<\/p>\n
9387TH MEETING (AM & PM)<\/strong> Fran\u00e7ois\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n video part I<\/a><\/p>\n video part II<\/a><\/p>\n The security situation in the West Bank has significantly deteriorated, highlighted by the most intensive Israeli operation in nearly 20 years, further jeopardizing the Israel-Palestine peace process, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.<\/p>\n Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, said that from 27\u00a0June through 24\u00a0July in the occupied West Bank, 25\u00a0Palestinians, including 5\u00a0children, were killed, and 249\u00a0Palestinians were injured by Israeli security forces. \u00a0According to Israel, 2\u00a0Israeli security forces personnel were killed while another 39\u00a0Israelis were injured by Palestinians.<\/p>\n \u201cThis deterioration is taking place alongside ongoing unilateral steps that undermine a two-State solution, the absence of a peace process and the continuing economic challenges facing Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n On 3\u00a0and 4\u00a0July in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, Israeli security forces carried out an operation marked by multiple drone strikes and over 1,000\u00a0ground troops. \u00a0Twelve Palestinians, including four children, were killed and over 140\u00a0injured \u2014 the most in a single operation in the West Bank since the\u00a0United Nations began tracking casualties in\u00a02005. \u00a0Palestinian Islamic Jihad al\u2011Quds Brigades claimed 8\u00a0of the 12\u00a0fatalities as members, including children.<\/p>\n Israeli settler violence continues, albeit not at the scale witnessed in June, he pointed out, reminding Israel of its responsibility to abide by international humanitarian law when carrying out security measures.\u00a0 The funding gap faced by the\u00a0United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) is of grave concern, he went on to say, urging the international community to contribute the\u00a0$200\u00a0million the Agency urgently needs to maintain services from September onwards.<\/p>\n When the floor opened for discussion, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said that there are more than 700,000\u00a0Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 \u201cSo, let us start by calling things by their name,\u201d he urged, stating that \u201cthe Israeli occupation is a settler-colonial occupation\u201d, and that the only way the international community can end it is to address its settler-colonial nature.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need an action plan, with the necessary resources and the will to implement it,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 The International Criminal Court investigations must start yielding results by providing justice for victims and deterring perpetrators.\u00a0 The International Court of Justice advisory opinion will give the United Nations and all States guidance on their legal obligations.<\/p>\n Israel\u2019s representative said that Palestine poisons the minds of children and fosters hate-filled youth.\u00a0 Among the recent victims of Palestinian violence was a pregnant Israeli woman who lost her baby when she was run over by a Hamas truck.\u00a0 In Jenin refugee camp, Israel conducted two days of counter-terrorism operations with surgical precision targeting terrorists and avoiding civilian casualties.<\/p>\n In total, 12\u00a0Palestinian terrorists were killed, and Israeli forces found tunnels and explosive devices and weapons stored there, he said. \u00a0Yet, the Secretary-General did not commend Israel for uprooting terrorists, but instead repeated Palestinian lies.\u00a0Noting the growing tensions at the\u00a0border with Lebanon, he urged the Council to hold an emergency meeting before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n The representative of the United States urged all parties to take proactive measures to counter all forms of violence and to ensure that justice and accountability are pursued with equal rigour in all cases.\u00a0 Israel faces real security challenges, he said, expressing support for the country\u2019s legitimate right to defend its people \u2014 including against the threats posed by Hamas.<\/p>\n Trust between the parties is at rock-bottom, France\u2019s delegate pointed out, condemning all attacks targeting civilians \u2014 both Israeli and Palestinian. \u00a0While condemning terrorist acts against Israel and reiterating unwavering commitment to that country\u2019s security, he also condemned the continued Israeli colonization of the Territory. \u00a0\u201cThat is why France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories, nor the legalization of illegal settlements,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Responding to the Israel\u2019s delegate that tensions were growing at its border, Lebanon\u2019s representative asked: \u00a0\u201cIsn\u2019t it a coincidence to find heightened Israeli aggression and provocation when we count down to the Security Council meeting for renewing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon?\u201d\u00a0Such unhinged attempts aim to push her country to undertake actions \u201cthat might show Lebanon as the party that should be condemned and blamed\u201d, she added.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s representative pledged Tehran\u2019s support to Palestine\u2019s legitimate right to resist oppression and aggression.\u00a0 The purpose of Israel\u2019s \u201cbaseless claims and falsehoods\u201d against his country is to divert attention from the appalling atrocity crimes perpetrated by the apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n Many speakers urged both the Israelis and Palestinians to recommit to the\u00a0two-State solution to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian question.<\/p>\n Mozambique\u2019s delegate\u00a0stressed that the two-State solution is the prime issue which needs to be dealt with immediately.\u00a0 The recent surge in violence should serve as a wake-up call for action and for all Council members to redouble efforts towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.<\/p>\n Briefing<\/u><\/p>\n KHALED KHIARI, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, said the deterioration of the security situation in the West Bank has continued, punctuated by a two-day Israeli operation in Jenin \u2014 the most intensive of its kind in nearly 20\u00a0years. \u00a0\u201cThis deterioration is taking place alongside ongoing unilateral steps that undermine a two-State solution, the absence of a peace process and the continuing economic challenges facing Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority,\u201d he stressed. \u00a0From 27\u00a0June through 24\u00a0July in the occupied West Bank, 25\u00a0Palestinians, including 5\u00a0children, were killed, and 249\u00a0Palestinians, including 5\u00a0women and 22 children, were injured by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes, search and arrest operations, and attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis. \u00a0Another 20\u00a0Palestinians, including 1\u00a0woman, and 5\u00a0children were injured by Israeli settlers or other civilians in shooting attacks and stone-throwing.<\/p>\n According to Israeli sources, two Israeli security forces personnel were killed while another 39\u00a0Israelis, including 4\u00a0women, 3\u00a0children and 8\u00a0Israeli security forces personnel were injured by Palestinians in shooting and ramming attacks, the throwing of stones and Molotov cocktails, and other incidents. \u00a0\u201cThe period saw a significant escalation in the ongoing wave of violence in the West Bank,\u201d he continued. \u00a0From 3\u00a0to 4\u00a0July in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, Israeli security forces carried out an operation marked by multiple drone strikes and over 1,000\u00a0ground troops. \u00a0Twelve Palestinians, including four children, were killed and over 140\u00a0injured \u2014 the most in a single operation in the West Bank since the\u00a0United Nations began tracking casualties in\u00a02005. \u00a0Palestinian Islamic Jihad al-Quds Brigades claimed 8\u00a0of the 12\u00a0fatalities as members, including children.<\/p>\n During the reporting period, Palestinians carried out several attacks or alleged attacks against Israelis, including ramming attacks and stabbings, injuring several Israeli civilians, including a pregnant woman, he continued.\u00a0 The period also witnessed Palestinians attempting to launch rudimentary rockets from the Jenin area towards Israel or Israeli settlements. \u00a0Israeli settler violence continues, albeit not at the scale witnessed in June. \u00a0Amid the escalating violence the Palestinian security forces conducted a series of arrests across the occupied West Bank. \u00a0And while the situation in Gaza remained relatively calm, militants fired five rockets from there towards Israel, responding to the operation in Jenin on 4\u00a0July.