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By the terms of the draft resolution “Assistance to the Palestinian people” (document A/74/L.33), the Assembly urged Member States and international donors to extend aid to the Palestinian people. Urging Member States to open their markets to exports of Palestinian products, it called upon the international community to expedite the delivery of pledged assistance to the Palestinian people to meet their urgent needs. Stressing the need to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and facilities, it urged the international community to extend to the Palestinian people emergency economic assistance.
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RIYAD H. MANSOUR, Observer for the State of Palestine…Speaking in his national capacity, he recalled a report by the Secretary‑General on Palestinian assistance. As long as Israel acts as State above international law, the international system will continue to address the implications of that problem, rather than its causes. Citing challenges to sustainable development, he noted variations in disaster impact because the process of mitigation and adaptation depends on resources at hand. Moreover, implementation and follow‑up are difficult in the occupied Palestinian territories because of Israel’s actions there. While the State of Palestine has a national plan, the occupation hinders its implementation and creates daily deprivations, particularly in Area C of the West Bank. In 2019, political and diplomatic work by the State of Palestine advanced thanks to its role in the Group of 77 and China, he said, pointing out that the Observer State also has proven to be an influential actor in global development.
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JUKKA SALOVAARA (Finland)…then introduced the draft resolution titled, “Assistance to the Palestinian people” (document A/74/L.33). Noting that the political and security situation in Gaza remains volatile, he said the immediate priority must be to reduce tensions and avoid another conflict in the enclave. To ensure lasting results, a fundamental change in the situation is crucial. He called on all parties to take urgent steps — including the full opening of crossing points and humanitarian access — while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. The European Union will continue to support efforts by the United Nations and Egypt towards the reunification of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under a single and legitimate Palestinian Authority. The bloc is also determined to sustain assistance to the Palestinian people, he said, noting that it was among the first to answer the call by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for additional funds over the past two years.
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TALAL S.S.S. ALFASSAM (Kuwait)…pledged…$1 million for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as $2 million more for UNRWA.
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AHMAD SAIF Y.A. AL-KUWARI (Qatar) said…Qatar pledged $180 million to support United Nations aid efforts in the occupied Palestinian territories, while its donations to that cause over the last eight years amount to more than $1 billion.
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MOHAMED KAMAL ALI ELHOMOSANY (Egypt) said the Palestinian people’s suffering has increased in recent years due to Israel’s disregard of international law. The only way to end their plight is through a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and creation of an independent Palestinian State in line with United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. “Until then, it is our duty to provide relief and assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said, urging support for the draft.
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Action on Draft Resolutions
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It then adopted, without a vote, the draft resolution “Assistance to the Palestinian people,” (document A/74/L.33).
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For information media. Not an official record.
Document Sources: General Assembly, United Nations Department of Global Communications
Country: Egypt, Finland, Kuwait, Palestine (State of), Qatar
Subject: Agenda Item, Assistance to the Palestinian people, Closures/Curfews/Blockades, Covenant: Economic Social and Cultural Rights, Economic issues, Gaza Strip, Human rights and international humanitarian law
Publication Date: 16/12/2019
URL source: https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12229.doc.htm