{"id":244164,"date":"2020-12-21T13:38:43","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T18:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=244164"},"modified":"2020-12-22T15:32:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T20:32:53","slug":"special-coordinator-mladenov-spotlights-continued-violence-settlement-activities-in-briefing-to-security-council-press-release-sc-14397","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/special-coordinator-mladenov-spotlights-continued-violence-settlement-activities-in-briefing-to-security-council-press-release-sc-14397\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Coordinator Mladenov Spotlights Continued Violence, Settlement Activities in Briefing to Security Council – Press Release (SC\/14397)"},"content":{"rendered":"
SC\/14397<\/strong>
\n21 DECEMBER 2020<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Video<\/a><\/p>\n

Implementation Report (S\/2020\/1234)<\/a><\/p>\n

Speakers Also Discuss Diplomatic Thaw, Resumed Israeli-Palestinian Coordination<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The United Nations official on Middle East peace updated the Security Council today on developments in the region, highlighting continued violence, including against civilians and children, as well as Israel\u2019s ongoing settlement-related activity in the occupied West Bank.<\/p>\n

Briefing via videoconference, Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, emphasized that the global community \u201cmust persevere in its efforts to prevent violent escalation in the region and encourage leaders on both sides to takes steps towards enabling a return to negotiations, not a retrenchment of conflict\u201d.<\/p>\n

On the implementation of Security Council resolution\u00a02334<\/a>\u00a0(2016), he noted that there has been continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. \u00a0\u201cOver the past year, Israeli authorities advanced controversial settlement plans that had been frozen for years,\u201d he said, pointing out that half of them are deep in the West Bank, in areas crucial for the contiguity and viability of a future Palestinian State.\u00a0 In the strategic location of E1, he added, plans for some 3,500\u00a0units were advanced after an eight-year delay. \u00a0If implemented, the E1 plan would sever the connection between the northern and southern West Bank, he warned, stressing that settlements entrench Israel\u2019s occupation and undermine the prospect of a two-State solution.<\/p>\n

He reported that, on 13\u00a0December, the Israeli authorities announced a tender for 290\u00a0housing units in the settlement of Gilo, East Jerusalem.\u00a0 On 16\u00a0December, the Knesset advanced, in a preliminary vote, a bill that sets a two-year time frame within which to legalize 65\u00a0outposts, he said, adding that the legislation would mandate that those outposts be treated as authorized settlements in the interim.<\/p>\n

Stressing that continuing violence, attacks against civilians, and incitement to violence are unacceptable, he said all perpetrators must be held accountable.\u00a0 In particular, \u201cchildren should not be the target of violence or put in harm\u2019s way\u201d.\u00a0 Security forces must exercise maximum restraint and may use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life, he said, underlining that Israeli and Palestinian authorities must carry out thorough, independent, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force.<\/p>\n

The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli civilian population centres by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad or others is prohibited by international humanitarian law, he continued, saying Palestinian militants must cease the practice immediately.\u00a0 Expressing concern over continued settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, he called upon Israeli authorities to abide by international law by protecting Palestinians from violence by Israeli settlers and to ensure that farmers can access their land freely and safely.<\/p>\n

Highlighting several incidents that occurred in the reporting period, he cited one in which a deaf and mute Palestinian man from Nablus reportedly died of complications resulting from an injury sustained from live ammunition.\u00a0 The man was shot by private security guards on 17\u00a0August at Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, he said, noting that the Israel Defense Forces previously stated that an investigation was opened into the incident.<\/p>\n

The financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) remains a serious concern, he said, recalling that, with support from partners and a loan from the Central Emergency Response Fund\u00a0(CERF), a disruption of vital services was averted in November. \u00a0Unfortunately, despite that support, there is a December funding gap of $88\u00a0million, he said, adding that the January\u00a02021 income forecast for UNRWA is worse and may well require more drastic measures to prevent a financial collapse of the Agency in the months to come. \u00a0He noted that, on 15\u00a0December, the Palestinian Prime Minister and the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory launched the 2021\u00a0Humanitarian Response Plan, which includes an appeal for $417\u00a0million to help 1.8\u00a0million vulnerable people over the coming year.<\/p>\n

Turning to the Gaza Strip, he said the situation remains fragile amidst immense suffering and the constant risk of a major escalation. \u00a0Taking into consideration its legitimate security concerns, he urged Israel to ease the restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza. \u00a0Concerning the wider peace process, he urged Israelis, Palestinians, regional States and the broader international community to take practical steps to enable the parties to re-engage. \u00a0On the Palestinian Authority\u2019s decision to restart civil and security coordination with Israel, he said the Palestinian Authority has received $900\u00a0million in back revenues vital to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the deteriorating financial situation.<\/p>\n

