilians is unacceptable.  She called on both parties to abide by their obligations to protect civilians, also underlining the need to seek a lasting, just and sustainable solution.  Chile will continue working to achieve two independent States with secure, internationally recognized borders, she said, reiterating her country’s support for Palestinians’ right to an independent country.

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Mr. AL AJMI (Kuwait)…Recalling violations of international humanitarian law in different parts of the world, he underscored that ongoing military occupation impacts the humanitarian, social and political life of the Palestinian people.  In this regard, he also highlighted the “war machine” against unarmed civilians and continued blockade of the Gaza strip.

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MAJED S. F. BAMYA, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said there is no effective humanitarian response without a political response, underscoring the importance of delivering international action and promoting peaceful settlement to bring the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to an end.  He underscored that early international engagement for prevention and resolution of emergency situations will always be far less costly than a delayed, partial and insufficient response.  Turning to the economic cost of the occupation of Palestine, estimated by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at $58 billion in lost potential gross domestic product (GDP) in the West Bank alone due to Israeli restrictions between 2000 and 2020, he said that price is higher than humanitarian assistance provided to the Palestinian people since 1948.  “Palestine can, virtually overnight, become aid independent, once its political independence is guaranteed”, he added.

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For information media. Not an official record.