United Nations S/PV.

8517
Security Council Provisional
Seventy-fourth year

8517th meeting
Monday, 29 April 2019, 10 a.m.
New York

President: Mr. Heusgen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Germany)

Members: Belgium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve

China. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Ma Zhaoxu
Côte d’Ivoire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Moriko
Dominican Republic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Trullols Yabra
Equatorial Guinea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Ndong Mba
France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Delattre
Indonesia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Djani
Kuwait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Almunayekh
Peru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Meza-Cuadra
Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Wronecka
Russian Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Nebenzia
South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Matjila
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . Ms. Pierce
United States of America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Hunter

Agenda
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of
speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records
of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They
should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member
of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506
([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official
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The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s
provisional rules of procedure, I also invite the
Expression of sympathy in connection with and following individuals to participate in this meeting:
condemnation of the attacks in Burkina Faso His Excellency Mr. Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz,
and California Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to
the United Nations; and His Excellency Mr. Cheikh
The President: On behalf of the members of
Niang, Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the
the Security Council, I should like to express our Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
condemnation of yesterday’s attack on a Protestant
church in Silgadji, Burkina Faso, and of the shooting I propose that the Council invite the Permanent
that occurred at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in San Observer of the Observer State of the Holy See to
Diego, in the United States of America, on Saturday. the United Nations to participate in the meeting, in
accordance with the provisional rules of procedure and
I ask those present to now rise and observe a minute the previous practice in this regard.
of silence in solemn commemoration of those who lost
their lives in the attacks on their places of worship. There being no objection, it is so decided.

The members of the Security Council observed a The Security Council will now begin its
minute of silence. consideration of the item on its agenda.
I now give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo.
Adoption of the agenda
Ms. DiCarlo: I would like to express condolences
The agenda was adopted. for the attacks at the synagogue in San Diego and at the
church in Silgadji, Burkina Faso, as well as previous
The situation in the Middle East, including the attacks on religious sites in New Zealand and Sri
Palestinian question Lanka. Our sympathy is with the families of the victims
and the Governments in question. The United Nations
The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the
condemns terrorism in all its manifestations.
Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the
representatives of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, I should also like to pay tribute, on behalf of the
Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, the entire United Nations family, to Major General Francis
Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Vib-Sanziri, the United Nations Disengagement
Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Observer Force (UNDOF) Head of Mission and Force
Namibia, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Commander, who passed away suddenly on 19 April. His
Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, the United leadership, dedication and enthusiasm were invaluable
Arab Emirates, Uruguay, the Bolivarian Republic of in commanding UNDOF under difficult circumstances.
Venezuela and Viet Nam to participate in this meeting. He will be remembered for his exemplary career in the
service of United Nations peacekeeping.
I propose that the Council invite the Permanent
Observer of the Observer State of Palestine to the United We meet today as the United Nations continues to
Nations to participate in this meeting, in accordance advance efforts to address the continued humanitarian,
with the provisional rules of procedure and the previous economic and political crisis in the occupied
practice in this regard. Palestinian territory. Yet the continuing absence of a
political solution to the broader conflict undermines
There being no objection, it is so decided. and compounds our efforts. Under the pressure of
In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s violence, settlement expansion, unilateral measures,
provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following intra-Palestinian divisions and deepening mutual
briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Rosemary mistrust, the prospects for a just and lasting peace
remains ever more elusive.
DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political
and Peacebuilding Affairs; Ms. Nada Majdalani, Hopes for the realization of a two-State solution
Co-Director of EcoPeace Middle East; and Mr. Gidon continue to be replaced by the rising fears of future
Bromberg, Co-Director of EcoPeace Middle East. annexation. The possibility of establishing a viable

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and contiguous Palestinian State continues to be Regrettably, elsewhere the cycle of violence
eroded by facts on the ground. The United Nations has continues. On 30 March, Palestinians in Gaza marked
repeatedly warned that the conflict cannot be managed the first anniversary of the Great March of Return
in perpetuity. The status quo will lead only to further protests, which was commemorated by 50,000
deterioration of the situation, radicalization on all sides, Palestinians demonstrating at the perimeter fence.
more suffering and conflict. While the vast majority of the protesters remained
peaceful, a small number ignored the calls for restraint
Before addressing recent developments on the and engaged in acts of violence against Israel and
ground, I would like to congratulate Palestinian Prime attempted to breach the fence. During the reporting
Minister Shtayyeh on the formation of a new Palestinian period, seven Palestinians, including four children,
Government. I wish him every success and urge all were killed in Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
Palestinian factions and political leaders to work and 1,316 were injured. I reiterate the previous calls by
together, in good faith, to unify Gaza and the West Bank the United Nations that children should never be the
under a single, legitimate Palestinian Government. target of violence, nor should they be put at risk of
I also want to congratulate the Israeli people on their violence or encouraged to participate in violence. I also
democratic general election on 9 April. On 17 April, reiterate the call on Israel that lethal force should be
President Rivlin asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to used only in response to an imminent threat of death or
form a new Government. We stand ready to continue serious injury and as a last resort.
working with the new government when it is formed. During the reporting period. Palestinian militants
The prolonged absence of a political solution to fired 30 rockets and mortars from Gaza towards Israel.
the conflict has coincided with the steady deterioration The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars
towards Israeli civilian populations is prohibited by
of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
international humanitarian law and must immediately
During the reporting period, Israeli authorities advanced
cease. Several incendiary balloons were also launched
at least 2,100 housing units in Area C settlements and
from Gaza into southern Israel. These must stop. Hamas
issued tenders for some 950 additional units. One of
must also ensure that protests remain peaceful and
the plans advanced would retroactively regularize,
prevent provocations near the fence, including attempts
under Israeli law, the illegal outpost of Haresha by
to breach it.
incorporating it into the existing Talmon settlement.
Settlements have no legal effect and constitute a Meanwhile, in the West Bank, three Palestinians
violation of international law. were shot and killed by Israeli forces, and 63 were
injured, including 18 children. On 27 March, a 17-
Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned year old Palestinian paramedic was shot by the Israeli
structures also continued across the West Bank, security forces near Al-Duheisha refugee camp in
including East Jerusalem. Israeli authorities demolished Bethlehem, and later died of his wounds. The shooting
or seized 37 structures, displacing 49 people, mostly occurred during clashes following two arrest operations
on the grounds that they lacked Israeli-issued building undertaken by the Israeli security forces in the camp
permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians earlier that day.
to obtain. In addition, on 31 March, the Israeli District
Court rejected three appeals challenging demolition Settler-related violence also continued during
orders submitted by Palestinian residents of the Silwan the reporting period. According to the Office for the
neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), one
Palestinian was killed and 19 were injured or had
The situation at Jerusalem’s holy sites has remained their property damaged by others. On 3 April, two
relatively calm in the past month. I would like to take Israeli civilians opened fire in Nablus, injuring two
the opportunity of the overlapping holidays of Judaism, Palestinians, including a 23-year-old man who died
Christianity and Islam to wish peace and prosperity later in hospital. On 24 April, following the arrest,
for the peoples of Palestine and Israel, but also to urge tying and blindfolding of a 15-year-old Palestinian boy
sustained calm, particularly in the holy sites, which for allegations of stone-throwing, IDF soldiers shot him
can be achieved only by respecting the status quo and twice in his lower body as he attempted to escape while
relevant agreements. still blindfolded. The IDF said that it was responding to

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massive stone-throwing and that one of the the rioters drugs and the performance of some 9,500 emergency
was shot as he tried to flee after being arrested. surgeries. I also welcome Qatar’s extension of funding
for the United Nations to procure and deliver fuel to the
In the same period, OCHA recorded 14 Palestinian
Gaza power plant until June.
attacks against Israeli settlers and other Israeli civilians
in the West Bank, where Palestinians threw stones at In a positive development, on 1 April, Israel
vehicles traveling on roads near Bethlehem, Hebron extended some areas of the Gaza fishing zone up to 15
and Ramallah. One injury and damage to 13 vehicles nautical miles. I welcome this decision and strongly
were reported. urge that the rest of the fishing zone, which remains
limited to 6 to 12 nautical miles, also be expanded.
The reporting period also saw a worsening
Palestinian financial crisis. Despite the austerity As we have repeatedly stated, at its core the
measures announced and the recent pledges of support crisis in Gaza is political. Significant progress on the
by Arab States, the risk of a financial collapse of lifting of the closures and advancing intra-Palestinian
the Palestinian Authority is growing. A sustainable reconciliation remains essential. I reiterate my call on
resolution of the Palestinian Authority’s funding crisis all Palestinian factions to engage in earnest with Egypt
is urgently required. Both parties should address the on reconciliation efforts. I also take this opportunity
causes of the crisis through dialogue, implement to thank Member States that have supported the
their bilateral agreements and avoid taking unilateral implementation of the AHLC projects to date and urge
actions that undermine stability and security for both others to contribute to this important effort, including
Palestinians and Israelis alike. I urge the members of through critical financial support to the Programme
the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of Management Unit, as well as for the humanitarian
International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) to use response plan.
its meeting tomorrow in Brussels to work with Israel and
Turning to the situation in the region, Lebanon
the Palestinian Authority to resolve this crisis, which
remains stable, with the continued commitment of
threatens the viability of the Palestinian Authority.
political actors to dialogue leading to Parliamentary
I would like to turn to the ongoing humanitarian approval of its long-awaited plan to reform the
and economic crisis in Gaza and begin by highlighting electricity sector. Discussions continue on the 2019
the plight of women. Seventy per cent of all women in budget as proposed public sector pay cuts spark protests.
Gaza today are unemployed. As a result, female-headed Significantly, Minister of Defence Elias Bou Saab and
households are more likely to face poverty and food Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph
insecurity. Moreover, we know that poverty and lack of Aoun visited the United Nations Interim Force in
economic opportunities are key drivers behind violence Lebanon (UNIFIL) and southern Lebanon on 24 April,
against women in Gaza. The United Nations continues with Minister Bou Saab stating that the Lebanese
to provide assistance to Palestinian women and girls Armed Forces would increase troop deployment in
across a broad range of areas, but much more needs to southern Lebanon.
be done to ensure that their needs are addressed.
The situation in southern Lebanon and along
The United Nations is also making important the Blue Line remained calm. On 2 April, UNIFIL
progress on the implementation of a package of urgent chaired a regular tripartite meeting attended by senior
humanitarian and economic interventions in order to delegations from the Lebanese Armed Forces and the
stabilize the situation in Gaza, prevent an escalation, Israel Defense Forces. On 17 April, a UNIFIL team
lift the closures and support Egyptian-led reconciliation of technical experts assessed the tunnel located south
efforts. Over the past year, nearly $110 million for fuel, of the Blue Line near the Israeli town of Zarit, the
health, water, sanitation and temporary employment discovery of which had been announced by the IDF on
programmes have been raised. The United Nations 13 January. UNIFIL concluded that the tunnel crossed
and its partners have mobilized nearly $45 million that the Blue Line and thereby constituted a violation of
will allow for the creation of approximately 20,000 resolution 1701 (2006). The following day, the UNIFIL
temporary jobs in 2019. Since September, approximately Force Commander informed the Commander of the
$4.6 million in support of the humanitarian response Lebanese Armed Forces and Minister of Defence
plan have contributed to the delivery of essential Bou Saab of UNIFIL’s findings and requested urgent

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follow-up. UNIFIL has now confirmed the existence of peace. We should also work with both sides to establish
five tunnels, three of which it has confirmed cross the an environment conducive to a return to meaningful
Blue Line and constitute a violation of resolution 1701 discussions. However, only determined action by the
(2006). parties themselves can salvage the two-State solution.
Otherwise, Palestinians and Israelis will continue to
Turning to the Golan, on 25 March United States
live their lives knowing only conflict, mistrust and
President Donald Trump signed an official proclamation
fear, rather than the infinite possibilities that would
recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied
come with a just and lasting peace.
Syrian Golan. As previously noted by the Secretary-
General, the United Nations position on the Golan Finally, I would like to thank EcoPeace Middle
is clear. It is reflected in the relevant United Nations East for joining us for today’s debate. Its commendable
resolutions, notably, resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian
(1981). collaboration around shared environmental challenges
The ceasefire between Israel and Syria has are exemplary. I welcome the ongoing commitment
been maintained, with relative calm and low levels by Member States to generously support and bring
of military activity in the areas of separation and attention to such initiatives.
limitation on the Bravo side. The United Nations The President: I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing.
Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continued to
observe and hear a relatively low level of small-arms I now give the floor to Ms. Majdalani.
firing in the areas of separation and limitation on the Ms. Majdalani: On a hot summer day in 2017,
Bravo side. UNDOF assessed that the firing was due to the family of a 5-year-old boy, Mohammad, decided to
training activities conducted by Syrian security forces. escape the harsh realities of Gaza by going to the beach.
UNDOF also continued to observe the presence of His parents did not realize that the nearby stream
Syrian Arab Armed Forces in different locations in the flowing into the sea was full of raw sewage. Later that
area of separation, including in the vicinity of United evening all of Mohammed’s family fell terribly ill;
Nations positions. within 10 days Mohammad was dead. A virus attacked
Yesterday, assisted by the International Committee his brain after he swam in polluted waters.
of the Red Cross, UNDOF facilitated the transfer of As we speak today, 97 per cent of the Gaza’s
two Syrian men who had been detained in Israel for a groundwater is not suitable for human consumption,
number of years. Also, the remains of an IDF soldier and 30 per cent of illnesses in Gaza are from waterborne
missing since 1982 were repatriated from Syria to Israel pathogens. With an average of four hours of daily
after being located with the assistance of Russian forces. power supply, wastewater facilities fail to operate,
With regard to the conflict in Syria, the Secretary- daily emptying the equivalent of 34 olympic-sized
General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir Pedersen, swimming pools of raw sewage into the Mediterranean
continues his efforts to find a negotiated political Sea. After more than 12 years of blockade, consecutive
solution. He is working with all sides and making wars and loss of life, including children, and the failure
steady progress on launching a credible, balanced and of internal Palestinian reconciliation, a humanitarian
inclusive constitutional committee as a door-opener catastrophe in the Gaza Strip is happening right now,
to a wider political process that encompasses the full right before our eyes.
implementation of all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). Rather than be negligent, Gidon and I are here
He will brief the Council on those efforts tomorrow. before the Security Council, together with Yana, the
As we mobilize to address the critical needs of Jordanian Director of EcoPeace Middle East, as part
the Palestinian population, be it in Gaza or the West of a dedicated team that refuses to allow our children
Bank, we shall not lose sight of the core political and our environment to remain hostage to the conflict.
issue, namely, the prospect of two peaceful and secure We are here to impress upon members that water and
States living side by side in harmony. That imperative climate security issues are critical for a better future for
compels us all to work with the parties, bring them all the people in our region. While politicians can speak
back to the negotiation table and urge them to avoid of a disengagement policy, the fact is that we cannot
unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for disengage from our shared environment. EcoPeace

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revealed to the public that the Ashkelon desalination humanitarian crises in our region. If no immediate
plant, which provides 15 per cent of the drinking water action is taken against the Gaza crisis today, the
in Israel, has been intermittently closed due to the international community should be ready for more
pollution carried by the currents from Gaza beaches refugee boats.
towards the north. That is a big lesson to us all: water
As a civil society organization, during our
and the environment know no borders or boundaries.
latest conference we were able to convene senior
The demise of the Jordan River is another example representatives from our three Governments, who all
of the environmental cost we pay for the broader Arab- agreed that climate change presents itself as a threat
Israeli conflict. Amin, the father of an EcoPeace activist, multiplier in relation to our water security. While most
lived his childhood on the banks of the Jordan River. He of the world is fearful of a 2°C increase in average
remembers its waters as being clear and fast-flowing. temperatures, the Middle East is concerned about a
His family used to fish and pump water from the river 4°C increase.
to irrigate their fields. Following the occupation of the
Building on the examples I have presented, we come
West Bank, in 1967, Amin and his family lost access
here with a powerful message to our own Governments
to the river’s banks and to their rightful share of its
and to the members of the Security Council. We
waters. Amin visited the Baptism Site with EcoPeace
together face a common threat due to conflict and
more than 50 years later, and he was in total shock. The
climate-induced water scarcity. Climate change does
mighty river he recalled had become a trickle.
not differentiate between the stronger and weaker side
Like other refugees and residents, when Amin and of the conflict. Action is needed today. A reassessment
his family look at the Jordan Valley they see a complex of assumptions, a rejection of unilateralism and an
political reality that works against even their basic effort to advance cross-border water cooperation is
needs. Restricted access to water, the confiscation of needed as a matter of national and regional stability
land for the expansion of illegal settlements and talk of and security.
a looming annexation of Area C makes them even more
The President: I thank Ms. Majdalani for
determined not to give up on a better future.
her briefing.
For the very reasons I have just mentioned,
I now give the floor to Mr. Bromberg.
EcoPeace has designed an integrated master plan for
the Jordan Valley, which could turn around a valley of Mr. Bromberg: In my 25 years with EcoPeace
poverty and despair into one of shared prosperity for Middle East, my most memorable activity was to jump
all communities from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead into the Jordan River, together with Israeli, Palestinian
Sea, based on principles of sustainable development and Jordanian mayors. Together we made a big splash
and equal opportunities and in the framework of the but, like today, we also made an important statement.
two-State solution along the 1967 borders. To get the mayors to literally jump into the river, it took
us five years of planning. We developed an education
EcoPeace has advocated that solving water issues
programme called “Good Water Neighbours” — please
cannot wait. We argue that water issues and obtaining
remember that — that worked in schools on all sides
Palestinian water rights can no longer be delayed owing
of the Jordan River, educating young kids about their
to a failure to agree on all other final-status issues. The
water reality and that of their neighbours. They saw
terms and mechanisms set out in the Oslo Accords on
a river with little flow and full of pollution, and, for
transboundary water and wastewater management are
the first time, they began to understand the impact of
today failing Palestinian, and even Israeli, sustainable
conflict on water. Quite innocently, those kids and their
development needs.
parents started to ask their mayors “Why is the Jordan
The impacts of climate change over the past decade River so polluted, and what must we do with the other
have further brought to the fore the importance of our side to clean up the river?” Empowered by the youth
argument and the urgency for policy change. The past and their parents to take action for the benefit of their
20 years have witnessed recurring drought, the deepest communities, the mayors jumped into the river together
droughts in our recorded history. They have contributed not as best friends, but as leaders, advocating to national
to wider cross-border implications on increased water Governments on all sides that only a rehabilitated river
scarcity, political instability and increased refugee and would bring economic opportunities to their residents.