\u00a0 All were intercepted by Israel.\u00a0 Israeli security forces, in response, carried out air strikes.<\/p>\n \u201cI reiterate that acts of terror and the targeting of civilians are unacceptable and must be condemned and rejected by all,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 Israel has an obligation to protect Palestinians and their property in occupied Palestinian territory and ensure independent investigations into all acts of violence. \u00a0Security forces must exercise maximum restraints and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. \u00a0Children must never be the targets of violence or put in harm\u2019s way. \u00a0The indiscriminate launching of rockets by Palestinian militants towards Israeli population centres must cease immediately.\u00a0 He said that the humanitarian situation in the occupied West Bank remains concerning and the large Israeli security forces\u2019 operation in Jenin refugee camp has had a devastating humanitarian toll on the camp and its residents.\u00a0 Expressing deep alarm over the funding gap facing the\u00a0United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA), he stressed that\u00a0$200\u00a0million is urgently needed to maintain services from September onwards, and $75\u00a0million to sustain the food pipeline in Gaza.<\/p>\n Statements<\/u><\/p>\n RIYAD H. MANSOUR, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, said the Israeli Government is one of the settlers, by the settlers and for the settlers.\u00a0 There are more than 700,000\u00a0Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 \u201cSo, let us start by calling things by their name,\u201d he urged, stating that \u201cthe Israeli occupation is a settler-colonial occupation\u201d and that the only way the international community can end it is to address its settler-colonial nature.\u00a0United Nations resolutions must be translated into an action plan, with measures to be taken by every peace-loving State to dissuade Israel from entrenching its occupation.\u00a0 Israel has effectively annexed large parts of Palestinian territory and restricted Palestinians into disconnected enclaves.\u00a0\u201cConfinement for Palestinians, expansion for Israeli settlements,\u201d he observed, adding:\u00a0 \u201cIt wants maximum Palestinian land with minimum Palestinians.\u00a0If it can build Israeli settlements and destroy Palestinian homes without consequences, it will continue doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n Against that backdrop, he called on the international community to hold accountable the settlers who walk into Palestinian villages and destroy homes, crops and wreak havoc in the streets.\u00a0 \u201cWe need an action plan, with the necessary resources and the will to implement it,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 The International Criminal Court investigations must start yielding results by providing justice for victims and deterring perpetrators.\u00a0 The International Court of Justice advisory opinion will give the United Nations and all States guidance on their legal obligations.\u00a0 He also urged the international community to protect the lives of Palestinian children, who \u2014 from birth \u2014 are confronted with killings, forced displacement, arbitrary arrests and destroyed homes and schools.\u00a0 \u201cProtect our children as they are the primary target of the warmongers,\u201d he said, underscoring:\u00a0 \u201cThey always come for the next generation.\u00a0 The peacemakers should do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel<\/u>) noted that today marks the saddest day for Jews, an anniversary of destruction of Jewish holy temples.\u00a0 But, Jewish sovereignty has returned to Jerusalem, a concept Palestinians refuse to accept.\u00a0 Nonetheless, this Council has not focused its attention to the Palestinian arsenal to destroy a Jewish State.\u00a0 Palestine poisons the minds of children and fosters hate-filled youth \u2014 a fact not mentioned in the\u00a0Secretary-General\u2019s latest report on children in armed conflict.\u00a0 The United Nations refuses to verify his country\u2019s report about what\u2019s really happening on the ground.\u00a0 Among the victims of Palestinian violence was a pregnant woman who lost her baby when she was run over by a Hamas truck.\u00a0 This kind of terror must be condemned by all.\u00a0 On the Jenin refugee camp, he said that it has become a hotbed for Palestinian terrorists.\u00a0 Israel conducted two days of counter-terrorism operation there with surgical precision targeting terrorists and avoiding civilian casualties.\u00a0 In total, 12\u00a0Palestinian terrorists were killed, he said, adding that not a single civilian was among them.\u00a0 Israel forces found tunnels and explosive devices and weapons stored there.<\/p>\n The Secretary-General did not commend Israel for uprooting terrorists, but instead repeated Palestinian lies, he said.\u00a0 In doing so, he emboldened terrorists.\u00a0Palestinians only interest is the destruction of his State.\u00a0 Palestinian refugees, generation after generation, remain in refugee camps.\u00a0 Why are they not integrated into society if Palestine\u2019s goal is to establish a State, he asked, adding that all UNRWA accomplished is the perpetuation of the situation.\u00a0 If the goal is to remove obstacles to peace, this must be addressed.\u00a0Hamas threats must be the focus of this Council, he said, also underlining the threats posed by Iran and its\u00a0proxies in the region.\u00a0 Tensions are increasing along its border with Lebanon.\u00a0The consequences will be disastrous if immediate action is not taken, he said, wondering why the Council does not hold an emergency meeting before it\u2019s too late.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for the Council to stand by Israel.\u00a0 If it wants to address true obstacles, it must end Palestinian obstruction.<\/p>\n ROBERT A. WOOD (United States<\/u>), pointing out that the escalating trend of violence in\u00a02023 underscores the fragility of the situation in the West Bank, condemned all extremist violence, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator.\u00a0 While he welcomed statements by top Israeli officials condemning extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians, he called on the Palestinian authorities to also clearly denounce terrorist acts committed against Israelis.\u00a0Further, he urged all parties to take proactive measures to counter all forms of violence and to ensure that justice and accountability are pursued with equal rigour in all cases of extremist violence.\u00a0 Israel faces real security challenges, he said, expressing support for the country\u2019s legitimate right to defend its people \u2014 including against the threats posed by Hamas.\u00a0 He also warned against Iran\u2019s destabilizing role in the West Bank and Gaza.<\/p>\n ADRIAN DOMINIK HAURI (Switzerland<\/u>) called for the de-escalation of violence and the protection of civilians, noting that more than 40\u00a0children have died since January.\u00a0 He also called on Israel and Palestine to implement the commitments they made in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh, adding that Switzerland considers East Jerusalem to be occupied territory and that its final status must be negotiated between the parties.\u00a0 He also expressed concern that Israel is accelerating settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, recalling that settlements are illegal under international law and constitute a major obstacle to a two-State solution.\u00a0Holding elections throughout the Territory, including in East Jerusalem, would help to restore the institutional legitimacy and political unity essential for a two-State solution.\u00a0 The parties must return to the path of dialogue and genuine peace talks, he urged.<\/p>\n LILLY STELLA NGYEMA NDONG (Gabon<\/u>) said she is concerned with the spiral of violence and the deteriorating security situation on the ground.\u00a0 She condemned the killing of civilians, including women and children, and the detention of children.\u00a0 She is also concerned with the continued expansion of settlements, demolitions and expulsions, particularly in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0\u201cThis is a clear violation of international law that must cease, especially since it impedes the building of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,\u201d she said, calling for the respect for the status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem.\u00a0 She again called for funding of UNRWA and the World Food Programme\u00a0(WFP), which help stabilize the region and provide humanitarian aid.\u00a0 She urged all parties to abide by Council resolutions, including resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016), and to implement the commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh.<\/p>\n HERN\u00c1N P\u00c9REZ LOOSE (Ecuador<\/u>), condemning\u00a0acts of violence or terror against civilians, recalled that the parties must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law.\u00a0 Military operations and acts of violence or terror may last only moments or a few days, but their consequences last for long and are sometimes irreversible.\u00a0Destruction is always easier than rebuilding, and nothing can give a life back, he said.\u00a0 The Council must support any measure or initiative that encourages the parties to resume direct negotiations and renew the political horizon of a solution to the conflict.\u00a0 Expressing his country\u2019s solidarity with the Palestinian people and with the people of Israel who have the right to live in peace, he called for a two-State solution based on the recognized borders of\u00a01967.<\/p>\n VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta<\/u>) underscored that the deterioration of the security situation on the ground is leading to tragic numbers of Palestinian and Israeli casualties, including children.\u00a0 \u201cIt is disheartening to see a generation of Palestinian children so devoid of hope and aspirations, a generation that only knows life under the blockade,\u201d she said, emphasizing that the psychosocial repercussions of these circumstances must not be underestimated.\u00a0 Accordingly, she urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint in the use of live fire and explosives in populated areas, to abide by international humanitarian law and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.\u00a0She recognized UNRWA\u2019s crucial efforts to protect Palestinian refugees, calling on the international community to bolster financial support towards guaranteeing its service provision.\u00a0 She also sounded alarm over the persistent threats to Israeli civilians and security and condemned all instances of discrimination, violent extremism and terror attacks, including indiscriminate rocket fire towards Israel\u2019s territory.<\/p>\n ZHANG JUN (China<\/u>) said that the Council should prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.\u00a0 Recalling that Israel recently launched its biggest military operation in nearly 20\u00a0years, he said it resulted in the death of 12 and the injury of over 100\u00a0Palestinians in Jenin, along with the flight of more than 3,000\u00a0refugees.\u00a0 \u201cIsrael and Palestine are neighbours that cannot be moved away from each other,\u201d he stressed, noting that they should break the cycle of violence and seek common security.\u00a0 Pointing out that settlement-expansion is altering the status quo, he called on Israel to cease these activities and return to the two-State solution.\u00a0 He also called for the removal of the Gaza Strip blockade and encouraged more humanitarian assistance.\u00a0 \u201cThe longer action is delayed, the more complex and the graver the situation is, and the greater the difficulty for achieving peace is,\u201d he underscored.<\/p>\n HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (Ghana<\/u>) expressed regret that the period under consideration witnessed some of the worst forms of violent clashes in recent times.\u00a0 \u201cWe have seen since the beginning of the year one of the highest numbers of Palestinian fatalities and injury to children and unarmed civilians, as well as the highest number of Israeli military incursions into Gaza, and refugee camps in the occupied Palestinian territories,\u201d he continued.\u00a0These have been accompanied by widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and private property, carried out by intense operations and sophisticated weapons.\u00a0 Rockets have continued to also be fired into Israel.\u00a0Innocent Israeli citizens have been harmed in their normal daily routines.\u00a0 Ghana condemns the interminable cycle of violence and calls on both sides to exercise maximum restraint.\u00a0 Ghana urges renewed support by the international community for a two-State solution to achieve a just lasting and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian question, he added.<\/p>\n ISHIKANE KIMIHIRO (Japan<\/u>) urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from inflammatory actions to prevent further deterioration of the situation.\u00a0 Japan is gravely concerned over repeated visits by an incumbent minister to holy sites in Jerusalem \u2014 the latest of which occurred earlier today \u2014 and he underlined that all parties must implement the commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh.\u00a0 Noting that Japan will continue its strong support of UNRWA, he stressed that additional pledges made at the General Assembly pledging conference in June were insufficient to meet the Agency\u2019s 2023 financial needs.\u00a0 \u201cWhat will be the fate of Palestine refugees if UNRWA’s support for basic services ceases in September?\u201d, he asked, adding that Japan has contributed more than $40\u00a0million in\u00a02023 so far.\u00a0 A two-State solution continues to be the only viable path, he emphasized.<\/p>\n MOHAMED ISSA ABUSHAHAB (United Arab Emirates<\/u>) said the Jenin refugee camp witnessed one of the most violent incursions in nearly two decades and a return to calm has become an increasingly elusive goal in light of the ongoing illegal practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the prevalence of hate speech.\u00a0 It is imperative for the international community to cease acting as bystanders and prevent exacerbating the current situation by taking a proactive and comprehensive approach, de-escalating tensions, and working towards reviving the Middle East peace process.\u00a0 As such, all available options must be considered for broadening understanding to achieve these goals.\u00a0 A two-State solution must continue to serve as the foundation for all political endeavours.\u00a0\u201cWe cannot allow it to be marginalized under any circumstances,\u201d he said, underscoring the need to halt all settlement activities, which threaten to undermine the two-State formula.<\/p>\n DMITRY A. POLYANSKIY (Russian Federation<\/u>) said that regular outbreaks of violence in the West Bank and elsewhere have generated heightened instability throughout the entire region, undermining the prospect of reviving the peace process.\u00a0 The latest illustration of the deteriorating situation was the military operation conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces in Jenin earlier in July \u2014 as a result, 500\u00a0Palestinian families were forced to flee their homes and more than 10\u00a0people died.\u00a0 Moreover, Israel continues to conduct indiscriminate strikes against Syria in the Golan.\u00a0 Highlighting positive trends, he spotlighted improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with Syria\u2019s return to the League of Arab States.\u00a0 However, he voiced concern over the unilateral decision by the United States and the European Union to freeze the Middle East Quartet\u2019s activity.<\/p>\n S\u00c9RGIO FRAN\u00c7A DANESE (Brazil<\/u>) said that the reconstruction of the Jenin camp will put UNRWA under financial pressure, noting that $23\u00a0million will be needed to address the consequences of the military operation.\u00a0 Calling for protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, he condemned all violence against civilians \u201cbe they Palestinians or Israelis\u201d.\u00a0He expressed concern over the Israeli Government\u2019s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, pointing to the risk of these events spilling over to Gaza.\u00a0\u201cIt is evident that the status quo is unsustainable and requires urgent and sustained attention,\u201d he stressed, observing that mere administration of the conflict is not a viable alternative.\u00a0The Council has a political responsibility to respond to recent negative developments, he underscored.<\/p>\n PEDRO COMISS\u00c1RIO AFONSO (Mozambique<\/u>) expressed deep alarm about the bloodshed which has gripped the region in a vicious cycle.\u00a0 \u201cThis untenable situation is driving up the death toll and sparking the worst fighting between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank in nearly two decades,\u201d he added. \u00a0Mozambique regrets the increase in violence, which has resulted in over 150\u00a0Palestinians killed by Israelis in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.