New opportunities must be built, he said, while underscoring the difficulty of the road ahead. \u00a0\u201cIt is not going to be easy, in fact it will be very, very hard, painstaking work to stitch back together what is necessary to allow leaders on both sides to engage in a meaningful process.\u201d \u00a0The conflict can be resolved by peaceful negotiation, but that must come from inside, not outside the region, he emphasized. \u00a0The goal of a just and lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples remains achievable and can be negotiated by the Middle East Quartet and all relevant actors, he added.<\/p>\n

Following the briefing, Security Council members took to the floor, with many expressing their concerns over Israel\u2019s annexation plans, continuing settlement activities and confiscations. \u00a0Several applauded the work of UNRWA and called upon the international community to further their financial support for the Agency. \u00a0Others welcomed the normalization of relations between some countries of the region and Israel as a positive step. \u00a0Speakers also underscored their concern over violence, particularly against civilians and children.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States said recent events have challenged conventional thinking regarding peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 The dispute between the State of Palestine and Israel dates back to the Council\u2019s earliest days, and decades-old approaches have fallen short, she noted.\u00a0 The Abraham Accords peace agreement aims to make the region safer and more prosperous and saw Israel commit to working towards a two-State solution, she said, pointing out that in less than four months, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have opened diplomatic relations with Israel.\u00a0 For decades, she continued, the prevailing assumption was that normalized relations with Israel would only follow a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.\u00a0 However, recent events prove otherwise, she said, urging the international community to reflect on what else may have been missed or misinterpreted over the years and to consider the vision of the United States for peace in the region.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Dominican Republic, reaffirming his country\u2019s support for a two-State solution, expressed concern about the continuing expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Any movement towards annexation not only violates international law but also has serious implications for security, stability and negotiations on a future peace, he stressed.\u00a0 Also expressing concern about violations of the rights of children in Gaza, he noted that they currently have only limited access to basic services like health care, water and electricity.\u00a0 He urged all parties to respect and protect those rights and to abstain from violence against children.\u00a0 Calling for investment in the creation of jobs for Palestinians, he said that if they have jobs, \u201cthings will start changing\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of Germany said plans for annexation, settlement expansion and confiscations are of deep concern, as are attacks against Israelis.\u00a0 He asked the Special Coordinator to assess honestly whether the changed facts on the ground have already ensured the unviability of a two-State solution.\u00a0 Welcoming the normalization of relations with Israel by some countries in the region, he also described as very positive the purchase of an interest in Israel\u2019s Beitar Jerusalem Football Club by Saudi Arabians, with the blessing of an Israeli rabbi.\u00a0 He pledged to continue to work with partners in Jordan, Egypt and France towards a path forward.\u00a0 Noting his country\u2019s recent contribution of some $200\u00a0million to UNRWA, he stressed the importance of wide support to the Agency, especially from within the region.<\/p>\n

The representative of China said the lack of progress towards peace and the expansion of settlement activity in the West Bank is deeply worrying.\u00a0 The parties must launch peace talks without delay, she emphasized, seconding Palestinian calls for an international peace conference early in 2021.\u00a0 Applauding UNRWA\u2019s continuing efforts, she urged support for the Agency, noting that his country has stepped up its donations of financial support and health supplies during the pandemic crisis.\u00a0 She went on to reaffirm China\u2019s support for the Palestinian people and for the earliest possible negotiations towards a just and lasting solution to the Mideast conflict.<\/p>\n

The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines highlighted the Security Council\u2019s inaction and inability to protect Palestinians living under occupation and called upon the Council to facilitate the resumption of talks between both parties with a view to realizing a viable two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. \u00a0Noting the expansion of settlements and evictions of families across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, throughout 2020, she reiterated the call by President Abbas for the United Nations to convene an international conference in early 2021 in order to launch a genuine peace process.\u00a0 She emphasized that the reported killing of a 14-year-old Palestinian boy leaves a stain on the international community\u2019s conscience. \u00a0She went on to welcome the recent launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan and to commend UNRWA\u2019s efforts to provide critical services to 5.7\u00a0million Palestine refugees across the Middle East.<\/p>\n

The representative of Indonesia expressed concern over continuing settlement expansion, increased demolitions, the humanitarian situation, civilian casualties, and the absence of negotiations between the parties. \u00a0In the four years since the adoption of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), nothing has truly changed, especially for the Palestinian people, he noted, emphasizing the need to create positive momentum for the peace process. \u00a0Reiterating his delegation\u2019s support of an international conference in early 2021, he said all efforts should be directed towards ensuring Palestinian rights and implementing a two-State solution.\u00a0 \u201cIf we ever truly wish for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, we simply cannot allow a culture of impunity to prevail,\u201d he stressed, calling upon the international community to demand accountability.\u00a0 He urged the Israeli authorities to immediately cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, while underlining that country\u2019s obligation, as the occupying Power under international law, to protect the lives and safety of Palestinians, particularly in providing COVID-19 vaccines.<\/p>\n