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Twentieth-century assumptions that dictated water solar project is in the planning stages in Jordan today to
diplomacy led us down a path of conflict and competition sell green electricity for the first time across the border.
over water. We were indeed wholly dependent on
Moving from competition to cooperation over
natural water during the past century, and therefore
critical natural resources as a means to help create
each side fought over every drop. That was the mindset
political stability is not a new idea. The post-Second
that led to the demise of the Jordan River and the drastic
World War coal and steel agreement of continental
reduction in size of the Dead Sea. That was the mindset
Europe, led by former enemies France and Germany,
of how water was negotiated in the Oslo Accords in the
laid the foundation for stability in Europe. Harnessing
mid 1990s. Water was left unresolved as a final-status
the sea and the sun shared by Israelis, Palestinians and
issue because coming to an agreement over sharing Jordanians can be our engine for achieving peace and
scarce natural water was difficult and would produce stability. Nada Majdalani, Yana Abu Taleb, myself
winners and losers. But today the advancements in and all of our staff in Amman, Ramallah and Tel Aviv
water technologies this century, much of which is led carry with us the voices of young students, residents
by Israeli innovation, present real opportunities. The and mayors. Together we have educated ourselves and
utilization of treated waste water for agriculture and the communities in which we work. We have done the
the development of desalination technology means that research, and we have shown leadership.
water is under less constraints as a resource.
We have partners for peace on all sides. Our 25
Today 70 per cent of the drinking water in Israel years of partnership tell us that good water, and not
comes from desalination, and half of the agriculture necessarily good fences, make good neighbours. In
grown is grown with treated wastewater. The the spirit of Passover, Easter and the forthcoming
availability of large quantities of manufactured water, celebration of Ramadan, let us set water free to give
complimenting natural water, makes the fair share of life and hope to our region.
natural water between Israelis and Palestinians attainable
now. Because of climate change, Mediterranean We call on the Security Council to urge
desalinated water will be pumped by Israel into the Sea our three Governments — Israel, Palestine and
of Galilee to guarantee water quality for the lake and Jordan — to advance cooperation together on water
fresh water supplies to Jordan, and could be part of the and the environment, including the rehabilitation of the
rehabilitation of the Jordan River — a river holy to half Jordan River and the Dead Sea, meeting Palestinian
of humankind. Based on Government policies, on the water rights and needs, and implement a water-energy
one hand, of increased desalination and, on the other, exchange for our shared future in the face of climate
community-led advocacy for the river, for the first time change, all in the context of a two-State solution.
in 50 years some fresh water flows again out of the Sea We call on the Security Council to invite all the
of Galilee into the Jordan River. relevant United Nations agencies and international
organizations, including the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee
In just the past five years, technological advances for the Coordination of the International Assistance to
in solar power is allowing our region to harness the Palestinians, to help facilitate the implementation of
sun. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been the those objectives.
regional leader in that regard, investing in large-scale
solar energy, owing to its vast desert landscapes. The The President: I thank Mr. Bromberg for
combination of manufactured water coming from his briefing.
the Israeli and Palestinian coast and sold to Jordan, I would like to recognize the third member from
powered by solar electricity produced in Jordan and the EcoPeace Middle East here today, Ms. Yana Abu
sold to Israel and Palestine, is a potential geopolitical Taleb from Jordan.
game changer. Such an exchange can guarantee
I now give the floor to the Permanent Observer of
water and energy security for all, responds to climate
the Observer State of Palestine.
insecurity and creates healthy interdependencies
between our economies and societies. Last year, with Mr. Mansour (Palestine): I thank the German
German funding, EcoPeace led a regional delegation and French presidencies of the Security Council for
of decision makers and business leaders to Europe to their skilful joint leadership over the past two months.
advance the project. Thanks to Swedish funding, a pilot I also thank Under-Secretary-General for Political

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and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo for her and illegal actions. The rejection has been resounding.
briefing and able guidance of the Department. We also We have also heard repeated calls for a halt to Israel’s
recognize the ongoing efforts of Special Coordinator illegal and destructive policies and compliance with its
Nikolay Mladenov and his team, as well as the vital legal obligations. We are grateful for those principled
role and support of the United Nations Relief and positions and the solidarity extended to our people
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near and their just cause. However, condemnations alone
East (UNRWA) and the efforts of the Office for the will not suffice; such calls, whether gentle or firm,
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, the will not be heeded by Israel, which continues to
United Nations Development Programme and all United trample international law and make a mockery of the
Nations agencies on the ground at this critical time. international system. By now it should be obvious:
I associate myself, Mr. President, with the comments appealing to and appeasing Israel have never worked.
that you and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo made in Without accountability, how can anyone expect
connection with the loss of lives resulting from attacks anything other than the unbridled impunity we have
on houses of worship, including those in Burkina Faso. witnessed for decades and even worse? It is time
I also want to thank Ms. DiCarlo for the to turn words into deeds and solidarity into action.
congratulations she conveyed to Prime Minister Serious measures must be urgently taken by the
Shtayyeh on the formation of our new Government. I international community to hold Israel, the occupying
also welcome Ms. Majdalani, Mr. Bromberg and their Power, accountable. There must be consequences for
friend, Ms. Taleb, and thank them for being with us and violations; that is the only way to stop the unravelling
their briefings. of the peace process and reverse course in order to
salvage the possibility of a peaceful and just solution
We meet at a moment of great uncertainty and and spare the Palestinian and Israeli peoples decades
volatility. The situation in the occupied Palestinian more of confrontation, conflict, suffering and loss.
territory, including East Jerusalem, is rapidly
deteriorating, despair is increasing and the horizon for That is neither a radical call nor a threat. Taking
peace is being nullified by an occupying Power that action is a duty, based on the rules, principles and
insists upon imposing its illegal agenda at any cost. The demands enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,
outlook has become even grimmer following Israeli international law and United Nations resolutions. It is
elections that have further entrenched the extreme right a responsibility that is consistent with long-standing
to rule Israel as a racist apartheid State under Prime international consensus and commitments — repeatedly
Minister Netanyahu. The absolute support given to made, yet unfulfilled.
Israel by a permanent member of the Security Council The Palestinian people have not suffered for
has only emboldened its flouting of the law, further decades and waited nearly a century for their
fuelling its human rights violations against our people freedom — since they were first recognized as ready
and the colonization of our land. for independence — only to resign themselves to
Aided and abetted in its crimes, Israel’s expansionist limited autonomy. Those who believe so ignore history,
appetite is growing. Members have only to listen to its international law and the resolve of a people to attain
recent cynical statements on the intention to annex the justice and equality. Let me also remind those present
Israeli settlements illegally constructed in the occupied that the Palestinian leadership’s acceptance of a State
Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem
demonstrating a blatant dismissal of Palestinian rights. as its capital, was a historic and painful compromise,
Such inflammatory rhetoric, let alone the countless and not one that should be dismissed or ridiculed by
war crimes being carried out every single day in broad newcomers to peacemaking.
daylight, is shamelessly bragged about by the Prime
The Palestinian right to self-determination has
Minister and other Israeli officials, in total contempt of
long been recognized and supported globally. The
the Council’s authority and the international community
International Court of Justice has affirmed it to be
at large.
a right erga omnes. The Palestinian people hold
We have heard the condemnation from around steadfast to their legitimate national aspirations for
the world of those provocative statements, incitement independence, the right of return and the realization of

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their full civil, political, economic, social and cultural considered legal under international law. It is an illegal
rights, as well as their inalienable human rights, and occupation, and Israel is an illegal occupant. The
they will not surrender to a lesser fate. international community must stop normalizing that
occupation and treating it with any deference. It is in
International consensus in that regard is strong,
every way illegal and must be brought to an end.
just as it is strong for a two-State solution on the 1967
borders as the foundation of a peaceful solution that is It is strange that, when it comes to Palestine,
based on international law; the relevant United Nations calls for action to uphold the law — whether to stop
resolutions; the Madrid terms of reference, including the colonization, provide protection to the occupied
the principle of land for peace; the Arab Peace people or even do something as simple as ban illegal
Initiative; and the Quartet road map. That position settlement products — are viewed as delusional rather
was unequivocally reaffirmed by the Security Council than as legitimate tools to remedy injustice. That
in resolution 2334 (2016) and remains the core of the flawed approach has to change. After almost three
international community’s position, as reflected in the decades of negotiations and appealing to the occupying
past weeks, months and years. Power — from the Madrid Peace Conference and the
Occupation, annexation and human rights violations Oslo process to the Quartet efforts, the Annapolis
can never be accepted as just and moral and can never Conference, the Paris Conference and every other
be accepted as the new normal, irrespective of spin, attempt in between — Israel’s violations, violence
rhetoric or pretext. The wanton killing, injury and and intransigence have only become more flagrant.
terrorization of Palestinian children, women and men Only accountability can create the necessary pressure
by Israeli occupying forces and extremist Israeli settlers to break that toxic cycle in order to finally end the
and the detention and imprisonment of thousands of occupation and establish the rights of the Palestinian
Palestinian civilians, including children, constitute people — the cornerstone for a peaceful and secure
gross violations of international humanitarian law and Middle East.
human rights law that amount to grave breaches. The Security Council has been patently clear in that
Israel’s 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip is illegal. regard. It was explicit in resolution 2334 (2016) in its
Isolating and imprisoning 2 million people is mass determination not to recognize any changes to the 1967
collective punishment tantamount to a war crime, as borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than
well as the main source of the disastrous humanitarian those agreed to by the parties through negotiations,
crisis and despair in the Gaza Strip, as expressed in and it directly called on States to differentiate, in their
the protests of the Great March of Return. Israel’s so- relevant dealings, between Israel and the territories
called withholding of Palestinian tax revenues is blatant it has occupied since 1967. That is an obligation. I
theft that violates bilateral agreements and the Fourth repeat — the differentiation is an obligation.
Geneva Convention, which prohibits the pillaging of To Member States contemplating establishing
the resources of occupied peoples. missions in Israel, whether diplomatic, cultural or
Israel’s colonization of the occupied Palestinian for trade, and to representatives of Member States
territory, including East Jerusalem, is illegal. Whether undertaking official visits to Israel, that obligation,
settlements or walls, home demolitions or evictions, in accordance with resolution 478 (1980), includes
forced transfers, threats to the historic status quo of Jerusalem. There are no exceptions. Decisions
Jerusalem’s holy sites or any annexation measures — all and declarations signed by others that depart from
such measures are unlawful, amount to war crimes international law and United Nations resolutions cannot
and cannot be justified under any pretext, including change facts and cannot legitimize what is illegitimate.
on the basis of security claims, biblical edicts or so-
The Security Council, in resolution 478 (1980),
called legislation by the occupying Power. All those
unequivocally deemed Israel’s annexation of occupied
illegal policies and practices must end. They will never
East Jerusalem to be unlawful, null and void and
be accepted as legitimate, will always be rejected and
without legal effect. Likewise, in resolution 497 (1981),
resisted and will never lead to peace and security.
it deemed Israel’s annexation of the occupied Syrian
An occupation that has existed and entrenched Golan to be unlawful, null and void and without legal
itself for 52 years through such violations cannot be effect. The same applies to any annexation measures

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planned or imposed by Israel over any part of the in building and strengthening the institutions of
territories it has occupied since 1967. the State of Palestine. We see it in the international
community’s strong support for UNRWA’s mandate,
The prohibition of the acquisition of territory by
force stands. Recognition of such annexations by any pending a just solution for the Palestine refugees and in
country, no matter how large and powerful, is without the response to the Agency’s funding crisis, including
legal effect. We therefore reiterate our condemnation the OIC’s establishment of a waqf for the refugees. We
and complete rejection of recent decisions by the United see it in the resolute efforts of Jordan as custodian of the
States, taken in violation of the Charter and Security Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. We see
Council resolutions and with zero regard for the it in the efforts of Egypt and Russia to help us heal our
inalienable rights and fate of millions of Palestinians. painful division and restore Palestinian unity. And we
Similarly, as speculation abounds about the pending see it in every principled vote at the United Nations in
American so-called peace plan, we reiterate that any support of right and justice, despite immense pressure
initiative detached from international law and the and threats.
relevant United Nations resolutions and dismissive of
Of course, as stressed at the outset, more than
human rights can be neither viable nor just, and will
words are needed. Business as usual cannot continue.
not succeed.
It is time to act; we cannot continue to decry the threats
International law is abiding, and Security Council to multilateralism and our international system without
resolutions are valid and binding until implemented. seriously acting to protect, restore and revive them
Moreover, States have a responsibility not to recognize based on our shared values, humanity and future. Only
as lawful a situation created by breach of the law, then can we overcome the challenges and rectify our
and a State assisting another State in the commission course. That is a matter of urgency for Palestine, but
of internationally wrongful acts incurs liability. That also for the international community, which must seize
is not our personal narrative; those are established the opportunity now.
international rules and norms that must be upheld.
On our part, we are ready to do so. We remain
Despite the bleak picture, we have not given committed to a peaceful, political, legal, non-violent
up hope. Some may say we are living in denial; we path for realizing our rights and bringing an end to the
are not. We recognize the enormity of the crisis conflict, and President Abbas has once again extended
we face — existential, in fact — but we have not his hand in peace. Prime Minister Shtayyeh, newly at
abandoned our belief that international law will lead us
the helm of the Government of the State of Palestine, has
to justice. On the contrary, despite deep worries about
committed to working with all partners to address the
the weakening of the rules-based order and its ability
humanitarian, socioeconomic, security and protection
to withstand current challenges, we are reassured of
crises affecting the Palestinian people, despite severe
its strength and longevity by the firm statements from
austerity measures imposed following Israel’s theft
across the international community denouncing Israel’s
of our revenues. We are coordinating closely with our
attempts to annex occupied East Jerusalem and the
occupied Syrian Golan and affirming that positions in regional partners, as reflected in the recent League of
this regard remain unchanged. Arab States ministerial meeting in Cairo, to address the
challenges we face.
We see that strength and longevity also in the firm
commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, affirmed No one can accuse us of not wanting peace or of
again at the Arab Summit in Tunisia last month, as not seeking the best interests of our people. Our only
well as in the strong positions repeatedly reaffirmed condition is that any effort or initiative must be based on
by the European Union, the Organization of Islamic international legality and the parameters enshrined over
Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and decades in the relevant Security Council and General
countless capitals around the world. We see it in the Assembly resolutions. That is a minimal ask and should
ongoing efforts of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for be respected, not disregarded, by those who seek to lead
the Coordination of the International Assistance to peacemaking efforts. We appeal to the international
Palestinians and in the generous support of donors, community to rise now to its responsibilities before it
regionally and internationally, who have long assisted is too late.

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I thank you, Mr. President, and Council members Let us discuss the first pillar of proof, the Bible.
for your attention and urge you to act. The Jewish people’s right to the land of Israel is
mentioned over a dozen times in the Tanakh — the
The President: I now give the floor to the
Hebrew Bible — which includes the Torah, the Old
representative of Israel.
Testament, the Prophets and the Writings. In the book
Mr. Danon (Israel): I thank Ms. DiCarlo, Under- of Genesis, the very first book of the Old Testament,
Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding God says to Abraham:
Affairs. I also thank the representatives of EcoPeace
“And I will establish my covenant between me and
Middle East for their statements.
you and your descendants after you throughout
We come together at a painful time for the Jewish their generations for an everlasting covenant, to
people. On Saturday, as Jews everywhere were be God to you and to your descendants after you.
concluding the holiday of Passover, a gunman ran into And I will give to you and to your descendants after
the Chabad of Poway, California, and opened fire. Over you the land of your sojournings, all the land of
100 people in the middle of prayer were forced to duck Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be
for cover as bullets flew across the room. Lori Kaye their God.” (The Holy Bible, Genesis, 17:7-8)
was shot and killed as she jumped into the line of fire to
protect Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who had founded the That is the deed to our land. From the book of
synagogue and sustained injuries. Despite having been Genesis to the Jewish exodus from Egypt, to receiving
shot, Rabbi Goldstein continued his sermon. Thirty- the Torah at Mount Sinai, to the realization of God’s
four-year-old Almog Peretz and eight-year old Noya covenant in the holy land of Israel, the Bible paints
Dahan were also shot and injured. That is the second a consistent picture. The entire history of our people
synagogue shooting in six months. It is unacceptable and our connection to Eretz Israel begins right there.
that we live in a time in which worshippers must be on It is not just the Hebrew Bible or the 15 million Jews
guard or look behind their backs while praying, out of worldwide who accept that right. It is accepted across
fear of being shot. We pray for Chabad of Poway and all three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity
stand with the families affected during this painful time. and Islam. The Qur’an itself accepts the divine deed of
the Jewish people to the land of Israel.
When we last gathered in the Chamber under
this agenda item (see S/PV.8449), the President of The second pillar is the history of the land of Israel
the Council, the Ambassador of Germany, asked me and the Jewish people over the past two millennia. The
to explain how Israel implements international law, Jewish kingdom in Eretz Israel comprised 12 tribes, the
specifically with regard to the Jewish communities of largest of which — the tribe of Judah — lived in the
Judea and Samaria. Today, I will provide the answers. area now known as Judea. Everyone is familiar with the
But before we discuss international law, we must words “Jew” and “Jewish”. They come from the word
understand the context and facts. Today, I will present “Judea”, a kingdom over which King David and King
to the Council the four pillars that prove the case for Solomon ruled. It was a kingdom with Jerusalem as its
Jewish ownership of the land of Israel. capital. It was home to the first temple, destroyed by
the Babylonians in the year 587 B.C.E. and the second
The first pillar is the Bible. The Jewish people’s temple, destroyed by the Romans in the year 70 C.E.
rightful ownership of Eretz Israel, the land of Israel, When the Romans destroyed the Jewish kingdom,
is well documented throughout the Old Testament and they sent our people into a 2,000-year exile that kept
beyond. The second pillar is history. The Jewish claim
most of us from our land. Even the Romans themselves
to the land of Israel is confirmed time and again, not
admitted that the land was ours.
just through Jewish history, but through the history of
the world. The third pillar is a legal claim. Our rights to Those who have visited Rome may recall that
the land are codified in international law, including in Emperor Titus famously commemorated his victory and
the document that founded this very organ. The fourth the Jewish expulsion by building an enormous arch on
pillar is the pursuit of international peace and security. the Via Sacra in Rome. The arch includes an illustration
A stronger and safer Israel means a stronger and safer of his men carrying away the menorah from the Jewish
world. It is through those four pillars that I will provide temple. Even though the Romans knew that the land
the Council the answers to its questions. was ours and we belonged in it, they attempted to erase