\u00a0 He urged Israel\u2019s security forces to exercise maximum restraint.\u00a0 The recent surge in violence should serve as a wake-up call for action and for all Council members to redouble efforts towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.\u00a0The two-State solution is the prime issue which needs to be dealt with.\u00a0 Mozambique also expressed concern over the financial crisis facing UNRWA and urged regional and international actors to provide immediate financial support to the Agency.<\/p>\n NICOLAS DE RIVI\u00c8RE (France<\/u>) said that trust between the parties is at rock-bottom, condemning all attacks targeting civilians \u2014 both Israeli and Palestinian.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s security imperatives cannot absolve it from complying with its international obligations, including the need to protect civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to use proportionate force.\u00a0 While condemning terrorist acts against Israel and reiterating unwavering commitment to that country\u2019s security, he also condemned the continued Israeli colonization of the Territory.\u00a0 These activities are illegal under international law, fuel tensions on the ground and are a major obstacle to peace.\u00a0 \u201cThat is why France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories, nor the legalization of illegal settlements,\u201d he said, calling on the Israeli Government to end the construction of new housing in the settlements.\u00a0The Council has a responsibility to defend the two-State solution, he added.<\/p>\n ARIAN SPASSE (Albania<\/u>) called on Palestinian youth to distance themselves from instigation of violence and extremism.\u00a0 \u201cYouth should lead the change on the ground for themselves and for the future of Palestinian generations,\u201d he emphasized.\u00a0 Strongly condemning settler violence against Palestinian civilians, he called for the full investigation and accountability for those responsible.\u00a0 He also expressed concern over the impact of increased violence on women and children.\u00a0The plans to advance settlements contradict international law and impede peace efforts, he said, calling for the implementation of Council resolution\u00a02334\u00a0(2016) and the strict observance of international law.\u00a0 All unilateral steps that obstruct peace and the viability of a two-State solution must be withdrawn, he warned.<\/p>\n BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom<\/u>), Council President for July, speaking in his national capacity, sounded alarm over rising violence across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which, in July, culminated in Israel\u2019s operation in Jenin.\u00a0 To date, 153\u00a0Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank since January, more than the entirety of all those killed in\u00a02022.\u00a0She supported the Palestinian Authority\u2019s independent role in securing Area\u00a0A of the West Bank, as agreed in the Oslo Accords, and urged Israel to support the Palestinian Authority in this endeavour.\u00a0 Condemning all indiscriminate attacks on civilians \u2014 including recent terror attacks in Tel Aviv and Kdumim \u2014 she urged Israel to reverse the unprecedented scale of settlement advancement in Area\u00a0C of the West Bank.\u00a0Settlements are illegal under international law, raise tensions and undermine the prospects for a two-State Solution, she emphasized, calling on Israel to desist from further settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions.<\/p>\n GERARDO PE\u00d1ALVER PORTAL, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of\u00a0Cuba<\/u>, associating himself with the statements to be delivered by the Non-Aligned Movement and the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, rejected Israeli settlements, military aggression and colonial practices.\u00a0 Condemning the blockade of Gaza, he stressed:\u00a0 \u201cIt is time to put an end to the impunity of Israel.\u201d\u00a0 He expressed support for the State of Palestine\u2019s full membership in the United Nations and echoed its President\u2019s appeal to convene an international peace conference.\u00a0 Welcoming the League of Arab States\u2019 decision to re-admit Syria, he said this will enhance that country\u2019s full reintegration and will contribute to regional stability.\u00a0 He also called for the termination of arbitrary, unilateral coercive measures imposed by Washington, D.C., against sovereign nations in the Middle East, underscoring:\u00a0 \u201cWe must put an end to double standards, selectivity and political manipulation.\u201d<\/p>\n JEANNE MRAD (Lebanon<\/u>) said that the recent egregious aggressions that have been witnessed by the Palestinian people are a stark reminder of what they have lived through for many years.\u00a0 The events that took place in the Jenin refugee camp, especially against children and vulnerable groups, are condemnable.\u00a0 The \u201chysterical settlement-expansion\u201d undermines any prospects for peace and a two-State solution\u201d, she continued.\u00a0 \u201cThe world is silent as if it\u2019s used to such scenes,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Her country is also used to this, with Israel\u2019s daily incursions into southern Lebanon and incursions into its skies.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t it a coincidence to find heightened Israeli aggression and provocation when we count down to the Security Council meeting for renewing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon\u00a0(UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n Such unhinged attempts aim to push her country to undertake actions \u201cthat might show Lebanon as the party that should be condemned and blamed\u201d, she continued.\u00a0 Noting her country\u2019s role as Chair of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, she said Lebanon has systematically underscored that \u201cthe Arabs have taken the initiative always for disarmament\u201d.\u00a0 A party that possesses nuclear arsenals cannot act as a victim, under the pretext of defending itself.\u00a0 Lebanon stresses that it is ready to continue work with UNIFIL to address the situation in its southern region.<\/p>\n NACIM GAOUAOUI (Algeria<\/u>) said the Palestinian question has escalated due to the activities of the occupying Power, including the aggression in Jenin, the entry into mosques, the settlement policy and the detention of Palestinians.\u00a0 \u201cAll of this portends a downward spiral that will go out of control,\u201d he said, adding the impunity enjoyed by the occupying Power has contributed to this trend.\u00a0 He condemned the recent aggression on the Jenin camps.\u00a0 He said the international community must strictly implement all Council resolutions to put an end the policies of the occupying Power.\u00a0 He called on the international community to help reconstruct the damage to Jenin, especially its infrastructure, and noted his Government had contributed $30\u00a0million in that regard.\u00a0 He reiterated his delegation\u2019s solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have been under the yoke of occupation for so long.\u00a0He called on the Council to revitalize all mechanisms, including resolution\u00a0904\u00a0(1994).<\/p>\n MAHMOUD DAIFALLAH HMOUD (Jordan<\/u>) called for an end to Israel\u2019s unilateral measures, including the expansion of settlements.\u00a0Urging Israel to engage in negotiations towards a two-State solution, he said that country\u2019s recent acceleration in licensing settlements violates international law and Council resolutions.\u00a0He also condemned the storming of the courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque compound by an Israeli minister, insisting that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem.\u00a0 Necessary steps must be taken to prevent a new downward spiral, he urged, rejecting attempts to undermine the Islamic and Christian nature of Jerusalem and stressing that Jordan is the mosque\u2019s sole custodian.\u00a0Turning to UNRWA underfunding, he spotlighted a ministerial conference that his country and Sweden will co-host in September to mobilize political and financial support for the Agency to continue its services.