The representative of France noted that, nearly four years after the adoption of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), Israeli settlement expansion on the ground continues to hinder the realization of the necessary two-State solution.\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s most recent decisions in that regard, she called for their reversal, while also urging a freezing on demolitions and confiscations.\u00a0 She went on to emphasize that her country will recognize no change in the 1967 lines unless agreed through negotiations by the parties.\u00a0 She also urged differentiating goods produced in occupied territory.\u00a0 Urging a redoubling of efforts to restart talks within the parameters recognized in previous agreements, beginning with confidence-building measures, she welcomed the resumption of coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel and urged the parties to implement the Special Coordinator\u2019s recommendations, including loosening restrictions on Gaza and strengthening Palestinian unity.\u00a0 Everyone must do their part in fostering peace, she stressed, pledging her delegation\u2019s continuing efforts, alongside German, Egyptian and Jordanian partners, to create an environment conducive to dialogue, as well as its continued support for UNRWA.<\/p>\n

The representative of Niger, expressing concern over the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the demolition of Palestinian schools and cultural sites, warned that settlement activities threaten to undermine both United Nations efforts in the region and prospects for a sovereign, viable Palestinian State, contiguous with Israel.\u00a0 A two-State solution is the only just, lasting option that will enable both peoples to achieve their legitimate aspirations, he emphasized.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the situation in Gaza, he called for an end to rocket and mortar fire into Israeli residential areas and for the lifting of Israel\u2019s blockade so as to alleviate poverty, food insecurity and high unemployment in the enclave.\u00a0 He underlined the need for UNRWA to have the necessary resources to help the thousands of Palestinian families in need, especially during the current COVID-19 crisis.<\/p>\n

The representative of Estonia urged Israelis and Palestinians to re-engage in meaningful negotiations on all final-status issues and to engage with the Middle East Quartet and other regional players for that purpose. \u00a0Welcoming the Palestinian Authority\u2019s decision to resume civilian and security coordination with Israel, he called upon all parties to refrain from unilateral steps on the ground, including settlement expansion and violence.\u00a0 He also called upon all States to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. \u00a0In addition, he called for Palestinian reconciliation with a view to holding elections and reminded all parties of their obligations to respect freedom of expression and assembly.\u00a0 Noting his country\u2019s contributions to UNRWA, he urged all others to support the Agency, particularly in the context of COVID-19.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United Kingdom expressed sadness at the death of Ali Abu Alia, the Palestinian child killed following clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Palestinian civilians, urging Israel to investigate the matter swiftly and comprehensively.\u00a0 She said 2020 has seen further settlement expansion \u2014 including into highly sensitive areas of East Jerusalem \u2014 and the most prolific demolition of Palestinian homes and structures since 2016.\u00a0 Reiterating the illegal nature of such settlements under international law, she said they represent an obstacle to peace and undermine the viability of a two-State solution.\u00a0 She urged Israel to cease such policies, build confidence and encourage the pursuit of dialogue, while also calling upon the Palestinian leadership to continue efforts to combat terrorism and anti-Semitism.\u00a0 She went on to stress the importance of providing UNRWA with additional funding, noting her own country\u2019s $69\u00a0million contribution in 2020, and urged States that have cut funding to support the Agency so it can address the immediate needs of refugees in the region.<\/p>\n

The representative of Viet Nam, expressing regret at the lack of progress on the implementation of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), noted that the expansion of settlements has been going on throughout 2020 at an alarming rate. \u00a0Notably, 50\u00a0per\u00a0cent of settlement units were located in outlying areas deep inside the occupied West Bank, impeding the contiguity of a future Palestinian State, he pointed out. \u00a0Expressing further concern over Israel\u2019s plan to construct about 3,500 units in the strategic location of E1, he said that action would significantly undermine the chances to establish a contiguous Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution. \u00a0\u201cSettlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions,\u201d he emphasized.\u00a0 Pointing also to the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures and properties in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, he called for an immediate end to those activities, in accordance with resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016). \u00a0The daily acts of violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces threaten to erode hopes for resumed negotiations and dialogue, he warned.<\/p>\n