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our age-old connection to the land by renaming it Syria Jewish people to self-determination and sovereignty in
Palestina. Why Palestina? Because they attributed it as the land of Israel. That is what Zionism means — no
a southern province of the Syrian Empire. That is how more, no less. It appears in international law, in essence
the narrow strip of land in Eretz Israel, nestled between and word for word.
Egypt in the south and Lebanon in the north, came to
In 1945, the Charter of the United Nations, drafted
be called Palestine.
in the wake of the Holocaust, was adopted. It guaranteed
For the next 2000 years, the land of Israel was the right of people to exercise self-determination. It also
conquered by the Crusaders, followed by the Ottoman refers to “the inherent right of individual or collective
Empire, but despite centuries of wars and conquest, self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a
the Jewish people never left. A Jewish community Member of the United Nations”. One people’s pursuit
remained in Eretz Israel, the land of Israel, throughout of self-determination could not undermine the safety
that entire time. Although most of our community was and security of another nation.
forced into exile by the Roman Empire, we knew that Two years later, the United Nations Partition Plan
someday we would return to our ancient homeland. For for Palestine called for the establishment of a Jewish
two millennia, Jews across the world continue to pray State and an Arab State in the land of Israel. What did
three times every day for our long-awaited return home we do? We accepted it. But the Palestinians did not.
to Zion, to Jerusalem. As we just said on Passover last Instead of peace, they chose war and opened fire on
week, and as we do every year, “Next year in Jerusalem”. the Jews. Our small, tiny, newly declared nation was
If the Jewish people’s deep and ancient roots in the suddenly under attack. In 1948, on the last day of the
land of Israel are not sufficient proof, let us consider British mandate, Israel declared independence and was
international law, the third pillar. In 1917, Lord Balfour, immediately attacked by five Arab armies that joined
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, issued a statement of the Palestinians, hoping to destroy it. Israel won that
British support for the establishment of “a national war, and the hope and future of the Jewish people
home for the Jewish people”. The Balfour Declaration was saved.
designated that national homeland in Eretz Israel. The But the war of 1948 did not end with peace. It
Balfour Declaration also specifically endorsed the ended with armistice agreements between Israel and
Zionist cause, as Lord Balfour wrote: its neighbours. The armistice lines between Israel
“I have much pleasure in conveying to you on and Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon were never
behalf of His Majesty’s Government the following considered international borders. They were simply
declaration of sympathy with Jewish Zionist lines designating the end of the first battle in the
aspirations which has been submitted to, and Arab war against Israel. Jordan maintained control
approved by, the Cabinet.” of Judea and Samaria, and Egypt controlled the Gaza
Strip. Those agreements were formed in the absence of
After the Ottoman Empire surrendered in the First permanent peace treaties, which would only be signed
World War, the British took legal ownership over the decades later.
land of Israel. With that legal ownership, they were
able to issue the Balfour Declaration and commit to It was the Arabs who insisted that the armistice
helping establish a national home for the Jewish people lines would not be permanent borders. As stated in the
in our historical homeland. In 1922, the mandate of Jordanian-Israeli agreement of 1949, those lines “are
agreed upon by the parties without prejudice to future
the League of Nations not only stated its support for
territorial settlements or boundary lines.” Because
the establishment of a Jewish national home; it also
those lines are not borders, the Jewish communities
encouraged and facilitated the return of Jews in the
in Judea and Samaria to this day have not crossed any
diaspora to our homeland. It confirmed
international borders; they are built on strategic land for
“the historical connection of the Jewish people Israel’s security, which, as agreed by the parties in the
with Palestine and to the grounds for reconstituting Oslo Accords, would be classified as final-status issues.
their national home in that country”.
To support the right of Israel to exist in our
These documents are Zionist documents by homeland is therefore essential to international peace
definition. Zionism is the realization of the right of the and security — the final pillar. For decades, many Arab

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leaders have chosen the sword over the olive branch, on security, common goals and building relationships.
long before even one of these so-called settlements was We want these relationships to flourish and present
established. Do those here know when the Palestinian themselves in the open. And fourthly, we will never
Liberation Organization was established? It was do or agree to anything that compromises our security.
established in 1964, three years before 1967. Does that We want a peaceful future with our neighbours, but our
make any sense? What did they need to liberate before security is non-negotiable, and we will decide where to
1967? In 1964 not a single settlement existed in Judea draw the line.
and Samaria, and our right to exist was still rejected.
We are ready to work together, we are ready to
To blame the Jewish communities of Judea and talk and we are ready to create a better future for our
Samaria for the lack of peace between Israelis and children. It is only when the four pillars of the past and
Palestinians would be to deliberately overlook the the four pillars of the future are accepted that peace
historical facts at best. The Arabs have rejected will come.
opportunities for peace time and again: the 1937 Peel
Commission report was rejected by the Arabs; the 1947 The President: I shall now give the floor to those
United Nations partition plan was rejected; the 1948 members of the Security Council who wish to make
Israeli offer for a truce was rejected; at the 2000 Camp statements, and afterwards to representatives of other
David Summit, peace was rejected; at the 2001 Taba Member States. I would like to remind colleagues that
Summit, peace was rejected; at the 2007 Annapolis there are more than 50 countries that wish to take the
Conference, peace was rejected; we are still waiting for floor. I would therefore ask speakers to respect the
an answer on the 2008 offer from Israeli Prime Minister time limits, insofar as possible. I will be using the
Ehud Olmert; in considering the 2014 peace initiative hourglass here.
of Secretary of State Kerry, Abbas chose Hamas; and Mr. Hunter (United States of America): We agree
today, as to the upcoming United States peace plan, the with EcoPeace Middle East that the road to stability in
Palestinians say that it is dead on arrival. the Middle East will be paved by regional cooperation
It weakens the mandate of this body, which is on many levels, and water and energy security are
charged with the task of making our world more certainly essential for peace in the region. It is indeed
peaceful and secure, to continue blaming the side that heartening to hear that Israelis, Palestinians and
offers solutions and reward the side that rejects them. It Jordanians are working together — sometimes even
is dangerous to praise the side that encourages hatred making a splash, as Gidon said — to address the
and bankrolls terrorism. Palestinian rejectionism is shared challenges in energy and water. The EcoPeace
chronic. Palestinian leaders refuse to acknowledge the Water-Energy Nexus project is a great example of
right of the Jewish people to self-determination in the this cooperation. It harnesses Jordan’s potential as a
land of Israel and insist on having their people return to large-scale renewable energy provider and utilizes both
the land in droves. This behaviour directly contradicts Israeli and Palestinian expertise in desalinization.
all four pillars of the past and keeps us locked out of The success and sustainability of projects such as
forging peace in future. There should be no reward for this clearly demonstrates that Israelis and Palestinians
rejectionism. There should be no prize for aggression. can and do work together at the community level every
Real peace will be possible when the four pillars day to improve their lives. A large part of why these
of the past are accepted and realized, but real peace projects are so successful is because they focus on what
will come when the four pillars of the future are put is best for the communities. And while we hear a lot
into action. These are the four pillars of the future: about Israel’s responsibilities, the real culprit depriving
first, the Palestinians must accept and recognize the the communities of a better life is Hamas. The work of
Jewish State of Israel. No Palestinian leader has ever non-governmental organizations like EcoPeace is all the
said those words. Secondly, the Palestinians must end more challenging in Gaza because of Hamas’ insistence
the campaign of incitement. Enough is enough. How on placing its own interests ahead of those of Gaza’s
can the international community expect us to make residents. Would Hamas ever permit local communities
any concessions to a leader who pays his people to kill to band together to form energy-producing cooperatives
ours? Thirdly, in terms of regional cooperation, we are free of its control and profit-taking? Would Hamas ever
already working together with many of our neighbours allow Israeli desalinization experts to work side by side

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with people in Gaza? And, more broadly, will Hamas facto policy of entrenching its sovereignty in the
ever cease the needless attacks on Israeli communities occupied territories.
and stop its morally bankrupt war at the expense of
With regard to occupied Golan, it is Syrian
the Palestinian people? It is a war that has succeeded
territory occupied by Israel, as stressed by Security
only in provoking conflict and leading to poverty
Council resolution 497 (1981). Israeli laws, control
and hopelessness, while hampering the ability of the
and administration over the Syrian occupied Golan
international community to help.
are null and void and have no legal validity. The
I think we all know the answers to those questions. recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan is
The future of Gaza cannot be addressed and the people in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the
of Gaza cannot be helped in any meaningful way principles of international law and the relevant Security
until Hamas is no longer in the picture, or makes the Council resolutions.
necessary choices for stability and eventually peace.
We would like to focus our statement today on the
The United States appreciates the work of EcoPeace, report (A/HRC/40/74) of the International Independent
which is dedicated to fostering a community approach Commission established by the Human Rights Council
to water and energy security, despite a very challenging to investigate violations committed during protests
environment. I think we can all agree that this model held in the occupied Palestinian territories.
of regional cooperation should be replicated to lay the
First, with regard to civilian victims, we were not
groundwork for peace.
surprised that the report recognized the use by Israeli
Mr. Almunayekh (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): forces of weapons and live ammunition leading to the
At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Rosemary deaths of 183 persons, including 32 children, in addition
DiCarlo for her valuable and comprehensive briefing. to the injuring of more than 6,000 persons, including
I would also like to thank Ms. Nada Majdalani and 159 women and 940 children. Three paramedics and
Mr. Gidon Bromberg for their comprehensive and two journalists were also killed. The Commission
important briefings. concluded that Israeli soldiers had fired intentionally
at civilians.
Today we commemorate 52 years of Israeli
occupation, as well as the twenty-fifth anniversary Secondly, with regard to violations of international
of the Oslo Accords, the twenty-fifth year of the law, the Commission stressed that the protests
Hebron massacre and the first anniversary of the were conducted by civilians who had clear political
Great March of Return protests. Meanwhile, Israeli objectives. In addition, it concluded that the sniping
aggression continues to entrench its occupation and operations by Israeli forces using live ammunition led
undermine any chance for genuine peace that would to the killing and injuring of civilian demonstrators,
grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights. The in violation of humanitarian international law and
occupying Power is continuing its arbitrary detentions international human rights law. The majority of such
and the demolition or seizure of Palestinian buildings. acts of aggression against demonstrators amounted to
It is also continuing its unprecedented illegal settlement war crimes or crimes against humanity. Even those
activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including people protected by the international laws, norms and
East Jerusalem. conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, the Fourth Geneva Convention and it Protocol
In addition, the occupying Power has continued
Addional I, among others, were not spared the crimes
its forced displacement of Palestinian civilians and its
perpetrated by the Israeli forces.
intensification of the siege on Gaza, which has now
lasted for 12 years. It continues its acts of aggression Thirdly, with regard to the impact of the siege
and its violations against Muslim and Christian holy on the medical sector, the Commission found that the
sites, while making peremptory and illegal unilateral siege imposed on the Gaza Strip has had a detrimental
decisions, such as partially withholding Palestinian impact on the health-care system, representing a
tax revenues and refusing to renew the Temporary violation of the fundamental rights of the population,
International Presence in Hebron. Furthermore, it especially injured protesters, to life and health care.
is attempting to change the historical nature, status The Commission also concluded that the injuries of
and demography of Jerusalem and to impose a de Palestinian protesters caused by the Israeli security

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forces, which often required specialized medical care, Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke
constituted a challenge to the health-care system in in French): I would like to thank all the participants
Gaza and placed it under overwhelming pressure. in today’s briefing, in particular the representatives of
Eco-Peace Middle East.
In the light of those documented atrocities, the
Commission called upon Israel to undertake an Belgium supports dialogue with civil society and
immediate, neutral and independent investigation in the invaluable input of women and young people in
accordance with international standards. It also called that regard. We wish to emphasize how much their
upon Israel to lift the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza work contributes to creating an environment that is
Strip in violation of international laws and norms. conducive to peace and respect for human rights. The
Consequently, we call for serious follow-up to those dynamism and plurality of civil society are part of an
conclusions in order to ensure that the perpetrators of open and democratic society, and it must be allowed to
those crimes are held accountable and ensure redress do its work without hindrance. We are concerned about
for the victims, especially given the ongoing escalation actions and policies that are hostile to civil society.
of violence that places civilians in danger. I would like to begin my statement by reaffirming
our commitment to the two-State solution, despite the
That will require the international community
developments on the ground that are taking us further
to demand that Israel, the occupying Power, cease
away from such a solution every day. Belgium remains
all acts of aggression against the Palestinian people,
convinced that there is no option other than a negotiated
while protecting civilians and ensuring respect for
solution based on the coexistence of two States, with the
international law and all resolutions of international
city of Jerusalem as their future capital, in accordance
legitimacy. Palestine cannot be the exception to the with agreed international parameters.
rule. The international community must be committed
to the international mandate of the United Nations Any credible initiative to relaunch the peace
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the process must be based on international law, put an
Near East and provide its budget and activities with the end to settlement activities and allow Palestinians full
necessary financial resources and contributions. and free access to their resources and the enjoyment
of their rights, while ensuring Israel’s security. A just,
In conclusion, we are afraid that we may find comprehensive and lasting solution that is supported
ourselves commemorating the tenth or twentieth by the international community, in particular by the
anniversary of the Great March of Return. The Security Council, is in the interests of Israel and its
conclusions of the first Arab-European Summit, held security and the stability of the entire region.
in Sharm Al-Sheikh in February, and of the Arab
With those objectives and principles in mind, we
Summit held in Tunisia in March create momentum to
are obliged to observe that the settlement policy in
prevent that from happening by adhering to peace as a
the West Bank and East Jerusalem is continuing and
strategic choice.
is being accompanied by measures such as forced
The Arab countries launched the Arab Peace displacement, evictions and demolitions. In accordance
Initiative in 2002, which is based on international with resolution 2334 (2016), we strongly condemn
law, the resolutions of international legitimacy and the that policy, which is contrary to international law,
principle of land for peace. We cannot reach a solution undermines the viability of the two-State solution and
to the Arab-Israeli conflict that is not in line with serves only to exacerbate tensions, as demonstrated
such international terms of reference. Such a solution by the increased violence between Israeli settlers and
must be preceded by an end to the Israeli occupation Palestinians. Any use of violence, whoever may be
of the Palestinian and Arab territories held since 1967, responsible, is unacceptable and its perpetrators must
including East Jerusalem, and by the recognition of be prosecuted.
the State of Palestine, the inalienable rights of the We are also concerned about the situation in Hebron.
Palestinian people to self-determination, their right to The April 2019 report of the Office for the Coordination
return and the need to compensate Palestinian refugees of Humanitarian Affairs on the subject paints a bleak
while justly resolving their status in accordance with picture. We recall the responsibility of the parties to
General Assembly resolution 194 (III). respect international law and the responsibility of

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Israel, as the occupying Power, to ensure the protection State of Israel. We will not accept that the occupation of
of Palestinians in Hebron and throughout the occupied the Golan Heights serve as a precedent to justify similar
Palestinian territory. possible actions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
With regard to the situation in Gaza, I stress that Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank
all leaders must respect the fundamental right to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing.
demonstrate peacefully. By establishing the Independent I also listened very carefully to the presentations of
International Commission of Inquiry, the Human Mr. Bromberg and Ms. Majdalani.
Rights Council has demonstrated its responsibility in
There are complex and intertwined hotspot
assessing the situation. The conclusions of its report are
issues in the Middle East with ongoing conflicts and
serious and significant.
confrontations. The developing situation is cause for
While recognizing Israel’s right to ensure its increased concern. The question of Palestine is at
security, we recall that Israel must respect the principles the core of the Middle East issue and is fundamental
of proportionality and necessity in the use of force. to the region. It is the common responsibility of the
We urge the Israeli authorities to conduct independent international community to safeguard the legitimate
investigations into the alleged illegal use of lethal force rights and interests of Palestinian people.
so that the perpetrators are held accountable.
The current situation in Palestine remains dire,
It is also not acceptable for demonstrations in with the ongoing construction of settlements, the
Gaza to be hijacked by extremist elements. We call on Palestinian-Israeli peace talks at an impasse and a
all those responsible not to use or encourage children grave humanitarian crisis. China is deeply concerned
to participate in demonstrations in Gaza that may about the situation. I would like to highlight the
become violent. following points.
We call on all parties to respect human rights First, we must preserve the two-State solution and
and international humanitarian law and to ensure resolve the root cause of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
unhindered access for humanitarian actors. The Based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the principle of land
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine for peace and the relevant Security Council resolutions,
Refugees in the Near East has an indispensable role the international community should work to resolve
as a humanitarian actor, and Belgium will continue to the question of Palestine with a view to establishing
support its efforts on the ground. a fully sovereign State of Palestine based on the 1967
The resolution of the Gaza crisis requires a borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. Any new
fundamental change, which includes the lifting of initiative should be in line with the above-mentioned
the blockade and the full opening of crossing points, international parameters.
while taking into account Israel’s legitimate security Secondly, we must remain united and strive for an
concerns. A political solution to the crisis also early resumption of the peace talks between Israel and
requires that control of the territory be returned to the Palestine. The settlement construction must stop. The
Palestinian Authority. parties concerned should avoid any action or rhetoric
We call on all parties to constructively engage that may exacerbate the situation or any move that may
in intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks. Elections undermine trust so as to create the necessary conditions
conducted in accordance with international democratic for the resumption of dialogue. The parties with
standards can contribute to reconciliation. Unity is influence in the Middle East should play a constructive
in the interest of the Palestinian people and peace in role and refrain from any unilateral action that could
the region. further escalate the tension in the region. Greater efforts
should be made to accelerate the intra-Palestinian
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that, in line
reconciliation process and to actively explore new ways
with the relevant Council resolutions, in particular
to facilitate peace in the Middle East so as to overcome
resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981), we do not
the deadlock in the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the territories
occupied since June 1967, including the Golan Heights, Thirdly, we should pay close attention to and work
and we do not consider them a part of the territory of the to improve the economic and humanitarian situation in