<\/p>\n AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD (Malaysia), Vice-Chair of the\u00a0Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People<\/u>, said that, in recent weeks, Israel’s excessive use of force and deployment of heavy weaponry against densely populated civilian areas has caused Palestinian casualties, including among children. \u00a0The raid in the Jenin refugee camp on 19\u00a0June \u2014 the largest Israeli incursion in the West Bank in 20\u00a0years \u2014 triggered a cycle of violence resulting in more than 12\u00a0Palestinian and 4\u00a0Israeli fatalities and fuelled tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. \u00a0Further, systematic attacks by settlers on Palestinian civilians and raids on Palestinian villages, setting fire to dozens of homes and vehicles and agricultural fields, have intensified dramatically. \u00a0From 20\u00a0June to 25\u00a0June, Israeli settlers targeted several Palestinian towns and villages in the occupied West Bank, causing extensive damage and terrorizing civilians. \u00a0Even though Israel condemned such settler attacks, \u201ccondemnation is not enough\u201d, he said, calling on Israel to immediately take decisive steps to halt these attacks, ensure accountability and protect Palestinians according to its responsibility as the occupying Power. \u00a0He stressed that, so far in\u00a02023, Israel has advanced plans for over 10,000\u00a0housing units in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, with the clear intent to further colonize and fragment the Palestinian territory and illegally cement its own control.<\/p>\n PAUL BERESFORD-HILL, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0Sovereign Order of Malta<\/u>, said\u00a0the entity\u00a0was created 900\u00a0years ago in Jerusalem, with its first mission to care for sick pilgrims visiting the holy land.\u00a0 Its hospitals soon became a haven of support and care not only for Christians, but also for Muslims and Jews.\u00a0 The Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, run by the Sovereign Order, provides over 30,000\u00a0outpatient consultations and examinations annually.\u00a0Amid an ongoing conflict in Palestine, providing essential health-care services to its people has become increasingly difficult, he said, calling on both the Israeli and Palestinian Governments to fulfil their commitments to the international community.\u00a0 Strikes against places of worship and the intimidation of their congregations tragically reflects a broader international trend not exclusive to Palestine or Israel, but inspired by extremism.\u00a0 Responsible Governments, whether they be on the right or the left, must adhere to the Charter of the\u00a0United Nations\u00a0to protect their citizens and guarantee human rights under the rule of law.<\/p>\n MUHAMMAD ABDUL MUHITH (Bangladesh<\/u>), speaking for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation\u00a0(OIC), noted that, while the rest of the world is focused on pursuing sustainable development, a historic injustice continues to obstruct the Palestinian people\u2019s realization of peace and prosperity.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no end in sight to this deplorable situation, as Israel continues to evade accountability,\u201d he said, reiterating the call for Israel to cease its settlement activities.\u00a0 Commending King Mohammed VI\u2019s efforts to protect Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem \u2014 standing up to the occupying authorities\u2019 measures to \u201cJudaize\u201d the Holy City \u2014 he reaffirmed that Haram al-Sharif, with its entire area of 144\u00a0dunams, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims.<\/p>\n He also said that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department is the competent authority to manage the affairs of respective mosques, while underlining Jordan\u2019s custodial role with regard to Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Noting that the Algiers declaration was a step towards national unity, he spotlighted the role of Algeria\u2019s President to that end.\u00a0\u201cConcrete efforts are needed to ensure the compliance of Israel, the occupying Power, with its obligations under international law,\u201d he underscored.<\/p>\n Speaking in his national capacity, he expressed regret that UNRWA\u2019s health centre was destroyed in the recent military aggression, underscoring that Israel has been deliberately targeting human-assistance activities.\u00a0 He also voiced regret over the psychological trauma endured by Palestinian children, noting that many have been illegally detained.\u00a0 In this regard, he called for providing mental and psychosocial support to those individuals.<\/p>\n SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM (Malaysia<\/u>), associating himself with OIC and the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, as well as the statement to be delivered by the Non-Aligned Movement, deplored the indiscriminate incursions of the refugee camps in the West Bank.\u00a0 \u201cWe are, as always, dismayed by the deaths of innocent civilians, including women and children,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 The lack of accountability on the crimes perpetrated by Israel undermines the legitimacy of international law.\u00a0 \u201cThe impunity enjoyed by Israel has emboldened it to continue with its systematic oppression of the Palestinian people, through discriminatory policies akin to apartheid,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 Malaysia calls on the Security Council to deliver on its duty as the guardian of international peace and security, stop the double-standard practice when it comes to Israel and end the injustices against the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n MUNIR AKRAM (Pakistan<\/u>) said that on 5\u00a0July, three Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council stated that that Israeli attacks against the Jenin refugee camp may constitute a war crime and had \u201cno justification under international law.\u00a0 The impunity that Israel has enjoyed for its acts of violence over decades only fuels and intensifies the recurring cycle of violence\u201d.\u00a0 The Special Rapporteurs called for Israel to be held accountable under international law.\u00a0 He said the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and the expulsion and evictions of Palestinians from their properties are illegal and grave violations of Council resolutions and international law, including humanitarian law.\u00a0 He regretted that the Council has been unable to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 He urged the Council to implement its own resolutions fully and forcefully on the question of Palestine.<\/p>\n AMIR SAEID IRAVANI (Iran<\/u>) said that sympathy alone is no longer enough, urging the Council to take responsibility for enforcing its resolutions, act decisively to end the occupation and ensure Palestinian rights are protected.\u00a0 The conflict in Palestine can only be resolved by ending the occupation and recognizing the Palestinian people\u2019s inalienable right to self-determination.\u00a0This requires the full restoration and protection of this right, leading to the establishment of Palestinian sovereignty over the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 For its part, Tehran will support Palestine\u2019s legitimate right to resist the oppression and aggression of the apartheid regime.\u00a0Rejecting the representative of Israel\u2019s \u201cbaseless claims and falsehoods\u201d against his country, he said the purpose behind these unfounded claims is to divert attention from the appalling atrocity crimes perpetrated by the apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n OMAR HILALE (Morocco<\/u>) said the prosperity of the region is intrinsically linked to the two-State solution.\u00a0 He underscored the need to respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of a sovereign State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to avoid anything that could stir tensions in the region.\u00a0 Peace rooted in dialogue is the only way to reach a definitive settlement of the Palestinian issue, he emphasized, reiterating that negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis remain the only way to reach a lasting, permanent solution to this issue.<\/p>\n THIBAULT CAMELLI, representative of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, said the bloc will not recognize changes to the 1967\u00a0lines unless agreed by the parties.\u00a0 He reported that, at the seventh Brussels Conference on \u201cSupporting the future of Syria and the region\u201d held on 14\u00a0and 15\u00a0June, the international community pledged \u20ac5.6\u00a0billion for\u00a02023 and beyond to support the Syrian people and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.\u00a0 The bloc pledged 70\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the total grants \u2014 \u20ac3.8\u00a0billion \u2014 while international financial institutions and donors announced \u20ac4\u00a0billion in concessional loans.