The representative of the Russian Federation, citing the long-standing international consensus on the need for a just solution to the Palestinian question based on resolutions, previous agreements and the two-State principle, emphasized that all final-status issues must be settled through direct negotiations.\u00a0 He called for \u201cpooled efforts to utilize the full potential of collective diplomacy\u201d.\u00a0 Expressing concern over continuing non-compliance with resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), he reaffirmed his delegation\u2019s position that Israel\u2019s settlement activity is unlawful.\u00a0 He also condemned violence and rocket launches into Israeli territory while stressing the need for Palestinian unity.\u00a0 He went on to call for further international efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to underline the importance of support for UNRWA, while acknowledging steps taken by the Agency to increase its efficiency.<\/p>\n

The representative of Belgium, affirming that her country\u2019s term on the Security Council has been guided by respect for international law, noted that the legal framework for a just and lasting settlement between Palestinians and Israelis is well-known and overwhelmingly endorsed by the international community.\u00a0 She called upon the parties to respect their obligations, including resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), emphasizing Israel\u2019s obligations as the occupying Power, while calling upon Palestinians to advance reconciliation with a view to holding an inclusive and democratic electoral process.\u00a0 She went on to reiterate that her country does not recognize any changes from the 1967 lines, unless agreed by both sides, stressing the importance of differentiating between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.\u00a0 In addition, Belgium is concerned about restrictions on journalists and violence against children, she said, going on to emphasize the importance of support for UNRWA and welcoming the normalization of diplomatic relations in the region.<\/p>\n

The representative of Tunisia noted that despite international support for a two-State solution, the peace process remains deadlocked and the occupying Power still denies the Palestinian people their basic rights.\u00a0 It also continues to bolster unilateral measures, in violation of international law, by expanding settlements.\u00a0 The occupying Power has continued its aggression against Palestinian civilians, including children, as well as its violations of human rights and international law, he said, attributing its actions to the lack of international accountability.\u00a0 Urging the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and call upon the occupying Power to end settlement activities, he emphasized that the Palestinians must be able to participate in all initiatives to end the crisis to ensure peace in the Middle East.\u00a0 Tunisia supports the initiative of President Abbas to hold an international conference that would bring together all stakeholders to participate in a genuine peace process, he affirmed.<\/p>\n

The representative of South Africa, Council President for December, spoke in his national capacity, noting that despite the 15-member organ\u2019s adoption of more than 100 resolutions on the question of Palestine, that agenda item has seen the least progress.\u00a0 Indeed, since the adoption of resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), more than 46,000 housing units have been announced, approved or constructed, he said, describing that development as a direct violation of international law and an obstacle to the peace process.\u00a0 He went on to express alarm over the number of civilian casualties in the occupied Palestinian Territory and of Palestinian children that Israel holds in detention.\u00a0 South Africa calls upon the Security Council to take the long-overdue field visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory by members willing to do so, he said.\u00a0 Describing recent bilateral agreements in the region as transactional, he pointed out that they do not include Palestine, a significant stakeholder in Middle East peace, and have not yielded tangible results for those affected by the illegal occupation.\u00a0 \u201cThese bilateral agreements do not change international law; they do not change United Nations Security Council resolutions,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 In Gaza, meanwhile, the health-care sector is unable to cope with increased demand and life-threating non-COVID-19 cases are being denied permits to travel for critical medical care, he said.<\/p>\n

Mr. Mladenov, responding to Germany\u2019s representative, emphasized that a two-State solution is not only necessary, but still possible.\u00a0 There is no other way to resolve the conflict in a way that is just for both peoples.\u00a0 Israel must preserve its nature as a Jewish State, while \u201cthe Palestinian people will not go anywhere, this is their home\u201d, he said.\u00a0 The two need to separate, with appropriate security, he added, recalling that they have agreed on final-status issues in the past.\u00a0 The international community must facilitate negotiations through the Middle East Quartet, he said, pointing to the existence of forces that would like to maintain the status quo.\u00a0 However, there is no other way to resolve the conflict without a two-State outcome, he reiterated, saying it is still possible to do so in a way that recognizes the historical rights of Israelis and Palestinians alike.<\/p>\n

For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SC\/14397 21 DECEMBER 2020 Fran\u00e7ais\u00a0 Video Implementation Report (S\/2020\/1234) Speakers Also Discuss Diplomatic Thaw, Resumed Israeli-Palestinian Coordination The United Nations official on Middle East peace updated the Security Council today on developments in the region, highlighting continued violence, including against civilians and children, as well as Israel\u2019s ongoing settlement-related activity in the occupied West Bank. […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"template-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[1362,6169,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2849,2533,2365,2181,1905,2137,6245],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6541],"class_list":["post-244164","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-press-release","document-category-video","document-category-webcast","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-annexation","document-subject-health","document-subject-international-presence","document-subject-negotiations-and-agreements","document-subject-peace-proposals-and-efforts","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-violence","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/244164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/244164\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=244164"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=244164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}