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Palestine. The withholding by the relevant authorities of also join other members in expressing our gratitude
the transfer of taxes collected on behalf of Palestine is a to all the briefers for their detailed and informative
matter of concern to China. We welcome the financial updates. In addition, we congratulate the State of Israel
support to Palestine reaffirmed at the recent Foreign on the holding and successful conclusion of the general
Ministers meeting of the League of Arab States. We call elections held at the beginning of April. We welcome
on the parties concerned to fully implement obligations the presence of the Israeli and Palestinian delegations,
under international treaties, including the Paris as well as others that, in solidarity with the Israelis and
Protocol, and the relevant United Nations resolutions. Palestinians, are inscribed on the list of speakers for
The international community should increase its this open debate.
support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and improve the Since the beginning of this millennium, the situation
humanitarian situation of the Palestinian refugees. in the Middle East has always been one of our key
concerns in considering ongoing international conflicts.
With regard for other hotspot issues in the Middle
East, it is imperative that the international community Like other countries, Equatorial Guinea has always
remain committed to a political solution, facilitate hoped that the problems created by the conflicts in
dialogue and negotiations, deal with the situation the region could be addressed with greater clarity and
constructively and take into account the legitimate sincerity, but above all fairly. What has happened in
rights and interests of all parties. Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine and other parts of the
region explicitly violates the purposes of the Charter of
The Syrian Golan is internationally recognized as the United Nations with regard to the pacific settlement
an occupied territory. The Security Council has adopted of disputes. The situation in the region is so sensitive
several resolutions calling for Israel’s withdrawal from and so likely to deteriorate that it is crucial to ensure
Syrian Golan. China opposes any unilateral action to that none of the parties enmeshed in those conflicts
change that status quo and does not wish to see any take ill-advised steps that could plunge the region into a
further escalation of regional tensions. fresh wave of violence, which would do nothing to help
Development is the key to achieving peace. In achieve a peaceful, sustainable and lasting solution.
mid-April China hosted the second China-Arab States Every stakeholder in the region should therefore make
Forum on Reform and Development. Recently, China every effort to avoid any action that could incite further
also successfully hosted the second Belt and Road violence among the warring parties.
Forum for International Cooperation. The Middle In addition to the many deaths and injuries caused
Eastern and Arab countries actively participated in by the ongoing destruction in the region, it has also
those events. China stands ready to leverage extensive produced enormous losses of infrastructure and crops
involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen as well as a lack of important services needed for
cooperation and promote mutual benefit for regional human subsistence, which has meant that their peoples’
countries so as to provide opportunities and a platform development has been set back by decades. That has
for development in the Middle East and to jointly build forced millions to move from their places of origin
a community of shared future for humankind. and to accept the fate of poor migrants, which is to
Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in be mistreated all over the world. Among them are the
Spanish): My delegation condemns in the strongest terms millions of Palestinians who have been involuntarily
the wave of terrorist attacks seen in New Zealand, Sri displaced to various parts of the Middle East and
Lanka, Burkina Faso and the United States, including elsewhere, while maintaining the firm hope that one
on a synagogue in California. We express our solidarity day they and their children will be able to return to
with the Governments of those countries and with the where they were born.
victims’ families. We also express our solidarity with
While we await the publication of the United
Mozambique over the floods and cyclones in that
States peace plan, which we hope will consider the
brotherly country that led to great destruction.
concerns of the two parties to the conflict and will
We first thank your delegation, Mr. President, for be an impartial and constructive starting point for a
having convened this very important open debate and renewed negotiations process, our delegation is very
for your skill in conducting our work this month. We concerned about the possibility that the elections held

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in Israel earlier this month will radically influence the all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian
decisions, actions and behaviour of the parties to the territory, including East Jerusalem, as called for
conflict, a concern that we expressed in our statement in paragraph 2 of resolution 2334 (2016), as was
in January (see S/PV.8449) and that was evident in indicated in the Secretary-General’s report of 26 March
the Council’s subsequent discussions in February (S/2019/251).
and March (see S/PV.8466 and S/PV.8489) on Israel’s
We call on the United Nations and the international
decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary
community to step up efforts to exert further pressure
International Presence in Hebron and the disagreement
on the parties, so that negotiations between Israel and
between Israel and Palestine on the collection of tax
Palestine can be resumed and lead to a negotiated
revenues, to mention only a couple of aspects.
solution based on dialogue to this conflict that has
The history of this conflict argues against creating lasted for so many years.
further disputes with regard to the few issues that for
Mr. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) (spoke
many years have enjoyed some form of agreement,
in Russian): We thank Under-Secretary-General
unless there is a patently clear reason to the contrary.
Rosemary DiCarlo for her report on the situation in
That is something that Israeli and Palestinian politicians
the occupied Palestinian territories. We also thank the
must bear in mind if they truly intend to resolve their
other briefers from the non-governmental organization
long-standing differences one day. Equatorial Guinea
EcoPeace Middle East.
has always hoped to see the Israelis and Palestinians
come to an understanding that a definitive political We are sorry to have to note that the Middle East
solution to their conflict would help resolve many of is still going through a turbulent period. The region is
the conflicts that are destabilizing the region today. plagued by many crises, old and new, of which one of
The establishment of an independent Palestinian State the most serious continues to be the terrorist threat.
is key to achieving an effective and lasting peace in the Its scope indicates the need for a concerted effort by
Middle East. the international community to establish the broadest
possible counter-terrorism front, which Russia has
The situation of women and children and the
repeatedly called for. The issue of a Palestinian-
entire population of the Gaza Strip remains a matter of
Israeli settlement is central to the instability in the
concern. For the past decade, Gaza has seen a decline in
Middle East, and we have lately been observing an
needed public services and employment opportunities
increase in dangerous trends on that front, in practices
that is entirely the result of the ongoing clashes
such as taking unilateral steps and aggressively
between Israel and Hamas and of internal Palestinian
revising previously agreed arrangements. For us, the
divisions. We appreciate the work of the humanitarian
internationally recognized basis for a settlement of
agencies that support the population, and we urge the
the issues in the Middle East, including the relevant
international community to encourage such efforts
Security Council resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative
by further contributing to the United Nations Relief
and the Madrid principles, remains firm.
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
East. Both Israel and Hamas must refrain from any We have not passed the point of no return. The
unilateral action likely to aggravate the conflict, which 2016 report of the Middle East Quartet of international
in our view can be resolved only through negotiations mediators lists the actions that must be taken to restore
and dialogue based on the concept of two independent trust among the parties and revitalize a sustainable
States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace political process. First and foremost, Israel’s
and security within internationally recognized borders. settlement activity in the West Bank and its policy of
demolishing Palestinian property must stop. Violence
We encourage Egypt and other international
must be rejected and the terrorist attacks ended. Both
actors to continue working to foster intra-Palestinian
Palestinians and Israelis must refrain from aggressive
reconciliation, which in addition to its key role in
and provocative rhetoric, which is exactly how we view
Palestinian consolidation has a crucial part to play in the
the announcements of plans to annex settlements in the
control and management of the Gaza Strip, which today
West Bank.
continues to cause serious security issues alongside
neighbouring Israel. We deplore the fact that Israel has We firmly believe that no one can achieve a
taken no steps to immediately and completely cease breakthrough acting alone, as the history of the

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Middle East has repeatedly confirmed. In our view the want to once again affirm that there can be no question
mechanism of the Quartet, whose function has been that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory, occupied by
approved by several Security Council resolutions, is just Israel as a result of the 1967 war and illegally annexed
as relevant and needed more than ever, and we are willing 14 years later.
to mobilize its efforts on the political front. Russia will
The instability in the Middle East demands that
continue to cooperate in establishing a constructive
responsible members of the international community
agenda for a settlement in the Middle East, including
work for unity. However, rather than taking the direction
by expanding its cooperation with regional actors. The
of imposing an outdated bloc mentality, which was how
most recent meeting of the Russian-Arab Cooperation
many perceived the Warsaw conference, it should be
Forum, held in Moscow on 16 and 17 April, confirmed
with a view to creating a platform for dialogue that
that our approaches to finding lasting solutions to
enables us to pursue a non-confrontational quest for
the crises in the Middle East coincide. Our proposal
solutions to the security issues in the Middle East.
for holding a summit in Russia between the leaders
The Secretary-General was directed to make efforts in
of Palestine and Israel remains open. We should point
that regard in accordance with resolution 598 (1987),
out that the Palestinian leader has repeatedly affirmed
and there is interest in this possibility among regional
his consent to it. It will be important not to give up
players, which was once again affirmed during the
determined efforts to restore unity in the Palestinians’
recent conference in Baghdad of parliamentarians from
ranks. The latest intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow
Iraq’s neighbours. We believe that the Russian concept
in February was useful, especially in the context of
of security measures in the Persian Gulf could serve
the efforts of regional players, particularly Egypt
as a good basis for a future regional architecture in
and Jordan.
that regard.
We also need active international efforts to mitigate
Improved relations among the countries of the
the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Any
Middle East would give impetus to activities aimed at
assistance in Gaza must be provided in coordination
ending the most acute conflicts, of which one of the
with the legitimate authorities under President Abbas,
most significant is that the concept of a political and
and should contribute to dealing with the problem of
diplomatic settlement should continue to be the central
restoring Palestinian unity. That was behind our recent
direction. Attempts to achieve a solution by force or
decision to supply Palestinians in Gaza and the West
encourage various illegal armed groups to realize
Bank with 2,000 tons of flour. We will continue to
geopolitical goals must be a thing of the past. We are
support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
ready to cooperate constructively with partners on
for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, whose activities
every item on the Middle East agenda. We must increase
have a political as well as a humanitarian dimension
our coordination, develop consolidated approaches and
and an important stabilizing effect in the Palestinian
continue taking steps towards unity. Analyses confirm
territories and the countries of the Middle East.
the importance of efforts in that direction.
Collective diplomacy must be urgently intensified
Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): I would like to
in order to prevent the collapse of the international
start by congratulating Prime Minister Netanyahu
community’s efforts to create the conditions for
on being asked to form a new Israeli Government
achieving a two-State solution, the only viable one
and Prime Minister Shtayyeh on the formation of the
for the Middle East, through direct talks between
new Palestinian Authority Government. The United
Palestinians and Israelis. We believe that sending a
Kingdom looks forward to working with both of their
Security Council mission to the Middle East would
Administrations to advance the objectives of peace and
help us strengthen our unity and our cooperation with
prosperity. I also thank our civil-society briefers.
the parties. We urge our colleagues on the Council
to consider creative approaches to relaunching our Like other Governments, the United Kingdom
work on a Middle East settlement. However, any ideas continues to encourage a just resolution to the Israeli-
should take into account the agreed-on parameters for a Palestinian conflict, in line with international law
settlement, including the Arab Peace Initiative adopted and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Our
by the leaders of the Arab States, which enshrines the understanding, shared by most Council members,
important principle of land for peace. In that context, we continues to be that sustainable peace requires a

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safe and secure Israel, living alongside a viable and The advancement of yet more illegal settlements is
sovereign Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders eroding the physical viability of a two-State solution.
with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital We condemn the Israeli authorities’ announcement on
of both States and a just, fair, agreed and realistic 4 April of intentions to advance plans for more than
settlement for refugees. It will take the support of the 4,600 settlement units across the West Bank, which
whole international community to make such a historic is the single largest settlement announcement in
peace possible. recent years, as many have noted. We are also deeply
concerned about the pre-election comments made by
I understand that the Balfour Declaration was Prime Minister Netanyahu in support of the possible
raised, and I would therefore like to set out the United annexation of at least some parts of the West Bank.
Kingdom Government’s position on it. The Balfour Such a move would be contrary to international law and
Declaration was written in the middle of the First World destructive to peace efforts.
War. Its 100th anniversary was two years ago, in 2017.
It is a product of its time. We understand and respect With the current destructive dynamic between
the sensitivities about the Balfour Declaration and the the parties, there is nothing to quell the incidences
events that have taken place in the region since 1917. of violence that we continue to witness, which
We are committed, as I have just said, to establishing risks hardening extremist positions on both sides.
security and justice for Israelis and Palestinians through We condemn in the strongest terms, and without
lasting peace. Just as we fully support and are proud of equivocation, the terrorism of Hamas and other militant
our role in the creation of the modern State of Israel as groups in Gaza. Settlement violence should also be
a Jewish homeland, so we fully support the objective wholeheartedly condemned, and the Israeli authorities
have a responsibility to provide appropriate protection
of a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. There are
to the Palestinian civilian population. We are second to
two halves of the Balfour Declaration, the second half
none in recognizing Israel’s legitimate need to provide
of which has not been fulfilled. The occupation is a
security, but we continue to have concerns about the
continuing impediment to securing the political rights
excessive use of force by the Israel Defense Forces.
of the non-Jewish communities in Palestine that the
Measures used should be appropriate and in line with
Balfour Declaration also envisaged. To that extent, it
international law. Accountability should be sought
remains unfinished business.
through swift, transparent investigations.
Today, however, I want to join others who are
The new Israeli and Palestinian Governments have
calling for us to look forwards, not backwards. We
the ability to lead their people to a better future, free
urge the new Israeli and Palestinian Governments to from violence. Leaders can either seize the opportunity
seize the opportunity to reverse the current destructive to move forward and create a new dynamic, or they
dynamic, improve the immediate situation on the can continue with short-termism and self-interest,
ground and strive to create the conditions conducive to which will lead only to further deterioration for their
negotiating a lasting peace. That should begin without people. At this holy time of year, following Pesach and
delay and with renewed direct dialogue in order to find before the start of Ramadan, we urge them to use their
a solution to the current revenue-transfer crisis. The new mandates to pursue a lasting legacy of peace. It
goal of a two-State solution is at stake. The current is up to us in the Council and the wider international
impasse on the transfer of clearance revenues poses a community to support the parties in their efforts to
risk to stability and threatens the viability of a future achieve a just and lasting resolution.
Palestinian State. The United Kingdom firmly believes
that prosperity and strong Palestinian institutions serve Ms. Wronecka (Poland): At the outset, let me
Israel’s long-term security interests. We encourage the thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo
Israeli Government to reverse its decision to withhold for her very comprehensive and insightful briefing, as
revenues, which undermines the Oslo Accords, as well as Ms. Nada Majdalani and Mr. Gidon Bromberg,
co-Directors of EcoPeace Middle East, for their
other speakers have made clear, and we encourage
informative remarks.
the Palestinian Authority to accept the remainder of
the revenues on a provisional basis, since refusing all Unfortunately, despite our constant calls for a
revenues will only harm Palestinians. de-escalation in the Middle East, there has been no

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progress at all. The latest developments in the Gaza We have been closely following the discussions led
Strip and in the West Bank have reminded us how by Egypt on intra-Palestinian reconciliation and hope
important it is to continue the de-escalation process. that the process will be successful. While we take note
Despite the recent ceasefire between Israel and of the formation of the new Palestinian Government,
Hamas, the security situation remains volatile, and any we continue to urge all Palestinian factions to work
miscalculations could pose the risk of an outbreak of together to achieve the sustainable development of
violence. In that context, I want to underline that all that process, enabling the Palestinian Authority to
sides must fully comply with their obligations under resume its full responsibilities in Gaza. One single and
international humanitarian law and human rights law. legitimate Palestinian Authority could be an important
step for the unity of a future Palestinian State and a
Our priority is restoring a political horizon for the
basis for a sustainable peace agreement.
resumption of a meaningful peace process. We believe
that a negotiated two-State solution and a resolution Before concluding, I want to underline the crucial
of all final-status issues, including Jerusalem, role in the region of the United Nations Relief and
settlements, the future of Palestinian refugees, borders Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East,
and security arrangements, remain a realistic path to which we should do our utmost to preserve. And last
fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of both parties and but not least, I would like to reiterate our commitment
achieving long-term peace. We appeal to both sides to to the security and stability of the region. Before
refrain from unilateral steps that prejudge the outcome 2010, Poland’s largest contingents in peacekeeping
of final-status negotiations, and we expect them to operations were deployed in the Middle East. We are
demonstrate their commitment to peace through their proud to be able to return to the region by supporting
actions and policies. We condemn all acts of violence, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon with a
which are fundamentally incompatible with advancing Polish military contingent.
a peaceful two-State solution.
Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): In the
I would now like to touch briefly on the political wake of our moment of silence, I would once again
and security situation in the Gaza Strip, which remains like to express France’s shock and firm condemnation
volatile. What we are specifically extremely concerned regarding the attack on the Poway synagogue.
about is the fate of the 2 million people in Gaza. Their Anti-Semitism is the enemy of us all. Anti-Semitism
limited access to basic services could easily lead to an and, more broadly, religious hatred are the complete
escalation of social tensions that may destabilize the opposite of all we believe in and constitute an existential
situation in the region even further. Comprehensive threat to us all. We also condemn in the strongest terms
solutions to peace and security must also take into the recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso. More than
account the threats posed by climate change and ever, the fight against terrorism in that country and
environmental aspects such as water stress and throughout the Sahel must be our shared priority.
competition over natural resources. I greatly appreciate
I want to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her very
the comments by the co-Directors of EcoPeace in that
informative briefing, as well as Ms. Nada Majdalani
regard. Creating a safe and secure world for all is not
and Mr. Gidon Bromberg, of EcoPeace Middle East.
just about our reaction. It is also about anticipation
Their briefing gave us a valuable perspective on a
and prevention. We therefore underline the need for
dimension of the conflict that the Council has not
better climate-related security risk assessment and
sufficiently addressed. Their joint briefing, like the
management strategies.
work they do together on the ground, is also exemplary
We still believe that it will be possible to contribute and send us all a particularly welcome message of hope.
positively to the process only by returning to I want to thank them warmly, and I am also grateful to
meaningful bilateral negotiations, based on the relevant the German presidency for taking the happy initiative
United Nations resolutions and international law, to invite them. I would like to emphasize once again
which encapsulate internationally agreed parameters. that it is more important than ever to ensure that the
The creation of a political horizon, as well as of an Israeli and Palestinian authorities work to maintain
appropriate framework for political progress, will be a pluralistic, open space within their respective civil
possible only together with regional and international societies. In our view, that is one of the conditions of
partners, starting with the Middle East Quartet. dialogue and peace.