\u00a0 This brought the total of grants and loans to \u20ac9.6\u00a0billion, which is \u20ac800\u00a0million more than the amount pledged in\u00a02022. \u00a0He emphasized that the European Union remains the largest donor, having mobilized over \u20ac30\u00a0billion to support Syrian people in Syria and the region since the 2011\u00a0Syrian crisis.<\/p>\n While the European Union took note of the League of Arab States\u2019 decision to readmit Syria, he said the bloc\u2019s position remains unchanged: \u00a0no normalization, lifting of sanctions or reconstruction will be possible until the Syrian regime engages in a political process.\u00a0 Although the bloc\u2019s restrictive measures do not prevent or restrict humanitarian-relief efforts, the Union decided to apply temporary exemptions to its own sanctions regime to facilitate humanitarian-aid delivery.\u00a0 Reiterating his call for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court, he said the bloc will continue gathering evidence for future legal action.\u00a0 He also commended Syria\u2019s neighbours for hosting refugees for more than a decade, warning against any further displacement in any part of Syria.<\/p>\n AHMED MOHAMED EZZAT AHMED ELSHANDAWILY (Egypt<\/u>), associating himself with the Arab Group, OIC and the statement to be delivered by the Non-Aligned Movement, recalled that his country \u201chas repeatedly said that ongoing unilateral actions by Israel would lead to the undermining of all efforts to contain the violence and improve the conditions on the ground\u201d.\u00a0He expressed deep concern over the continuation of settlement expansions, demolitions of homes and violations of the status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem.\u00a0 The situation in the occupied Syrian Golan is not getting any better either. \u00a0\u201cIsrael is trying to install wind turbines under the pretext of electricity-generation,\u201d he said, noting this is a violation of United Nations resolutions and international law.\u00a0 Underscoring that any discussion of genuine Council reform should include something that is \u201cvery obvious\u201d \u2014 respect for its resolutions \u2014 he said that it is impossible to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East unless the Palestinian people obtain their rights.<\/p>\n MONA JUUL (Norway<\/u>) noted that, in early July, one of the most extensive operations by Israeli military forces in the West Bank in more than 20\u00a0years killed 12\u00a0Palestinians, including children.\u00a0 If current trends continue, 2023\u00a0will be the deadliest year for Palestinians there since United Nations records began in\u00a02004.\u00a0 While recognizing Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns, she reiterated that its \u201csecurity forces must exercise the utmost restraint\u201d in their use of force.\u00a0 She recalled that, 30\u00a0years ago, the Oslo Accords marked a step towards peace and a two-State solution led by Palestinian and Israeli political figures with a common vision for peace. \u00a0Stressing that a whole generation of Israelis and Palestinians have not only lost faith in that solution, but never had any, she called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to ensure that generation has a vision for something other than distrust and violence.<\/p>\n WISSAM AJEEB (Syria<\/u>), associating himself with the\u00a0Non-Aligned Movement and\u00a0the Arab Group, stressed that the Israeli occupation forces continue their barbaric attacks and criminal practices against the Palestinian people, \u201cand our people in the occupied Syrian Golan who confront the Israeli war machine with their bare hands\u201d.\u00a0 Those attacks constitute a war crime and a crime against humanity, while the paralysis of the Council \u2014 due to the obstruction of one permanent member \u2014 harms its reputation at a time when urgent action is needed.\u00a0 He observed that the recurring political crises faced by the successive Israeli Governments push its leaders to export them.\u00a0 In the occupied Syrian Golan, he pointed to the continued closure of the Quneitra crossing since\u00a02014, the only lifeline that allows those people to communicate with their families in their homeland, Syria. \u00a0The occupation forces also continue their systematic expansionist policy, building thousands of housing units and imposing demographic change.<\/p>\n He recalled that, last June, large reinforcements of the Israeli occupation forces, accompanied by bulldozers, stormed the Hafayer area in preparation for implementation of its settlement plan of establishing wind turbines. \u00a0As a result, dozens were injured, some of them seriously, while those forces prevented ambulances from reaching the area and launched a massive campaign of arrests against the people of the Golan. \u00a0On 19\u00a0July, Israeli forces launched an aggression with barrages of missiles from the north of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting some points in the vicinity of Damascus.\u00a0 He called on the Council to break its silence and urgently assume its responsibilities to end the Israeli occupation of Arab lands, and to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions, foremost of which are Council resolutions\u00a0242\u00a0(1967), 338\u00a0(1973) and 497\u00a0(1981).\u00a0 He noted that his delegation would not respond to allegations by the representative of the European Union.<\/p>\n ANEL BAKYTBEKKYZY (Kazakhstan<\/u>) echoed concerns over the recent escalation of violence in Jenin, suggesting the revival of dialogue between all sides of the conflict. \u00a0She reiterated the urgent need to support UNRWA in its critical role in mitigating the deteriorating situation in Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cThe current situation, as we witness today, is deepening poverty, unemployment, and consequently, chronic economic regression, which will fuel further conflict,\u201d she stressed. \u00a0She called on both sides to refrain from violence and to work towards a political settlement on the principle of \u201ctwo States for two peoples\u201d, guaranteeing the inalienable right of Palestinians to statehood, along with Israel\u2019s right to security.\u00a0 Further, she emphasized that mechanisms and initiatives such as the Road Map for Peace, Arab Peace Initiative and a revival of the Middle East Quartet should be used to resolve the current situation.<\/p>\n MAGED ABDELAZIZ, Permanent Observer for the\u00a0League of Arab States<\/u>, associating himself with the Group of Arab States, said that Israel continues to violate international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory without any international criminal accountability.\u00a0 It is no secret that Israel\u2019s extremist right-wing regime has a malicious goal to undermine a two-State solution that would establish an independent Palestinian State, through measures that change the historical reality of the Territory, such as expanding settlements, displacing Palestinians and confiscating land and structures.\u00a0 What exacerbates the situation is the absence of any chance for settlement through the Middle East Quartet and its inability to hold a meeting.<\/p>\n Despite similarities among situations involving occupation, the Council has chosen to approach these cases with double standards.\u00a0 The way it deals with the Palestinian situation differs from the way it does with the situation in Ukraine, which enjoys all kinds of support from the Council, he pointed out.\u00a0 The League considers it the Council\u2019s duty to protect the Palestinian people. \u00a0International accountability principles must be applied to the violations committed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \u00a0Therefore, the League looks forward to an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice that would lay a new solid legal foundation on this matter.<\/p>\n KIM SANGJIN (Republic of Korea<\/u>) expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Israel and Palestine and reiterated his country\u2019s firm commitment to contributing to permanent peace in the region. \u00a0\u201cThere is no alternative to a two-State solution,\u201d he said, also expressing his country\u2019s unwavering support for international initiatives to address the Palestinians\u2019 humanitarian and development needs.\u00a0 To this end, Seoul decided to increase its assistance to UNRWA\u2019s programme budget in\u00a02023. \u00a0He added that his country also will provide additional aid worth $2.5\u00a0million to vulnerable populations in Palestine \u2014 including Palestinian refugees in the region \u2014 through both UNRWA and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.<\/p>\n NOEL MANGAOANG NOVICIO (Philippines<\/u>), emphasizing that the conflict \u201ccan never be resolved by violence\u201d, called for continued\u00a0effort to bring the parties to the negotiating table and bridge the gaps between their positions.