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Today I will focus on the dangers facing the military courts. The territorial grouping that is taking
possibility of a two-State solution. We are close to a shape before our eyes therefore already manifests the
point of no return, and the solution is threatening to unequal coexistence of two populations within the
vanish before our eyes like a mirage in the desert. The same territory.
developments related to the policy of settlement in the
One of the consequences is the ongoing risk of
West Bank and East Jerusalem described last month in
violence. We condemn all forms of terrorism and
the Secretary-General’s report on implementation of
violence, including the launch of rockets from Gaza
resolution 2334 (2016) (see S/2019/251) are particularly
into Israel. We must also ensure that violence does not
worrying and are leading inevitably to the erosion of a
become entrenched.
two-State solution on the ground. That is my first point.
In accordance with its obligations under
Since the beginning of the year, more than 4,500
international law, France does not recognize any
new housing units have been approved in the West
Israeli sovereignty over the occupied territories, be it
Bank. That continues the efforts of 2017 and 2018. Last
Jerusalem, the Golan, the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.
year was marked by a record level of announcements
We have reiterated that position on several occasions,
of nearly 16,000 housing units. The increase is even
including following the American decisions concerning
more serious because it is based to an unprecedented
Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, which are contrary
degree on the creation or expansion of colonies
to international law and applicable Council resolutions.
located deep in the West Bank. At the same time, in
recent months the policy of legalizing so-called wild If the trends I have just described were to be
settlements in Israeli law has continued. Similarly, carried through to completion, they would make it
the practices of demolitions of Palestinian structures impossible for Palestinians to fulfil their national
and expropriations and forced displacements of their aspirations, which requires the establishment of a State.
inhabitants is intensifying and increased by more than For Israelis, it would mean a fundamental contradiction
50 per cent in the first three months of 2019 compared of the democratic character of the State of Israel, which
to the same period last year. That trend is particularly is an integral part of its DNA. We must recommit to
alarming in East Jerusalem, especially in the Old City internationally agreed parameters. That was message
and its surrounding neighbourhoods. It is accompanied sent by France and several of its Arab and European
by a slow but steady erosion of the status quo in the holy partners at the Dublin meeting in February, and it is the
places of Jerusalem, which led to renewed tensions last takeaway message of my statement.
month around the Esplanade of Mosques. With more
In the absence of any political perspective,
than 600,000 settlers in East Jerusalem and the West
there may be a temptation to break away from the
Bank, we cannot avoid the inexorable reality that we
agreed framework based on international law and the
are now close to a point of no return.
resolutions of the Council, and to turn instead towards
That brings me to my second point — the current unilateral decisions. We must all fully appreciate
shift towards de facto annexation of West Bank. the danger of the temptation of unilateralism. We
must remember that any attempt to deviate from the
I have just mentioned the settlement policy, which
parameters agreed by the international community
is illegal under international law and fuels a dynamic
would be doomed to failure. Those parameters are
of de facto annexation. Other trends contribute to
neither menu options from which to pick and choose
this phenomenon, such as the seizure of Palestinian
depending on political circumstances, nor old software
resources, particularly water resources, which was
that must be updated. As a whole, they are the basis
mentioned earlier by our civil society briefers. In
for any future agreement. That does not mean that we
addition to the developments on the ground, there
cannot also consider creative means of achieving them,
have been legal changes that run counter to the
but let us be clear — those parameters have no viable or
Fourth Geneva Convention, including the adoption
realistic alternative.
of several laws in recent years that have extended the
prerogatives and powers of the Israeli State, as well as The fates of the Israelis and the Palestinians are
the applicability of Israeli law to residents of West Bank intertwined; neither of the two peoples can achieve its
settlements. Palestinians in the West Bank continue to aspirations at the expense of the other. The disappearance
live under Israeli military orders and to appear before of the two-State solution would irreversibly signal

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that both parties had given up on the national project The guidelines for those negotiations, as the
as each has defined it thus far. France, as a friend to representative of France pointed out, must be based on
both Israelis and Palestinians, cannot accept that. The the established international legal framework, which
Council, which has crafted the parameters and outlines includes General Assembly and Security Council
of a future peace agreement, cannot accept it. The resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace
increasingly deafening silence of the Council on this Initiative and the Quartet road map, to name but a few.
conflict since the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016) Unilateral actions by Israel, including its refusal
in December 2016 is all the more incomprehensible, to renew the mandate of the Temporary International
both for the sake of the Council’s credibility and for the Presence in Hebron and its continued withholding of the
world, which is watching the Council. France, for its tax revenue that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian
part, does not intend to abandon its efforts to promote a Authority have done nothing but exacerbate the security
just and lasting peace in the region. and humanitarian situation in Palestine. As long as the
Mr. Matjila (South Africa): South Africa wishes to situation remains unresolved and the territories remain
express its solidarity with those who have perished in occupied, we run the risk of changing the facts on the
the recent terrorist attacks in their places of worship in ground. The recent unilateral developments related to
Sri Lanka, the United States of America and, yesterday, the occupied Syrian Golan are a case in point. Final
in Burkina Faso, which the Council visited last month. status issues cannot be pre-empted by changing
May their souls rest in peace. the conditions and facts on the ground, but must be
negotiated by the parties.
We also express our solidarity with Mozambique,
We commend the German presidency for
which has been visited repeatedly by devastating
highlighting women’s issues during this month. When
cyclones this past month, setting its development
discussing issues in the Middle East, it is also important
agenda back decades.
to focus on the impact of the conflict on Palestinian
The Council deals with the maintenance of women. A recent study indicated that the occupation
international peace and security on a daily basis. It is disproportionately impacts the daily lives of Palestinian
our primary responsibility to ensure that all peoples women. As we delay action and the Security Council is
of the world are able to live without the threat of the immobilized, lands and cities are being systematically
scourge of war and enjoy the ability to live in larger handed over to Israel. We do not recognize that. United
freedom. In carrying out that mandate, the Council must Nations agencies are immobilized and emasculated.
act in a fair and balanced manner. When responding to More and more settlements are being built in occupied
violations of international law and the Charter of the Palestinian territories. We do not recognize them. No
United Nations, we must act in a consistent manner. people in history have accepted oppression forever. The
When we act, or rather do not act, when it comes to same is true for the Palestinians.
the matter of Palestine, we jeopardize the integrity and In conclusion, the United Nations cannot abdicate
credibility of the Council. its responsibility and outsource its core mandate of
The Council must act decisively, as it does on other maintaining international peace and security. The
matters on its agenda, to ensure that there is a resolution United Nations, its membership and the Security
to the conflict through a negotiated process. We must Council cannot sit back and wait for the solution to be
reaffirm that there can be no sustainable solution to presented to it by somebody somewhere. This is not
the crises in the Middle East that does not include two and has never been the role of the United Nations and
independent States, one for the people of Palestine and the Security Council. We must do all we can to carry
one for the people of Israel. The only credible solution out this vital responsibility bestowed upon us by the
must be built on the two-State solution, within the 1967 Charter of the United Nations.
borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Mr. Trullols Yabra (Dominican Republic) (spoke in
Palestinian State, where Palestinians and Israelis can Spanish): We join others in thanking Under-Secretary-
live side by side in peace and security. The Security General Rosemary DiCarlo for her ever-concise
Council must make every effort to bring both parties to briefing, and Nada Majdalani and Gidon Bromberg
the negotiating table in order to reach a solution. for briefing us on the environmental dimension of the

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peace process and the precarious situation in Gaza Near East, in providing, with international support,
and the West Bank in the face of such challenges as relief to the inhabitants of Gaza.
serious water shortages. We are convinced that the
The picture described by our speakers today of
transboundary nature of water makes it necessary for it
the impact of water scarcity on the region’s economic
to be included in any attempt to build peace, so we take
and social development exacerbates an already fragile
this opportunity to congratulate them on the admirable
social situation and increases vulnerability to food
work they are doing in helping countries collaborate on
insecurity, which itself puts at risk the achievement
such a crucial issue as cooperation on shared waters.
of the Sustainable Development Goals and the human
We would like to begin by congratulating the new development objectives for the most affected populations.
Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, on Such aspects as water pollution, overexploitation,
the formation of his Government, in the hope that it will urbanization and a long conflict have come together
overcome the great challenges facing the Palestinian and resulted in the current worrying situation.
people and its nation-building project. Similarly, Another situation of great concern is the delicate
we congratulate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin financial situation that the Palestinian Government is
Netanyahu on his victory in his recent election to a fifth going through, with several factors that exacerbate it,
term of office, hoping that he will continue to lead his including the involuntary withholding of collected taxes
country along the path of development. and the decrease in international assistance, which have
The exercise of democracy through elections, generated a loss of 65 per cent of its income, inducing
Government formation and fresh governing mandates its leaders to take austerity measures that, in a vicious
marks a new stage of optimism, ideals, hopes and circle, create greater pressure on the economy, thereby
renewed energy, which gives us the opportunity to increasing demands on people’s living conditions.
revive those things that have been stagnant or inert, We need to be aware of the critical moment in which
such as the will to resolve this conflict, which is the we find ourselves if we are to achieve a negotiated and
pivotal point for peace in the Middle East. lasting peace in the Middle East that recognizes the right
We continue to witness with regret the increase in of all peoples to self-determination, independence and
tensions between the parties because of the persistence sovereignty, and the right to live in peace and security
of elements that gave rise to it: widespread violence, within clearly recognized borders. We must embrace
particularly against civilians, including women and the positions that bring us closest to a definitive solution
children, provocation and use of inflammatory rhetoric, to the conflict — indeed, the solution that is the most
actions against and in violation of international law fair and inclusive — based on previous initiatives and
and order, and the lack of internal reconciliation. The consensus agreements, and on a renewed political will,
safety and well-being of the civilian population must with a view to our future generations and the most
be our highest priority, overcoming all differences and vulnerable populations — women and children — while
obstacles to sustainable peace. We therefore strongly remaining faithful to our responsibilities as individuals
condemn any act of violence and intimidation against and nations of the world that respect the multilateral
the civilian population, especially the indiscriminate framework and identify with universal rights and
firing of rockets, mortars and incendiary devices, and development goals towards the fulfilment of a two-
the excessive use of force. State solution.

With respect to the population, it is also with Mr. Meza-Cuadra (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): Peru
would also like to begin by expressing our condolences
great disquiet and concern that we see the persistent
to the families of the victims of the recent terrorist acts
deterioration of the humanitarian and economic
that have taken place in various parts of the world, acts
situation in Gaza, which is experiencing a severe state of
that we strongly condemn.
insecurity and lack of basic necessities for well-being,
including delivery of such key services as electricity, Peru welcomes the holding of this quarterly open
water and health, as well as the lack of jobs. In this debate on the situation in the Middle East, including
regard, we acknowledge the work of the United Nations the Palestinian question. We thank Under-Secretary-
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the General Rosemary Di Carlo for her comprehensive

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briefing and the briefings by the o-Directors of decision of the Israeli Government to withhold a
EcoPeace, Nada Majdalani and Gidon Bromberg. significant amount of Palestinian tax revenues, given
the humanitarian impact that this has on the afflicted
Peru notes with deep concern and regrets that the
Palestinians. We welcome the announcement by the
destructive cycle between Israelis and Palestinians
League of Arab States regarding temporary financial
is not stopping, which constitutes an unsustainable
contributions to cover that shortfall, but we believe
and destabilizing scenario for the Middle East and
that should not obviate the need for the Paris Protocol,
for the international community. We are alarmed that
which governs economic relations between Israel and
the prospects for a political solution are becoming
the Palestinian Authority, from being respected.
increasingly vague, and that unilateral decisions and
actions, or announcements thereof, may degenerate We would like to conclude by expressing our full
into an even greater escalation of tension and violence. support for the efforts of the Special Coordinator for
the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov,
Guided by its commitment to multilateralism,
to prevent further escalation and promote dialogue
international law and the peaceful settlement of
between the parties, as well as by reaffirming our
disputes, Peru supports the solution of two States with
commitment to the search for a solution to the question
internationally recognized and secure borders, to be
of Palestine, which will contribute to the achievement
negotiated directly between Israel and Palestine on the
of sustainable peace in the region.
basis of the pre-1967 borders. These negotiations must
also determine the final status of Jerusalem. Mr. Djani (Indonesia): Following the minute of
silence at the beginning of our meeting today, I would
We recognize Israel’s right to provide for its
like to join others in expressing our condolences for the
own security and existence through the exercise of
victims of the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, the United
self-defence, as long as it is exercised in accordance
States, Burkina Faso and other countries. We condemn
with the principles of legality, proportionality and
any attack that claims innocent lives.
precaution. The human rights of Palestinian citizens,
including minors, cannot be overlooked. To that end, Let me also begin by thanking the Under-Secretary-
we must recall Israel’s obligation to comply with the General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs,
resolutions emanating from the Security Council. In Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, for her briefing, as well as the
particular, we consider it urgent to put an end to the other briefers, who reminded us what is happening on
increased-settlement, building-demolition and eviction the ground.
practices in the Palestinian territories occupied since
Today’s open debate also takes place following the
1967, in accordance with resolution 2334 (2016). Such
issuance of the report by the Independent Commission
practices are contrary to international law, jeopardize
of Inquiry on the Protests in the Occupied Palestinian
the territorial integrity of the Palestinian State and
Territory on the violence committed against the
undermine the chances of achieving a two-State solution.
Palestinians in Gaza since 31 March 2018. The
We are also dismayed by the increasing deterioration of
Commission’s report is a watershed in the history of the
the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian
occupied territory, as it exposes Israel’s use of extreme
Territory, and how it contributes to increased levels of
violence, including live ammunition at close range,
radicalization and extremism among its population.
against Palestinians involved in civilian activities. That
We emphasize the urgency of ending the blockade is a blatant disregard and violation of international
of the Gaza Strip, which began prior to the recovery humanitarian law and human rights — and there is no
of control of the area by the Palestinian Authority, guarantee that it will not be repeated given the slightest
and of providing Israel with the necessary guarantees excuse. Against that backdrop, allow me to start with
for its security. We also consider it important to align my first point, which concerns the humanitarian
humanitarian assistance with development plans that situation in Palestine.
offer hope and opportunities to the youngest. Projects
In the light of the financial problems confronting the
such as those related to water promoted by the EcoPeace
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
seem to us to be very relevant in this regard.
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), we need to pay
We wish to join in the expressions of concern made attention to the humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The
by various Council members following the unilateral blockade must also be put to an end. The suffering of

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the Palestinians is also being made worse owing to That exercise is intended to take stock of possible ways
Israel’s withholding of the tax revenues belonging to the Council can take action in response to that problem.
the Palestinian Authority. We reiterate our full support
This is a critical moment in history, and collective
for the stance of the Palestinian Authority, which
efforts are crucial. Indonesia calls for the international
rejects the acceptance of portions of the payment. It is consensus to be maintained, strengthened and respected.
the Palestinians’ money and should be paid in full, and
without preconditions. We again call on Member States Mr. Moriko (Côte d’Ivoire) (spoke in French):
to maintain and mobilize assistance to the Palestinians. At the outset, Côte d’Ivoire would like to vigorously
For our part, Indonesia recently pledged to provide condemn the heinous attacks perpetrated in Burkina
additional $1 million to UNRWA. Faso and San Diego and express its deepest condolences
to the families of the victims, as well as its support
Secondly, with regard to the resolution of the to the relevant authorities and its solidarity with the
conflict, we believe that any peace talks and negotiations Mozambican authorities. Our thoughts are also with
must have a clear basis and goals. That is explicitly the family of Major General Francis Vib-Sanziri of
reaffirmed in resolution 2334 (2016), in which the goal Ghana, Chief of the United Nations Disengagement
of negotiations was also clearly defined as “achieving, Observer Force.
without delay, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”
and “an end to the Israeli occupation that began in My delegation welcomes the convening of
1967” (resolution 2334 (2016), para. 9). Based on the this meeting and congratulates Ms. Rosemary
well-known parameters, a time frame should be set for DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and
achieving a two-State solution, with an independent Peacebuilding Affairs, on her very informative
briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including
State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, and
the Palestinian question. We would also like to thank
a just solution to the plight of the Palestineian refugees
Ms. Nada Majdalani and Mr. Gidon Bromberg for
based on the relevant resolutions. For any Middle
their briefings.
East peace plan to be successful, it must provide just
and permanent solutions to all final-status issues. The Israeli-Palestinian dispute is today one of
Furthermore, we caution against the lure of interim the most complex conflicts, which the international
arrangements. History proves they can be exploited community has been facing for several decades. Despite
by the occupying Power to gain time to finalize its numerous mediation efforts by the United Nations and
settlement, colonization and annexation agenda, and in bilateral partners, the crisis remains unresolved. The
the end, they make a solution more difficult to achieve. ongoing political and security challenges in the Gaza
Strip and the West Bank, including the situation in
That brings me to my final point, which concerns Hebron, as well as the serious humanitarian crisis
the inaction of the Security Council. We have a two- affecting Palestinians have, over the years, eroded the
State solution on the table but, at the rate we are going, hopes for a lasting peace that were raised by the Oslo
only one State will exist, and that is not Palestine. If Accords, which were signed in 1993. In addition, the
that were to happen, it would be a tragedy not only shrinking space for possible political compromises
for the people of Palestine but also for the credibility between the parties, as well as recurrent inflammatory
of this organ and its resolutions. We reiterate that the ideology and rhetoric, are exacerbating armed tensions
expansion of settlements, violence and many other and confrontations. Notwithstanding that bleak picture,
violations of resolution 2334 (2016) and other relevant Côte d’Ivoire continues to believe that peace between
resolutions are a blatant affront to the authority of Israelis and Palestinians is still possible.
this body. International and regional efforts to end the
Israeli occupation based on United Nations resolutions, My country’s commitment to dialogue as the
the Quartet road map, the Madrid principles and the preferred means of settling disputes between peoples
and our unwavering position in support of the security
Arab Peace Initiative must be intensified.
of the State of Israel and the inalienable right of the
For our part, during Indonesia’s presidency of the Palestinian people to self-determination are the
Council in May, we will organize a Security Council foundations of the message of peace that my country has
Arria Formula meeting on the core problem of the always conveyed to all parties to the Israeli-Palestinian
Palestinian question, which is the settlements issue. conflict. In short, Côte d’Ivoire strongly supports the

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solution of two States coexisting peacefully within the All such efforts will unfortunately be in vain
1967 borders. Given the current impasse and the vicious until the parties to the conflict definitively renounce
cycle of violence that it engenders, my delegation a military solution to the crisis to engage in talks
supports the international consensus on the need to and make the necessary compromises with a view to
relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in order building together a future of peace and stability for
to find mutually acceptable solutions to key issues, such all Yemenis.
as the status of Jerusalem, the lifting of the blockade
Côte d’Ivoire reiterates its support to the Special
on Gaza and the security of the Palestinian population
Envoys of the Secretary-General for their dedication
in Hebron. Côte d’Ivoire takes the opportunity of this
to peace in the Middle East under difficult conditions.
debate to once again call on the parties to the conflict to My country remains convinced that there can be no
engage resolutely in a constructive dialogue and abstain lasting solution to either the Palestinian-Israeli dispute
from any unilateral action that could revive tensions. or the armed conflicts in Syria and Yemen except
My country is deeply concerned about the through dialogue.
consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the In conclusion, my country urges all international,
humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza, which regional and national partners to redouble their efforts
is characterized by increasingly difficult access to to restore peace to this troubled region and to put an end
health-care services, ongoing water shortages and to the suffering of millions of people.
power outages. The humanitarian crisis is aggravated
by a difficult socioeconomic situation, marked by The President: I shall now make a statement in my
irregular payments of civil servants’ salaries and capacity as the representative of Germany.
a sharp increase in unemployment, in particular in First, I would like to thank the Israeli Ambassador
Gaza, where more than 50 per cent of the working for responding to the question that I put to him in
population, most of whom are young people, has been our most recent meeting (see S/PV.8489). I listened
affected. Côte d’Ivoire therefore reiterates its appeal very carefully to the four pillars that he outlined as a
to international partners to continue their material and basis of Israeli policy. I also positively noted that he
financial support for the United Nations Relief and included international law among them. I think that
Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, whose work is is very important. I noted a certain selection among
vital for populations in distress. international law. He heard our British colleague
Like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the ongoing speaking with regard to the Balfour Declaration, I also
crises in the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen are missed referrals to resolutions 478 (1980), 497 (1981)
also a matter of concern to my delegation. With regard and, in particular, 2334 (2016), which is the most recent
to Syria, Côte d’Ivoire believes that the following and a very comprehensive resolution. With regard to
three major actions could help to further strengthen what the resolution says about settlements and so on, I
the international community’s peace efforts: first, refer to what my French colleague has said previously.
maintaining the ceasefire in Idlib governorate in order But I would also remind the Israeli and Palestinian
to prevent further loss of life and a worsening of the representative that resolution 2334 (2016) condemns all
humanitarian crisis; secondly, ensuring the sustainable acts of terrorism, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric
delivery of aid by removing all obstacles and ceasing and calls for such acts to stop.
hostilities; and, lastly, engaging stakeholders in Like others, I would like to recommit and state that
implementing the relevant provisions of resolution Germany supports a negotiated two-State solution and
2254 (2015). is against any annexation. At the same time, Germany
is committed to Israel’s security as a democratic Jewish
With regard to the conflict in Yemen, my country
State. I noted that democracy was not mentioned among
welcomes the mediation efforts of the international
the four pillars.
community, including the United Nations, and calls
for their continuation in order to reverse the trend of I share my Indonesian colleague’s frustration
violence, overcome food insecurity and resolve issues about the inaction of the Council. Also following our
of access to drinking water, primary health care and the last meeting, I took up the suggestion of the Israeli
risk of epidemics. Ambassador to have a closed meeting of the Security

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Council with the representatives of Palestine and Israel. DiCarlo as well as Mr. Bromberg and Ms. Majdalani of
I was not able to accomplish that. While it was not much EcoPeace Middle East.
of an issue with regard to substance, I was not able to
Japan continues to support a two-State solution,
reach agreement on the formalities for such a meeting.
where the State of Israel and a future State of
Given the lack of progress that we have achieved, Palestine live side by side in peace. Japan’s position
we took the initiative to try to break out of the ritual remains unchanged.
repetition of known positions. We wanted to put a We are concerned about the current impasse in the
glimmer of hope into the Chamber, and we invited political process. While there is no easy way towards
representatives of EcoPeace Middle East to present Middle East peace, it is important to resume direct
what they are doing in a political landscape that dialogue among the parties to advance the peace
undermines the prospect of a two-State solution and process. In that regard, the continued engagement
where developments contribute to the entrenchment of by the United States is important, and we hope that
a one-State reality. its peace plan, which will be released in the not-too-
Let me briefly return to the briefing by the distant future, will serve as a constructive basis for
Co-Directors of EcoPeace Middle East. I thoroughly direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
enjoyed what they said and they demonstrated that The conflict should be resolved through
cooperation was possible. I thank them for their confidence-building and negotiations. We strongly
engagement and for the fact that, as civil society, they condemn violence and terrorism against innocent
can play a very important role in building trust and citizens. The Government of Japan once again urges
confidence, including regarding the mayors jumping the Government of Israel to fully freeze its settlement
into the Jordan river. That trust that they have built is a activities, including the construction plan approved
prerequisite for a solution that is based on negotiations by Israel this month, which undermine the viability
and cooperation, which we desperately need. of a two-State solution. Unilateral attempts to change
the status quo by force or coercion are not acceptable.
The second point that I wanted to make is that water
Japan does not recognize the annexation of the Golan
is not an esoteric issue. It is part of the Oslo Accords
Heights by Israel. That position remains unchanged.
and a final-status issue.
We attach importance to the rule of law. The issue
Let me conclude with a general point. Humanitarian, of unilateral attempts to change the status quo by
resource and water issues are key insofar as they have force or coercion should be properly addressed by the
implications for security. Germany will continue to have international community.
the relationship between climate change and security Japan continues to contribute to creating an
on its agenda. I thank the briefers again in that regard. environment conducive to the realization of peace by
On the topic of climate change, I would also add my fostering confidence-building measures among the
voice to those who expressed their condolences to the parties through unique efforts such as the Corridor for
victims of the terrible disaster that we have seen for the Peace and Prosperity initiative and its flagship project,
second time in Mozambique. the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park. We highly appreciate
Israel’s continued support for those initiatives.
I resume my functions as President of the Council.
Let me finish by reiterating Japan’s continued
I wish to remind all speakers to limit their support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
statements to no more than five minutes in order to for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The Agency is crucial not only for humanitarian
I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Kiyoto purposes but also for stability in the region. That was
Tsuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed at the ministerial meeting on UNRWA
that I attended earlier this month. This year we have
of Japan.
already contributed approximately $32 million to the
Mr. Tsuji (Japan): I thank you, Mr. President, for Agency. Japan has also been making a significant effort
organizing this important open debate. I am grateful for to expand UNRWA’s donor base by boosting Asian
the informative briefings by Under-Secretary-General nations’ involvement, including through the framework

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of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian between the main parties that are supposed to negotiate
Countries for Palestinian Development. The next peace and discuss the much-promised peace plan.
meeting of the Conference at the senior officials level
The bases of a peaceful settlement are under
will be held in the West Bank this summer.
tremendous pressure and a source of concern, especially
The President: I now give the floor to the the status of Jerusalem and the United Nations
representative of Lebanon. resolutions that for more than 70 years constituted the
international legality on which any equitable, just and
Ms. Mudallali (Lebanon): Thank you, Mr. President,
comprehensive solution must rest, from resolutions 242
for having convened this open debate. I want to thank
(1967) to 338 (1973) and 478 (1980), ending with 2334
Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her statement as
(2016). The Council, as the French Ambassador said,
well as the briefers from EcoPeace. cannot remain silent on this.
The Book of Books tells us: On the ground, things are no better. Gaza is still
“To everything there is a season, and a time for bleeding. The tragic targeting of civilians continues, and
every purpose under heaven. There is a time of war, despite the international outrage there is no indication
and a time of peace”. that this will come to an end. The Israeli decision not
to renew the mandate of the Temporary International
I am sure that all present have noticed that the time Presence in Hebron is yet another threat to stability.
for peace is not upon us yet and that, if one looks at the
region, there is no sign of its coming soon, as we heard What is missing today is not United Nations
this morning. resolutions or peace plans or road maps for peace. All
of this has been done time and again. What is needed
The question of Palestine is still a source of is the political will to choose life and to take the road
concern for the region and for the world. On this to peace. That is why the Arab world made its strategic
question, the parties are gridlocked on every issue choice for peace in its Arab Peace Initiative and still
that could lead to peace. The situation on the ground believes that a comprehensive, just and equitable
is deteriorating, and instead of the talk of a two- solution is the only way forward.
State solution and land swaps that had characterized
negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis and was But this peace cannot come through annexation or
enshrined in agreements and resolutions, we hear talk recognition of the illegal annexation of occupied land.
of annexation of the West Bank or parts of it and of the Lebanon is seriously concerned about the implications
possible collapse of the whole peace process and the of recognizing the sovereignty of Israel over the
peace paradigm and its basis. occupied Golan Heights. It considers this a flagrant
violation of resolution 497 (1981). Lebanon is also
The road to negotiations is blocked, and the main concerned about the continued Israeli occupation of the
negotiating partner, the Palestinian people, are under Lebanese territories seized by force in 1967.
tremendous political and economic pressure born of the
new political reality that is being imposed on them and I am pleased to report to the Council that over the
a debilitating financial situation coupled with a fragile past three months, important political and institutional
security one. The Palestinian Prime Minister says developments took place at the domestic level in
that there is nothing left to negotiate about and asks Lebanon. A new National Unity Government was
a legitimate question: where are we going to have the formed, headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, setting
a very ambitious and proactive reform agenda. The
Palestinian State?
Government has shown a robust dedication to addressing
The Palestinian Prime Minister calls the withholding urgent priorities, especially in terms of the economic
of Palestinian tax revenues by the Israelis a “financial and fiscal situation, structural reform and combating
war” to push the Palestinians to surrender. There is fear corruption. It intends to preserve this momentum
on the part of the international community that this is with a view to making up for the time lost in the
bringing the Palestinian Authority to near financial formation process and meeting the many commitments
collapse and threatening its stability. This is coupled that Lebanon has made under the Paris Conférence
with distrust and a total breakdown in communication économique pour le développement, par les réformes et
among the parties. There are no official contacts avec les entreprises — the CEDRE Conference.

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However, persistent challenges remain. The highlighting the constants from which we will not move
continued Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories back. The Palestinian question, with all of its injustice
and the daily violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and and suffering, is at the top of the priorities of Jordan’s
resolution 1701 (2006) are keeping the situation on the foreign policy this year, as has been the case each year
southern border fragile. In the past three months alone, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II,
Israel has violated Lebanese sovereignty 431 times: 112 who said:
times by land, 149 times by sea and 170 times by air.
“Our Palestinian brothers deserve our full support
This has to be noted, condemned and stopped.
so that they can hold fast and continue to work with
Lebanon remains committed to the full the international community and its institutions
implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and to to achieve a just and comprehensive solution
working towards a permanent ceasefire on its that redresses the historical injustices they have
southern border. It is also committed to continuing its suffered and realize their right to a State. Jordan
constructive engagement to settle border issues within will continue to carry out its national and historical
the framework of the tripartite mechanism and the duty to support the Palestinian question which is a
good offices of the United Nations and international first priority for Jordan.”
partners. It also hopes that it can one day soon move
The Hashemite historical custodianship of the
to a permanent ceasefire. The Council can contribute
Muslim and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem is a task
greatly to making this a reality by taking all the
that was entrusted to us, and we will continue to carry it
necessary measures at its disposal to compel Israel to
out to the best of our ability. The protection and defence
shoulder its share of responsibility in this regard.
of the Holy Sites and their Arab identity, whether
Finally, Lebanon remains committed to supporting Christian or Muslim, is of paramount importance to His
the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Majesty King Abdullah II.
Palestine Refugees in the Near East and calls on all
We stress in that regard that Jordan will fully
States to renew their commitments and to help it uphold
use its capacities to preserve the current historical
its responsibility towards the Palestinian people.
and legal status of the Holy Sites and to ensure that
The President: I now give the floor to the Israel, the occupying Power, respects its commitment
representative of Jordan. under international law to guarantee the security of the
faithful, so as Jerusalem can remain a symbol of peace
Ms. Bahous (Jordan) (spoke in Arabic): I would like
and harmony. We underscore the freedom of entry to or
at the outset to congratulate Germany on its presidency
exit from the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
of the Security Council this month and also for having
so confidently and professionally led the work of the We condemn the repeated Israeli violations of
Council. I want as well to thank the Under-Secretary- the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the latest example of which was
General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, its being stormed by hundreds of extremists over the
Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, for her thorough briefing. I past few days under the protection of the Israeli police
also express my appreciation for the efforts made by and special forces. In that context, I recall the final
the United Nations to achieve peace in the region, and communiqués issued at the Arab-European summit,
I thank the two Co-Directors of EcoPeace Middle East held in Sharm El-Sheikh in February; the Arab Summit,
for their briefings. held in Tunisia in March; the Russian-Arab Cooperation
Forum, all of which emphasized the importance of the
Against the backdrop of the troubled regional and
Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy
international situations following the emergence of
sites in Jerusalem.
several crises of international concern, Jordan, under
the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has As for the issue of Palestinian refugees, the
continued its tireless efforts in support of our Palestinian international community must continue to shoulder
brothers in their just and legitimate struggle to realize its legal, political and moral responsibilities in their
their national rights and to create an independent regard, as their issue remains one of the most important
Palestinian State across the June 1967 borders, with final status issues and must be resolved on the basis of
East Jerusalem as its capital. Jordan continues its the resolutions of international legitimacy, in particular
coordination with all international stakeholders, General Assembly resolution 194 (III) and the Arab

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Peace Initiative, in order to ensure the right of refugees to support the country in its reconstruction and
to return and be compensated. In that regard, we stress stabilization efforts, given Iraq’s fundamental role as a
that all final status issues must be resolved through pillar of security and stability in the region.
direct negotiations. We also emphasize the need to
continue to provide support to the United Nations Relief Finally, the crises in the region require all of us
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near to show greater levels of cooperation in order to
East (UNRWA). We recall the visit of the Secretary- combat common challenges and build a future that our
General earlier this month to Jordan, where he met with peoples deserve — one that is more secure and stable,
a group of aspiring UNRWA students in the Al-Baqa’a that provides our youth with excellent opportunities
refugee camp. We support the Secretary-General’s call and prospects, and our societies with sustainable
to allow 700 UNRWA schools to continue to provide development, and that is full of hope and prosperity.
education to more than 530,000 male and female The President: I wish to remind all speakers to
Palestinian students in its five areas of operation. limit their statements to no more than four minutes
With regard to the Syrian crisis, we reaffirm in order to enable the Council to carry out its work
Jordan’s firm position that a political solution to the expeditiously. Delegations with lengthy statements
crisis must be reached. Syria must recover and restore are kindly requested to circulate the texts in writing
its role as a cornerstone of stability in the region and a and to deliver a condensed version when speaking in
key component of joint Arab action. Political approaches the Chamber.
should be based on the principle of protecting the
I also wish to inform all concerned that we will be
sisterly country of Syria, preserving its independence
and territorial integrity and ensuring the safe and carrying on this open debate through the lunch hour, as
voluntary return of its refugees to their country, cities we have a large number of speakers.
and villages of origin. That is the objective around I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey.
which we must all unite.
Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): We have come here on
On behalf of the international community, Jordan numerous occasions and stated that the Palestinians have
has hosted its brothers from Syria and shared its the right to live like the rest of us. They have the right to
available resources with them. We will continue to be free and secure, and they have the right to enjoy what
do so until their safe and voluntary return has been is their own. Yet nothing has changed. A systematic
secured. In that regard, I wish to emphasize the need to effort is being made to undermine the inalienable
support the host countries of Syrian refugees, which is rights of the Palestine people. The illegal occupation
a shared responsibility.
continues. Illegal settlement activities continue. The
On the occupied Syrian Golan, it remains our Israeli security forces use disproportionate force against
position that it is an occupied Syrian territory, in Palestinian civilians. Gaza is still under blockade.
accordance with all resolutions of international
Since the Great March of Return demonstrations,
legitimacy, particularly resolution 497 (1981), which
humanitarian circumstances have become even worse.
was adopted unanimously by the Council.
Thousands of people have been deliberately shot in
The escalation in Libya must come to an end, the kness by Israeli forces and left with devastating
which will require a calm and restrained approach. We wounds. Humanitarian organizations on the ground
stress the importance of reaching a political solution report that many of the wounds have become infected,
and supporting the efforts of the United Nations to preventing reconstructive surgery, which is rarely
overcome the crisis, guarantee security and ensure the available in Gaza. The violence continues and recent
stability and territorial integrity of Libya. weeks have seen a further escalation of tension in the
It is important that we pursue our common area. Inaction in the face of persistent non-compliance
global efforts to combat terrorism, obscurantism and with international law and United Nations resolutions
extremism. In spite of the defeat of Da’esh in Iraq and further encourages Israel. The international community,
Syria, the threat of terrorism has not yet ended and in particular the Security Council, cannot turn a blind
remains a challenge. Jordan continues to support Iraq eye to the situation. There is an urgent need to revitalize
in its counter-terrorism endeavours and will continue the peace process.