\u00a0\u00a0He also\u00a0reaffirmed support for a two-State solution, urging all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that undermine that prospect.\u00a0 On UNRWA, he commended the Agency\u2019s efforts \u2014 under extraordinary circumstances \u2014 to immediately respond to the humanitarian needs of affected populations, including both refugees and non-refugees.\u00a0 He also welcomed the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries, and further, cited recent meetings in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh between representatives of Jordan, Egypt, United States, Israel and the Palestinian Authority aimed at de-escalating tensions.<\/p>\n MARWAN ALI NOMAN AL-DOBHANY (Yemen<\/u>), speaking for the Arab Group, condemned the brutal aggression carried out by the Israeli occupation forces since the beginning of July against the Jenin camp and in other areas of the West Bank.\u00a0 This aggression is part of a cycle of bloody violence perpetrated systematically against the Palestinian people.\u00a0 The Arab Group condemns the forced displacement of Palestinians \u2014 especially in occupied East Jerusalem \u2014 he stressed, adding that Jerusalem must be protected from attempts to change its historical and legal status. \u00a0Its Muslim-Christian composition must be preserved.\u00a0 He also expressed concern that Israel feels free to attack civilians, including young people and women, to enter forcefully into homes and schools, and to deliberately target medical establishments and journalists.<\/p>\n PAULA NARV\u00c1EZ OJEDA (Chile<\/u>) underscored the importance of promoting good\u2011faith negotiations between Palestine and Israel with the aim of achieving a peace agreement that would allow for two independent, sovereign States with borders defined based on 1967\u00a0agreements and other United Nations decisions.\u00a0 She rejected both the violent actions of Hamas and other armed groups and Israel\u2019s recent military operation in Jenin, which included housing demolition, destruction of civilian infrastructure and aerial bombardment. \u00a0She also called on Israel to abstain from building or expanding its settlements.\u00a0 Reporting that there were 441,600\u00a0settlers in the West Bank in\u00a02019, she said that the number increased to 700,000\u00a0in\u00a02022.\u00a0 \u201cWe should put an end to the humanitarian crisis that is particularly affecting women and children that are refugees,\u201d she emphasized.<\/p>\n JASSIM SAYAR A. J. AL-MAAWDA (Qatar<\/u>), associating himself with the Arab Group, called for tangible measures to avoid the situation on the ground from deteriorating further.\u00a0 Grave violations by the occupying Power have continued unabated, including in the Jenin camp, and in a \u201cbrutal fashion\u201d against Palestinian villages.\u00a0 \u201cThese acts are, in fact, part of a long series of crimes perpetrated by the occupation against the defenseless Palestinian people,\u201d he said.\u00a0 The cycle of violence is the expected result of the provocative and dangerous approach against the Palestinian people.\u00a0 He rejected all measures that aim to impede upon the status quo of holy sites.\u00a0 He condemned the policy of Judaization of occupied Jerusalem, \u201cwhich aims to change the Arab, Muslim and Christian nature of the city\u201d.\u00a0 The trends seen recently in Israel are dangerous.\u00a0Noting that his Government submitted its written arguments to the\u00a0International Court of Justice of incidents of illegitimate occupation, he recalled\u00a0Israel\u2019s obligations under international law.<\/p>\n HELENA NDAPEWA KUZEE (Namibia<\/u>), associating herself with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, said that no reasonable argument can justify the magnitude of bloodshed and the escalation of violence.\u00a0 Noting that the protracted, illegal occupation of \u2014 and Israel\u2019s disproportionate use of force in \u2014 the Occupied Palestinian Territory has led to a lack of access to healthcare and education, she deplored the violation of these rights.\u00a0 Further, she reiterated that Israeli settlements violate Palestinian refugees\u2019 rights and present an obstacle to both peace and a two-State solution.\u00a0 Condemning Israel\u2019s two-day military operation in Jenin that destroyed UNRWA\u2019s health centre, she emphasized:\u00a0 \u201cIt is only through legally established Statehood that social normalcy, legal equality, economic opportunity and sustainable development can be realized.\u201d<\/p>\n MAR\u00cdA DEL CARMEN SQUEFF (Argentina<\/u>) expressed support for a lasting comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question and reaffirmed her country\u2019s unwavering commitment to a two-State solution.\u00a0Citing the continuing violence and loss of life in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, she recalled that the gravity of the situation linked to Israeli settlements has been recognized by the General Assembly and the Security Council.\u00a0 In this regard, she voiced concern over Israel\u2019s decision to legalize outposts and build new homes in existing settlements.\u00a0 On the situation in East Jerusalem, Argentina considers that final status must be defined by the parties in bilateral negotiations, she said, urging them to return to the path of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace.<\/p>\n HARI PRABOWO (Indonesia<\/u>) expressed regret that measures, such as apartheid policies and disproportionate use of force, have become a normalcy.\u00a0 In addition, continuing provocation towards the holy sites causes further escalation of the conflict. \u00a0\u201cWe cannot allow this unceasing culture of impunity to prevail,\u201d he said, calling upon the international community to demand accountability. \u00a0Indonesia has submitted its written submission to the International Court of Justice regarding its advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel\u2019s occupation.\u00a0 Citing humanitarian needs, he said that UNRWA continues to work on the front lines of the crisis, providing education and health and social services.\u00a0 The Agency should be granted greater and more sustained funding from the United Nations regular budget.\u00a0 While each \u201cdelicate diplomacy\u201d to broaden the political horizon is appreciated, all those efforts and initiatives must be directed towards ensuring the implementation of a two-State solution. \u00a0\u201cThere is no plan B for the two-State solution,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n NARMIN AHANGARI (Azerbaijan<\/u>), speaking for the Non-Aligned Movement, called on the Council to overcome its paralysis on the Palestine question and \u201cjustly resolve this protracted conflict and tragic injustice\u201d.\u00a0 She expressed concern over the deteriorating situation on the ground, which has been marked by an escalation of Israeli settlement activities, violence, provocation and incitement. \u00a0Such escalation has led to the tragic loss of civilian life \u2014 including children \u2014 the detention of thousands of Palestinian civilians and countless other human rights abuses and violations of international law. \u00a0\u201cAction must be taken immediately to help de-escalate this volatile situation,\u201d she stressed, further calling for full respect for the historic and legal status quo, for Jordan\u2019s custodianship over Christian and Muslim holy sites in East Jerusalem and for the sanctity of holy sites.<\/p>\n She also reiterated the Movement\u2019s call for the complete lifting of the illegal Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which continues to inflict dire humanitarian, social and economic suffering on more than 2\u00a0million Palestinians.\u00a0 Urging the international community to provide UNRWA with sufficient and predictable funding, she restated the long-standing need for international protection for the Palestinian people to deter violations, promote the security of the occupied population and prevent the loss of more innocent lives. \u00a0On the occupied Syrian Golan, she reaffirmed that all measures and actions taken, or to be taken, by Israel \u2014 such as its illegal decision of 14\u00a0December\u00a01981 \u2014 that purported to alter its legal, physical and demographic status are null and void. \u00a0Israel must, further, withdraw from all Lebanese territories, she said.<\/p>\n CEREN HANDE \u00d6ZG\u00dcR (T\u00fcrkiye<\/u>) underscored that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to call for engagement by the international community.\u00a0 Intensified, unlawful settlement activity, demolitions and forcible evictions are eroding the contiguity of Palestinian territory and undermining the viability of the two-State solution.