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The only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Ms. Juul (Norway): I will today focus my statement
conflict is the two-State solution based on the 1967 on the Middle East peace process, as I am conscious of
borders, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in the time restriction that the President just mentioned.
peace. The rights of the Palestinian people, including the A slightly longer version of our statement that touches
right to self-determination, are not up for negotiation. on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Libya can be
For decades, the basis for peace negotiations has been read online.
the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid
There is a strong international consensus on how
terms of reference, the Arab Peace Initiative and the
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be resolved.
Quartet road map. That was explicitly reaffirmed in
Only a negotiated two-State solution can create durable
resolution 2334 (2016). The terms of reference cannot be
peace. A political solution cannot be substituted by
changed. What is needed now is to define a time frame
institution-building and economic development alone,
to realize the two-State solution, with an independent
even if those are essential building blocks for a future
State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Palestinian State.
Unfortunately, the plight of Palestine refugees
We are deeply concerned about the current fiscal
is compounded by the financial crisis of the United
crisis of the Palestinian Authority (PA), especially
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
regarding the clearance revenues of the PA budget,
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In the absence
which amounts to two thirds of its entire budget. In
of a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the
March, based on a recent law adopted by the Knesset,
Arab-Israeli conflict, the Agency’s mandate remains
the Israeli Government decided to withhold 6 per
vital to the refugees and to the region and beyond. It
cent of the revenues it collects on behalf of the PA for
is our collective and moral duty to support the Agency
Palestinian prisoner payments, which was followed
and extend its mandate later this year. As Chair of
by a Palestinian decision not to accept any clearance
the UNRWA Advisory Commission and the Working
revenues unless the entire transfers are reinstated.
Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Turkey will step
The PA is currently implementing serious austerity
up its efforts to contribute to the Agency’s work and
measures that are not sustainable. The donors cannot
calls on all actors to do the same.
fill the financing gap, and the existence of the PA could
Recently, one Member State decided to recognize be at stake if the fiscal crisis is not resolved. Norway
Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. That decision urges both parties to do their utmost to be pragmatic
is and should be null and void. It is in contravention and find a practical solution.
of resolution 497 (1981). It violates international law.
The situation in Gaza remains of great concern.
Unilateral steps will not change the facts. The Golan
The people of Gaza will not have a normal life and the
Heights is territory occupied by Israel. The annexation
economy cannot be sustained without lifting the current
of territory by force is prohibited under international
closure regime. The PA, Israel and the donors must
law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and
mobilize support for the humanitarian package and
under the law of State responsibility, States are obliged
key infrastructure projects for Gaza. A condition for
not to recognize the annexation of territory as a result
further development is that the PA must return to Gaza.
of force.
Norway will chair the next meeting of the
In each and every open debate on the Middle East,
international donor group to Palestine, the Ad Hoc
we are obliged to focus on a gloomy picture. But these
Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International
problems are not inherent to the history or culture of
Assistance to Palestinians, which will be hosted by the
the region; they are there because of the lack of justice
European Union in Brussels tomorrow, 30 April. In
and fair treatment. For a lasting peace, justice must be
addition to addressing the current fiscal crisis of the
served, and we should contribute to that by collectively
PA, we will take the opportunity to urge the parties to
upholding international law. That requires unity,
close some of the outstanding fiscal files. Progress on
courage and resilience, particularly on the part of the
those files is essential to stabilizing and improving the
Security Council.
situation towards a negotiated two-State solution. We
The President: I now give the floor to the call on the parties to demonstrate genuine commitment
representative of Norway. to the two-State solution and to take credible steps

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to reverse the current negative trends on the ground, of the United Nations to implement its resolutions
including settlement activities and acts of violence. on the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict has
encouraged Israel to continue its aggressive behaviour
Norway has a long-standing commitment to peace
and its violation of international resolutions by
and security in the Middle East, and we will remain an
refusing to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan
active and consistent partner to achieve that goal.
to the borders of 4 June 1967, in accordance with the
The President: I now give the floor to the relevant international resolutions. Israel has launched
representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. aggression after aggression against the territories of the
Syrian Arab Republic, the latest of which took place on
Mr. Mounzer (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in
13 April.
Arabic): The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic
once again condemns in the strongest terms the Israel continues to perpetrate war crimes and
illegitimate and immoral decision of the President of crimes against humanity in the occupied Syrian Golan,
the United States of America with regard to Israel’s including by confiscating land and property, expanding
so-called sovereignty over the occupied Syrian settlements, looting wealth, attempting to falsify the
Arab Golan. It constitutes a flagrant violation of history of the Golan, stealing its monuments, laying
international law, the Charter of the United Nations and mines and depriving the steadfast Syrian citizens of
the relevant resolutions of the Organization, including their rights, including their right to bear the identity
resolution 497 (1981), which was adopted unanimously of their mother country and communicate with their
by the Council. That resolution acknowledged that the parents in their mother country, Syria.
Syrian Arab Golan is an occupied territory and that
Moreover, Israel, the occupying Power,
any actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, in
continues to exercise its policies of oppression, racial
the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, are null and void and
discrimination, arbitrary detention and terrorism
have no legal effect.
against Syrian citizens. It carries out fake trials
That decision by the United States represents and hands out long prison sentences, as is the case
an attempt to undermine international legitimacy, with the Syrian Mandela — prisoner Sidqi Sleiman
revealing the true reality and scale of its criminal Al-Makt — who was arbitrarily detained for exposing
scheme to legitimize the occupation, spread chaos and Israel’s cooperation with the terrorist Al-Nusra Front
destruction and divide our region. It also revealed a and other terrorist groups in the disengagement of
serious abrogation of the United States Administration’s forces zone in the Syrian Golan. He was sentenced to
obligations — especially those associated with being a 14 years imprisonment, having already spent 27 years
permanent member of the Security Council — and the in the occupation prisons. We call on the international
fact that it is an enemy to all peoples around the world community to work for the release of Sidqi Sleiman
who believe in international legitimacy and reject Al-Makt and young prisoner Amal Fawzi Abou Saleh,
policies of hegemony, colonialism and depriving people as well as those under house arrest.
and States of their rights.
My Government wishes to stress that the occupied
The entire international community has rejected Syrian Arab Golan is an integral part of the territories of
the decision of the United States and reiterated its the Syrian Arab Republic. Recovering the Golan from
commitment to resolution 497 (1981) and other relevant Israeli occupation by any means under international
United Nations resolutions that reaffirm the Syrian law remains a priority in Syrian national policy. It is
Arab Republic’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian our eternal right that we will not compromise or waive.
Arab Golan. International positions have shown that
Finally, the Syrian Arab Republic remains steadfast
the decision will serve only to further isolate the United
in its principled position in support of the right to self-
States, even among its closest allies.
determination of the Palestinian people, as well as the
The Security Council has been prevented from establishment of their independent State with East
discharging its responsibilities and mandate in Jerusalem as its capital, and the right to return for
maintaining international peace and security as a result refugees, in accordance with resolution 194 (III) of
of the position held by the United States Administration 1948. We renew our call to grant the State of Palestine
in support of Israel’s occupation policies. The failure full membership at the United Nations.

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The President: I now give the floor to the which were agreed to in international multilateral
Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States. frameworks led by the Middle East Quartet.
Mr. Abdelaziz (spoke in Arabic): Today’s open At the same time, we reiterated at both Arab League
debate is taking place amid extremely complex regional Summits our total opposition to and condemnation
and international circumstances, in the light of the of the unilateral decision of the United States
uncertainty surrounding the future of several key issues Administration to recognize Jerusalem as the capital
in the Middle East region and a number of successive of the State of Israel. We also rejected its decisions to
developments and events taking place in many countries end its funding of the United Nations Relief and Works
of the region, as well as the disregard of certain major Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, to
Powers for multilateral international legitimacy, which support Israel’s suspension of fundamental transfers
represents the United Nations approach to addressing to the Palestinian Authority and the closure of the
issues in the Middle East, particularly that of the Israeli PLO office in Washington, D.C.,. We also condemn
occupation of Arab territories in Palestine, Syria the United States attempts to deprive Palestinians of
and Lebanon. their inalienable rights, including their right to self-
determination, the right of return and compensation
In that context, the League of Arab States has for Palestinian refugees, and the just resolution of their
intensified its activities at the highest level in order to cause in accordance with General Assembly resolution
counter those illegal positions. The twenty-ninth Arab 194 (III) of 1948. Moreover, we reject the intention
League Summit, held in March 2018 in Dhahran, Saudi of the United States to support Israel’s annexation of
Arabia — the so-called Jerusalem Summit — as well illegal settlements established on occupied Palestinian
as the thirtieth Arab League Summit held in Tunis in territories, in blatant violation of resolutions 242 (1967),
March — the so-called Summit of Determination and 338 (1973), 497 (1981) and 2334 (2016).
Solidarity — both adopted a number of resolutions
Most importantly, the Arab League Summits
and declarations. They have underscored the
unanimously affirmed our rejection of any deal or peace
determination of Arab States to implement international
initiative that does not conform with the international
legitimacy in accordance with international law,
terms of reference to the Middle East peace process.
the Charter of the United Nations and a number of
We reject the use of any political or financial pressure
resolutions and declarations of the Security Council
exerted on the Palestinian people and their leadership
and General Assembly on many issues. Those issues
with the aim of imposing unjust solutions to the
have been subjected to fierce attacks through unilateral Palestinian question that are incompatible with the
decisions that have blatantly violated the rules of international terms of reference of the peace process.
international legitimacy and multilateral rules of action We also reiterated our support for and endorsement of
through the United Nations and the Security Council. the peace plan presented to the Council by President
At the two Summits, the League of Arab States Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine on 20 February
underscored its determination to continue to implement 2018 in an attempt to counter the clear United States
the key principles that were adopted in Madrid and bias towards Israel (see S/PV.8183). The plan is based
Oslo, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative, the principle on strengthening multilateral international frameworks
of land for peace and the two-State solution as the through the Security Council, and it has not yet received
basis for the establishment of a Palestinian State with the due attention of the Council.
East Jerusalem as its capital. We also stressed at the The most recent Arab League Summit in Tunisia
Summits that the Palestine Liberation Organization also affirmed our rejection and condemnation of the
(PLO) will remain the sole legitimate representative decision of the United States of America to recognize
of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the sovereignty of Israel over the occupied Syrian Arab
President Mahmoud Abbas, and that the main principles Golan. We consider that decision null and void, and we
of the peace process, together with relevant Security believe that it constitutes a grave violation of the Charter
Council and General Assembly resolutions, constitute of the United Nations as well as Security Council
a firm basis for achieving the desired settlement of resolutions, in particular resolutions 242 (1967) and 497
the Palestinian question through direct negotiations (1981). We reiterate the full support of the League of
between the two parties on the five final status issues, Arab States for the right of the Syrian Arab Republic to

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restore its sovereignty over the occupied Golan, as well achieve our ultimate goal of a just, comprehensive and
as Lebanon’s right to restore its sovereignty over the lasting peace in the Middle East.
Lebanese Shaba’a Farms, the Kfar Shuba hills and the
The President: I now give the floor to the
northern part of the village of Al-Ghajar.
representative of Namibia.
The Foreign Ministers of Member States have been Mr. Gertze (Namibia): As your presidency of the
given a mandate to use all political, diplomatic and Council comes to a close, Sir, I would like to commend
legal means to continue to confront the decisions of the you for the manner in which you have led the Council
United States and intensify bilateral and multilateral this month. We further thank you for having organized
communication with the international community, this important debate and for the moment of silence at
including the possibility of submitting a draft resolution the beginning of this debate devoted to the victims of
to the Security Council and seeking an advisory terrorism and the recent terror attacks. I would also
opinion from the International Court of Justice stating like to thank the briefers for their comprehensive and
that the United States position is illegitimate, null and detailed briefings.
void. The Group of Arab States in New York continues
its consultations with a view to implementing those Since the previous open debate on the Middle East
efforts in coordination with many States, international (see S/PV.8449), the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has
and regional organizations, as well as those that have been dealt new and more devastating announcements.
expressed their rejection of the United States decisions The two-State solution is drifting further and further
in accordance with their commitment to internationally away as it faces new hurdles. For that reason, I believe
established positions, which is greatly appreciated by that it is important to first highlight the positive
developments that have occurred since I last spoke
the League of Arab States.
before the Council.
Having referred to the resolutions and declarations
Namibia welcomes the formation of a new
of the past two Arab League Summits, I cannot
Palestinian Government, with Prime Minister
conclude without first expressing our regret on behalf
Mohammad Shtayyeh at its head. We hope that the
of the Arab League at the shift from dealing with the
formation of that Government will encourage the
Middle East issue within the formal international
advancement of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We
multilateral framework of the United Nations and its
further welcome the positive developments in the
Security Council to parties outside the United Nations.
assistance and delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza
We now see that there are leaks, speculations, articles Strip. The creation of 4,200 jobs, with another 15,000
and statements issued via social media platforms. There expected soon, through the implementation of the cash-
have even been some press statements calling into for-work programme, is encouraging for Gaza and its
question the seriousness and effectiveness of the Arab economic development, which remains restricted due
proposal contained in the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. to the imposed Israeli blockade.
The Arab demands are being ignored. They Those most recent developments unfortunately
constitute the basis of the peace process and its represent the only few beneficial steps taken in the
objectives, including the settlement of the five past three months. While demonstrations along
final status issues through direct negotiations the perimeter fence in Gaza have continued, on
between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine 28 February the independent international commission
under international supervision that is neutral and of inquiry on the protests in the occupied Palestinian
transparent. We call on the Security Council now more territory released its report and presented its findings
than ever before to regain the initiative in dealing to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/40/74). The
with the important issue of the Middle East and commission investigated all 189 fatalities and tracked
reaffirm the foundations of international legitimacy more than 300 injuries caused by the Israeli security
within international multilateral frameworks in order forces along the border fence between 30 March
to strengthen the role of diplomacy for peace and 2018 and 31 December 2018, and found reasonable
enhance the role of the United Nations. The League of grounds to believe that in all but two cases, “the use
Arab States will continue to support the international of live ammunition by Israeli security forces against
community represented by this Council until we demonstrators was unlawful” (A/HRC/40/74, para. 94).

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We call on all parties to implement the recommendations urgent need for the parties to return to the negotiating
made by the commission, especially with regard to table. I reiterate all these words before the Council
the need for Israel to refrain from using lethal force again today.
against civilians.
But words are simply not enough. Strong political
Settler-related violence also increased during the will and desire are urgently required from all parties.
reporting period. As a result of the decision taken by The Security Council must also play its vital role and
the Israeli Government not to renew the mandate of the the international community at large must redouble
Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), its collective efforts to work more diligently and
thereby removing an essential element of protection with greater determination to bring the conflict to an
for the local population, a greater number of violent end and to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive
incidents transpired in the H2 area of Hebron. We echo peace between Israelis and Palestinians, with the
the words of the Secretary-General in our hope that an establishment of two States, ensuring the right to the
agreement can be found by all parties to preserve the self-determination, freedom and independence of
long-standing and valuable contribution of TIPH to Palestinians in their sovereign and independent State of
conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
in Hebron.
The President: I now give the floor to the
As outlined in the Secretary-General’s latest report representative of Pakistan.
(S/2019/251) on the implementation of resolution 2334
Ms. Lodhi (Pakistan): Let me too begin by thanking
(2016), Israel continues to expand its settlement activity
the German presidency for convening this open debate.
in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. The
demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures Discussions on this agenda item invariably leave
also continue unabated. On 7 April, Prime Minister us with a mounting sense of despair at the deteriorating
Netanyahu vowed to annex settlements in the occupied situation in the region. Escalating violence, worsening
West Bank. If undertaken, this would represent not humanitarian crises and untold human suffering have
only the greatest but the gravest threat to the two- seriously undermined the long-cherished vision of
State solution. a peaceful Middle East. In Libya, regional rivalries
and external interference have imperilled a United
Following President Trump’s decision in December
Nations-sponsored peace process, hurling the country
2017 to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,
towards another protracted conflict and magnifying
a month ago he signed an order recognizing Israeli
the threat of a grave humanitarian crisis. International
sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan. Namibia
efforts to find a political solution in Syria and ease the
wishes to recall that this measure goes against
humanitarian situation there have yet to accomplish the
resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981), which declared
desired objective. The political crisis in Yemen has also
that the Israeli Golan Heights Law is null and void and
produced an unprecedented humanitarian challenge.
without international legal effect, and further called
Millions remain on the brink of famine.
on Israel to rescind its action. We urge the Security
Council to condemn this decision. This situation has been aggravated by the emergence
of a dangerous trend — the systematic erosion of the
The Council meets on a monthly basis to discuss and
established norms of international law and principles of
receive updates from the Special Coordinator regarding
the Charter of the United Nations, which is worsening
the situation on the ground. Non-Council members are
an already fragile regional situation. Inclusive political
able to take the floor on this matter on a quarterly basis.
processes founded on respect for international law
I have been in my position as Permanent Representative
are being abandoned in favour of military solutions,
of the Republic of Namibia for a little over two years
plunging the region into deeper instability and chaos.
now. In my time here, as many other Ambassadors have
Competing interests pursued by external powers are
done, I repeat the same words before the Council — that
further accentuating regional fault lines.
settlement expansion is illegal under international law
and represents a threat to the two-State solution; that Another grim manifestation of this trend is evident
the two-State solution remains the only viable and in attempts to erode the long-standing international
realistic solution to this conflict; and that there is an consensus on the status of Jerusalem, as well as the

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unilateral decision to recognize Israel’s sovereignty of Palestinians, but has also resulted in endless hostility
over the Syrian Golan. These measures have dealt a and dissonance in the region. The continued erosion of
severe blow to the rule of law and international norms, international law and the fundamental principles of
besides frustrating the international community’s the Charter of the United Nations seriously undermine
efforts to find a long-term and peaceful solution to the the Council’s credibility and further highlight its
conflict in the Middle East. incapability of resolving long-standing disputes.
Lasting peace in the Middle East and elsewhere cannot
Concern about the plight of Palestinians has
be accomplished without fully respecting the principles
resonated in this Chamber for over seven decades now.
Regrettably, the suffering of the people of Palestine of international law and embracing the fundamental
continues to this day, with no hope of abatement. The tenets of the Charter, which remains our sole instrument
demolition of Palestinian homes continues across the of hope against injustice and oppression.
occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while In conclusion, we would like to call on the
Israel’s illegal settlements are expanding in blatant international community to uphold these principles and
disregard of international law and numerous Security to play its part in realizing the shared goal of a peaceful
Council resolutions. Israeli control of and restrictions on Middle East.
access to Muslim and Christian holy sites have further
inflamed tensions. In the midst of these disturbing The President: I now give the floor to the Chair
developments, the threat of the annexation of the West of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable
Bank now looms large. Rights of the Palestinian People.