\u00a0 Since the beginning of\u00a02023, the number of illegal settlements has exceeded 13,000\u00a0units.\u00a0 Moreover, the violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has reached an alarming level: \u00a0224\u00a0Palestinians were killed in\u00a02022 \u2014 recorded as the deadliest year since\u00a02005 \u2014 and since the beginning of\u00a02023, more than 200\u00a0Palestinians have lost their lives.\u00a0 She called on the Israeli authorities to take all necessary measures to restrain provocations, emphasizing that the status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem must be upheld. \u00a0T\u00fcrkiye will continue in its efforts to de-escalate the situation and to find a viable solution to the Palestinian question, she said.<\/p>\n JAMAL FARES ALROWAIEI (Bahrain<\/u>) said that conflicts in the Middle East have kept the region behind in terms of development, peace, stability and security.\u00a0 The Palestinian question remains the central issue in the region, he reiterated, noting that its solution requires a revival of the peace process and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State under the 1967\u00a0borders with its capital in East Jerusalem.\u00a0 Underscoring the importance of ending all settlement activities, he also denounced repeated violations of the Aqsa Mosque compound.\u00a0 This affects the feelings of Muslims everywhere, he stressed.\u00a0 Underlining the need to respect Jordan\u2019s custodianship over holy sites, he called for a cessation of activities and actions that undermine the peace process.\u00a0 He also spotlighted Egypt\u2019s efforts to host a summit for Sudan\u2019s neighbours, held in Cairo on 13\u00a0July, underscoring the importance of international cooperation.<\/p>\n CAROLYN RODRIGUES-BIRKETT (Guyana<\/u>), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC, voiced concern over the volatile situation and escalating violence in Palestine that has resulted in loss of life, devasting injuries and the destruction of infrastructure. \u00a0These events deepen the stalemate in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict and make a permanent solution appear even more elusive.\u00a0 The deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the increased displacement of persons further compound the economic difficulties faced by the Palestinian people. \u00a0She expressed particular concern over the recent killing of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, by air strikes in Gaza. \u00a0\u201cIt is intolerable that children continue to be victims of violence,\u201d she asserted.\u00a0 The latest act of aggression and massive onslaught against Palestinians should not continue, she stressed, calling on the parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n MATHU JOYINI (South Africa<\/u>) condemned Israel\u2019s military operation in Jenin earlier in July, considered one of the deadliest raids in the occupied West Bank in recent years.\u00a0 \u201cThe brutality of these attacks\u00a0\u200f\u2014 coupled with the loss of human life and damage to civilian infrastructure \u2014 is a serious contravention of international humanitarian law,\u201d she added.\u00a0The international community, she stressed, \u201ccannot allow the selective application of international law in some cases and its total disregard in others\u201d. \u00a0Israel\u2019s prolonged, illegal occupation of \u2014 and increasing expansion of settlements in \u2014 the Occupied Palestinian Territory are unjust, perpetuate impunity and violate international law. \u00a0It is pivotal, therefore, that the Council\u2019s resolutions be enforced. \u00a0South Africa supports the initiative aimed at refocusing the international agenda on this item towards achieving a two-State solution and establishing a viable Palestinian state, she added.<\/p>\n ABDULAZIZ A. M. A. ALAJMI (Kuwait<\/u>) said that Israel continues to disregard international calls for it to stop its violations of human rights, the latest of which occurred during its attack on Jenin.\u00a0Targeting civilians is never acceptable, and he reiterated Kuwait\u2019s categorical rejection of these violations.\u00a0Israel must abide by its political and humanitarian obligations under international law.\u00a0 He also reaffirmed Kuwait\u2019s constructive engagement to solve the Palestinian question, which remains a top concern and priority for the Arab world.\u00a0 Further, he urged the International Criminal Court to complete its criminal investigation and hold accountable perpetrators of war crimes against the \u201cdefenceless Palestinian people\u201d.\u00a0 A comprehensive, just peace will not be possible until such people attain their inalienable rights, he added.<\/p>\n ABDULAZIZ BINMOHAMMED ALWASIL (Saudi Arabia<\/u>) said that today\u2019s meeting is being held against the backdrop of a highly precarious situation for the Palestinians and the entire region.\u00a0 Israel continues its daily aggression against Palestinians, including the raid of a mosque compound by the Israeli national security minister and its defence forces, contravening international norms and provoking the feelings of Muslims worldwide. \u00a0Action taken by Israel, including settler violence, undermines peace efforts, he warned, expressing his country\u2019s unwavering support for a two-State solution and an end to occupation.\u00a0 The Council must implement all relevant resolutions to end Israel\u2019s unilateral action, including illegal settlement expansion and an attempt to change the nature of holy sites.<\/p>\n JOAQU\u00cdN A. P\u00c9REZ AYESTAR\u00c1N (Venezuela<\/u>) said that his country will never stop defending the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to exist in a free, independent and sovereign State of Palestine under the 1967\u00a0borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.\u00a0 The occupying Power has no intention of ending the occupation or its criminal aggression, and its policies are focused on imposing total control on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed, adding: \u00a0\u201cthis is no more than a result of impunity it is provided with by the United States.\u201d\u00a0Pointing out that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the one of most painful that humanity has faced in the past 75\u00a0years, he said the Council cannot continue to delay the adoption of concrete measures to put an end to the Palestinian people\u2019s suffering.<\/p>\n For information media. Not an official record.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 9387TH MEETING (AM & PM) SC\/15368 27 JULY 2023 Fran\u00e7ois\u00a0 video part I video part II The security situation in the West Bank has significantly deteriorated, highlighted by the most intensive Israeli operation in nearly 20 years, further jeopardizing the Israel-Palestine peace process, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today. Khaled […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1329,2805,4389],"document-source":[1362,6169,1885],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,1945,1829,2033,1853,2057,6650,2005,2533,5200,1857,2021,2613,2349,2153,2385,2137,2729,2117,6245,2273,6251,1841],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542,6541],"class_list":["post-288660","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-department-of-political-affairs-dpa","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-children","document-subject-environmental-issues","document-subject-food","document-subject-funding-needs","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-health","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-incidents","document-subject-incursions","document-subject-internally-displaced-persons","document-subject-living-conditions","document-subject-refugee-camps","document-subject-security-issues","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-shelter","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-violence","document-subject-water","document-subject-west-bank","document-subject-women","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english","document-language-french"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/288660","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":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/288660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":288681,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/288660\/revisions\/288681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=288660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=288660"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=288660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nSC\/15368<\/strong>
\n27 JULY 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n