In the besieged Gaza strip, civilian lives, particularly Mr. Niang: I would like at the outset to congratulate
those of children and young people, remain under threat Germany and France on their joint presidency of the
amid another intensifying cycle of violence that risks a Security Council.
broader escalation of the conflict. These infringements In January, we urged the Security Council to take
of the collective will of the international community are action and make progress on the road to achieving
taking us further from the goal of a two-State solution, the two-State solution and the full realization of
which underpins the vision of a peaceful Middle East. the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people (see
The Secretary-General has often reiterated S/PV.8449). This call has now become a matter of
that there is no plan B. A viable, independent and utmost urgency as we face the expressed intention by
contiguous State of Palestine, on the basis of the Israel to make the occupation irreversible and annex
internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders parts of the West Bank territory.
and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, remains the Extending Israeli laws and sovereignty on settlements
only sustainable guarantee for enduring peace in the in the West Bank is a flagrant violation of international
region. On the humanitarian front, the mobilization law and, if followed through, would thwart the chances
of resources to ensure sustainable funding for the of reaching a peaceful solution. These declarations
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine must be condemned by the international community
Refugees in the Near East remains critical for over and require urgent action in line with international law
5 million Palestinian refugees. and the relevant resolutions, as well as the international
The Palestinian question, along with the Kashmir community’s long-unfulfilled responsibilities towards
issue, remains on the United Nations agenda and has the Palestine question. If these worrying trends are left
been so since its very inception. It is indeed regrettable unchallenged, they will contribute to the entrenchment
that the international community and the United of the occupation, eroding the commitment to a two-
Nations have been unable to realize just and lasting State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by
solutions to these disputes. As a result, the peoples of side in peace and security within the pre-1967 borders
the occupied lands in Palestine and in Kashmir have and with a sovereign and independent State of Palestine,
endured prolonged repression and the denial of their with East Jerusalem as its capital.
legitimate right to self-determination.
The Committee was encouraged to note, during its
Lack of progress on the Palestinian issue has not various activities and, most recently, in its meetings
only frustrated the hopes and aspirations of generations with European Union and Belgian officials and

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parliamentarians during the Committee delegation recommendations, to promote compliance with human
visit to Brussels in March, that a solution based on rights obligations and to ensure respect for international
these long-standing parameters continues to enjoy the humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory,
overwhelming support of the international community. including an investigation into possible war crimes and,
if appropriate, the prosecution of suspected perpetrators
Recently, steps have been taken to undermine the
of international crimes.
permanent settlement of the conflict by unilaterally
dismantling the agreed building blocks of the final Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains volatile
status issues, including settlement construction, the and demonstrations at the fence with Israel are ongoing.
right of return of Palestine refugees and the status of On 30 March, the first anniversary of the Great
Jerusalem, among others. Moreover, the obligation March of Return, 50,000 protestors gathered. Four
under international humanitarian law to protect the Palestinians were killed and 207 injured on that day
Palestinian population is also being disregarded by the alone. An economy captive and dependent on Israel,
occupying Power, including in Gaza. Regrettably, on de-development and high levels of unemployment
29 January, the mandate of the Temporary International among frustrated youth, especially in Gaza, where an
Presence in Hebron was not renewed and international environmental disaster is looming, can only lead to
monitors left the city, removing an essential element of disaster. The Committee reiterates its call on Israel to
protection for the local population. lift the 12-year illegal blockade that is creating dire
humanitarian conditions in the Strip.
Israeli settlement planning and construction and
the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property, In the meantime, the Committee reiterates its call
including in East Jerusalem, increasingly accompanied for the continuation of funding for the United Nations
by settler-related violence, are continuing unabated and Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
are illegal and in violation of resolution 2334 (2016), the Near East so that it can reliably and predictably
inter alia. As noted by the Secretary-General in his continue to deliver crucial services in health, education,
latest written report of 20 March (S/2019/251), the protection and social services until the time when the
advancement, approval or tender of more than 3,000 right of return of Palestine refugees is addressed in
units in the occupied West Bank is the largest batch final negotiations.
since May 2018. The Committee welcomes the written
Turning now to the newly formed Government of
reports of the Secretary-General on the implementation
the State of Palestine, the Committee hopes that this
of the resolution and looks forward to future reports in
will constitute a step towards reconciliation among
this format.
all political players to safeguard the interests of the
Paragraph 5 of resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Palestinian people and advance the realization of their
Member States to apply the principle of differentiation legitimate national aspirations.
in all their relevant dealings between the territory of the
In closing, the Committee would like to call on all
State of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
members of the Council and all supporters of the rights
Regrettably, some private companies continue to
of the Palestinian people — also represented around
disregard such provisions. It goes without saying that
this table — to take bold initiatives and move closer
third-party States must uphold their obligations under
to the establishment of a sovereign and independent
international law. It is only by respecting international
Palestinian State, based on its territorial contiguity,
law that we can ensure accountability and bring 52
which is the only recipe for a peaceful, stable and just
years of illegal occupation to an end.
solution for the Palestinian people.
The Committee welcomes the final report of the
The President: I now give the floor to the
independent international commission of inquiry
representative of Morocco.
established by the Human Rights Council to investigate
the demonstrations held between 30 March and Mr. Atlassi (Morocco) (spoke in Arabic): Let me
31 December 2018 (A/HRC/40/74), to identify those start by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming
responsible for violations of international human the presidency of the Security Council for this month
rights and international humanitarian law. We call and on your initiative to discuss the situation in the
on Member States to implement the Commission’s Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I would

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also like to extend our thanks to Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, peace. That very unique document seeks to preserve
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for her the status of Jerusalem and its special nature as a city
valuable briefing, as well as Mrs. Nada Majdalani and of multiple faiths, including its spiritual dimension and
Mr. Gidon Bromberg for their briefings. unique identity.
The policies adopted by the Israeli occupying The statement issued at the end of the historic visit
authorities against the Palestinian people, including to Morocco by His Majesty King Abdullah II of the
Judaization, settlement-building and oppression, are Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, upon invitation from
adding insult to injury in occupied Palestine. Not His Majesty King Mohammed VI, stated that, given
only is this complicating the situation there, but these their infinite care towards the Palestinian question, they
policies are also stirring up bitterness and hindering renewed their full support for the Palestinian people.
any movement towards initiating a peace process that The aim is to restore all their legitimate rights and enable
has been obstructed for years by undermining the them to establish their independent Palestinian State
possibility of the two-State solution. within the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem
as its capital, on the basis of the relevant international
Using force against defenceless civilians and
resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the principle
continued settlement activity in violation of United
of the two-State solution. His Majesty rejects all
Nations resolutions, in particular resolution 2334 (2016),
unilateral measures taken by Israel, the occupying
among others, can never lead to peace or the launch
Power, to change the legal, historic or demographic
of a political process. Rather, these actions merely
position, as well as the spiritual nature of East
serve to provoke the Palestinians and the international
Jerusalem, especially the Islamic and Christian shrines.
community. The lack of dignified living conditions
does not help to build trust or provide the appropriate As for the Syrian Golan, both His Majesty the
framework for launching the peace process to achieve a King of Jordan and King Mohammed VI affirmed that,
two-State solution along the lines of 4 June 1967. in accordance with the resolutions of international
legitimacy, the Syrian Golan is an occupied territory
Jerusalem holds particular prestige not for
and that Israel’s decision to annex it is illegitimate, null
Jerusalemites alone, but for all those who believe in the
and void and constitutes a violation of those resolutions,
three Abrahamic religions, as the first Qibla and the third
especially the relevant Security Council resolutions. In
of the holy shrines, thereby granting it a special legal
the same vein, King Mohammed VI has sent a team
status that cannot be altered in any way, in accordance
architects and artisans to preserve the historic and
with Security Council resolutions. His Majesty King
cultural aspects of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in coordination
Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee,
with Jordan.
has always paid close attention to the city of Jerusalem
and has always affirmed its historic, legal and political In conclusion, Morocco’s position on this conflict
position. He therefore calls on the United Nations, remains firmly based on the Arab Peace Initiative and
especially the permanent members of the Security all principles as well as terms of reference aimed at
Council, to assume their full responsibility in order to achieving peace. We call for an independent State of
avoid any change to that status or impede international Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the
efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. lines of 4 June 1967, living side by side with Israel in
peace, security and harmony.
His Majesty has called on more than one occasion
for no efforts to be made to undermine the status of The President: I now give the floor to the
Jerusalem, as this is one of the final status issues. observer of the Observer State of the Holy See to the
Given this established conviction regarding the status United Nations.
of Jerusalem for the adherents of the three heavenly
Monsignor Grysa: The Holy See wishes to thank
religions, on 30 March King Mohammed VI, Chairman
the German presidency for convening today’s open
of the Al-Quds Committee, alongside the Head of the
debate to consider the situation in the Middle East,
Catholic Church, Pope Francis, signed in Rabat an appeal
including the Palestinian question.
for Jerusalem. This is an endorsement by His Majesty
and the Pope regarding Jerusalem and its inviolability, In his briefings to the Council, the Special
stressing the spiritual aspects of Jerusalem as a city of Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay

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Mladenov, frequently paints a bleak picture of the populations who live there, but also have potentially
situation, in which tensions fester and intercommunity detrimental effects on peace and stability in the region.
violence has the potential to flare up at any moment. In As mentioned by the representative of Morocco, in his
Gaza, a disastrous humanitarian situation feeds despair recent visit to Morocco Pope Francis and His Majesty
among the Palestinian population, at times manipulated King Mohammed VI made a joint appeal on the
by extremist groups that resort to violence, while fear for importance of preserving the Holy City of Jerusalem
Israeli security increases. Too many innocent civilians as the common patrimony of humankind and especially
on both sides have paid the price of the indiscriminate the followers of the three monotheistic religions,
use of violence and force. as a place of encounter and as a symbol of peaceful
coexistence, where mutual respect and dialogue can be
The formation of a new Palestinian Government,
cultivated. They expressed their hope that full freedom
however, offers a glimmer of hope amid the shadows
of access to the followers of the three monotheistic
of despair that have for far too long characterized the
religions and their right to worship be guaranteed, so
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Indeed, unity is essential to
that in Jerusalem/Al-Quds Al Sharif they may raise
a politically stable and economically viable Palestine. In
their prayers to God, the Creator of all, for a future of
this regard, the Holy See commends the tireless efforts
peace and fraternity on Earth.
of neighbouring countries in forging talks with the
various Palestinian factions and facilitating dialogue I wish to conclude with a passage from the Easter
among them. These efforts remain important in terms message of Pope Francis for the Middle East:
of respecting the inalienable rights and achieving the
“May the light of Easter illumine all
legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, as well
Government leaders and peoples in the Middle
as attaining lasting peace and security for Israel.
East, beginning with Israelis and Palestinians, and
Real challenges, of course, remain. The spur them to alleviate such great suffering and to
increasingly fragmented Palestinian land will, with the pursue a future of peace and stability.”
passing of time, only make the two-State solution more
The President: I now give the floor to the
difficult to realize. Difficulty, however, does not mean
representative of Tunisia.
impossibility. It is therefore incumbent on the parties
themselves, on regional actors and on the rest of the Mr. Bougacha (Tunisia) (spoke in Arabic): It is
international community to make every effort and use my pleasure at the outset to express the appreciation of
all their political and diplomatic persuasion to prevent my country for your leadership, Mr. President, of the
this difficulty from becoming an impossibility. If the Council during the month of April. Likewise, I thank
two-State solution is to become a reality, the cycle Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for
of violence needs to be broken and both parties must Political Affairs, for her very valuable briefing. We also
resolve to avoid unilateral actions that would undermine pay tribute to the role of civil society in promoting a
the two-State solution, as we so often hear repeated in just settlement to the conflict in Middle East.
this Chamber.
This meeting takes place against the backdrop
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency of a tense and deteriorating situation due to Israel’s
for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is ongoing occupation and violation of international
experiencing a growth in demand for its services, resolutions, while establishing a de facto policy through
continues to play an essential role not only in providing its settlement activities in the West Bank and East
basic services for Palestinian refugees, but also as a Jerusalem — which are all provocations, aggressions
critical component of wider regional development and and violations of all the rights, shrines, territories and
security. The Holy See commends those countries that national capacities of the Palestinians— in addition to
have increased their donations to enable the Agency to its suffocating economic siege of the Gaza Strip.
carry out its work to ensure that the refugee population,
Tunisia reiterates its appeal to the Security
in particular children in the refugee camps, can live
Council and the international community to assume
with dignity.
their full responsibilities and take serious and urgent
Moves to change the identity of Jerusalem and action to pressure the occupying Power to comply
its status quo not only affect the already fragile with the resolutions of international legitimacy,

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including resolution 2334 (2016), to end settlements agreed international terms of reference, the Madrid
and occupation. This is critical if we hope to achieve principles and the Arab Peace Initiative. That would
any progress towards reaching a settlement to the be according to a specific timetable during which an
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in accordance with agreement should be reached regarding final-status
international law, the Arab Peace Initiative and the issues with international guarantees, including the
principle of the two-State solution. That would ensure issue of Jerusalem. We reaffirm that any endeavour
the establishment of an independent and sovereign or initiative to settle the conflict that does not take
Palestinian State within the lines of 4 June 1967, with into consideration the aforementioned criteria and
East Jerusalem as its capital, leading to a comprehensive the two-State solution is doomed to fail and will not
settlement of the Palestinian question and helping to achieve progress.
achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.
Tunisia stresses once again the illegality of
In the final statement of the Summit of the League recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied
of Arab States, held on 31 March in Tunisia, Arab Syrian Golan, which is in violation of the Charter of
leaders affirmed the central status of the Palestinian the United Nations and the resolutions of international
question and committed themselves to making every legitimacy, including resolution 497 (1981). My
effort to relaunch serious negotiations in accordance country’s delegation emphasizes, in line with the
with a certain timeframe. They also affirmed that statement of the Arab League summit in Tunisia,
peace, security and stability can be achieved only when that legitimizing the occupation is a totally rejected
it is based on a just and comprehensive solution to the approach. The most recent United States position on the
Palestinian question and the Arab-Israeli conflict as Golan does not alter the legal status of the Syrian Golan
a whole. The Arab leaders renewed their rejection of as a Syrian territory occupied by Israel in 1967. That
all the unilateral steps and actions of the occupying position has absolutely no legal effect and does not give
Power to change the historic and legal position of rise to any commitment or create any rights.
East Jerusalem.
In conclusion, my delegation joins international
Moreover, Arab leaders called upon the countries consensus on the need for urgent action by the
of the world not to recognize Jerusalem as the capital international community, especially the Security
of Israel or move their embassies there, as well as to Council, in order to make a real change in dealing
comply with resolutions 476 (1980) and 478 (1980). with the Palestinian question and to provide a serious
They renewed their rejection and condemnation of the and credible opportunity to reach a peaceful, just and
so-called Jewish nation-State law as a consecration of comprehensive solution, in accordance with the two-
racial practices and a denial of the rights of Palestinian States vision. That would achieve peace, security and
people, especially their right to self-determination. stability for all peoples of the region.
Arab leaders called on the international The President: I now give the floor to the
community and the Security Council to shoulder their representative of Iraq.
responsibilities and provide the necessary protection
Mr. Marzooq (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): At the
to the Palestinian people. They also renewed their
outset, allow me to thank Under-Secretary-General
commitment to contributing financially to the budget of
Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.
the State of Palestine in order to enable it to cope with
its economic and financial difficulties, especially under My country fully supports United Nations efforts
the arbitrary measures of the occupation authorities. to achieve peace, and condemns in the strongest terms
The Arab leaders also called on the international all terrorist attacks, including recent attacks in New
community to continue supporting the United Nations Zealand, Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso and the United States
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in of America. In that regard, we extend our deepest
the Near East so that it can provide basic services to condolences to the families of the victims.
Palestinian refugees.
We salute the Palestinian people for their
Tunisia expresses its support for any serious effort steadfastness and determination to endure the
to revive the peace process and return to negotiations severe economic, humanitarian and political crises
between the Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of they are facing. We fully support the policy of the

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Palestinian Authority and congratulate it on forming a seek a political, not a military, solution, rather than
new Government. wait for the occupying Power to annex other parts of
the West Bank.
Since the announcement of the creation of a plan
for peace in the Middle East, or so-called deal of the The President: I now give the floor to the
century, the occupying Power has committed a long list representative of Qatar.
of blatant violations with a view to changing the legal
Ms. Al-Thani (Qatar) (spoke in Arabic): I would
and demographic status of the occupied territories. It
like to express our appreciation for your tireless efforts,
continues to build illegal settlements and has ended
Mr. President, during your presidency of the Security
the temporary international presence in Hebron, while
Council this month. I thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo
freezing part of the Palestinian tax revenues and taking
other illegal decisions that are null and void in violation for her briefing this morning, as well as Ms. Nada
of the international resolutions and that could have Majdalani and Mr. Gidon Bromberg for theirs.
serious repercussions in the region. The Middle East is facing many threats to
As peace-loving States that are keen to expedite international peace and security. However, the
the deal of the century, we must work together to Palestinian question remains its biggest challenge. It is
strengthen the international front against all unilateral commonly recognized that a just, comprehensive and
decisions that perpetuate the occupation and to block lasting solution to the Middle East issue is the two-
the immunity granted to Israel, forcing it to respect and State solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by
implement international resolutions and agreements. side in peace and security. To that end, it is necessary
to establish an independent Palestinian State within
Iraq recognizes no solution that clearly and explicitly the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in
violates the resolutions of international legitimacy and line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, the
international law, nor do we acknowledge it as part of the Arab Peace Initiative, and to put an end to the Israeli
peace process. We renew our rejection of all violations occupation of the occupied Arab territories, including
by Israel, the occupying Power, against Muslim and the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.
Christian holy sites, especially attempts to change the
historical and legal status of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque The State of Qatar reaffirms its principled and
with temporal and spatial divides. Iraq commends firm position that the Golan is an occupied Arab land
the Al-Quds appeal, launched by King Mohammed and that Israel’s imposition of its laws, jurisdiction
VI of Morocco and Pope Francis, which stresses that and administration on the Golan is null and void with
Al-Quds Al-Sharif is a symbol of coexistence and no legal effect. The State of Qatar also rejects any
mutual respect for human heritage. Jerusalem unites attempt to undermine the status of Al-Quds, especially
and does not divide. We must therefore work to ensure the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is enduring the ongoing
that Al-Quds remains a symbol of peace. attempts of the Israeli occupying forces to storm it,
which is a clear violation of international legitimacy
Iraq deplores the United States declaration of Israeli and conventions.
sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan. We stress
that Syria has the right to fully recover the occupied The State of Qatar is working with the United
Syrian Golan, in accordance with the resolutions of Nations and the parties concerned to calm the situation
international legitimacy. We reject any decision that and provide an environment conducive to peace
entrenches Israel’s occupation of the Syrian Arab Golan while alleviating the humanitarian situation of the
or any other occupied Arab territory. Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, which is under
a fierce blockade. In that regard, His Highness Sheikh
In conclusion, we reiterate our call on the
Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar,
international community to fulfil its commitments
has allocated $150 million in emergency aid to address
and take the steps necessary to revive the peace talks
the dire Palestinian humanitarian situation. Qatari aid
in order to achieve a just and comprehensive solution
has secured enough fuel to generate electricity over the
based on relevant United Nations resolutions. We also
last period.
call on all countries that have not yet recognized the
Palestinian State to do so expeditiously, as that will The State of Qatar continues to emphasize its
provide the Palestinians with the support needed to position that the Syrian crisis can end only through

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a political solution that meets the aspirations of all the maintenance of international peace and security.
the Syrian people, in accordance with the Geneva We will continue that approach, which has been
communiqué (S/2012/522, annex) and Security Council acknowledged by the United Nations and the entire
resolutions, including resolution 2254 (2015), thereby world. In that regard, we wish to renew our support and
maintaining the national unity, territorial integrity, appreciation for the sincere mediation by His Highness
sovereignty and independence of Syria. We will Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of sisterly
continue to work with the United Nations and our Kuwait. We also wish to express our appreciation to the
international partners to achieve a political solution friendly countries that supported that mediation.
based on legal and international terms of reference.
We stress that we will continue our efforts to defuse
The State of Qatar is gravely concerned about the crises and achieve a lasting and comprehensive
the military escalation in western Libya in advance peace in the region.
of the Libyan national conference, which threatens
to undermine the United Nations-sponsored political The President: I now give the floor to the
solution. The dangerous escalation of the situation in representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Libya and the attack on Tripoli have serious implications Mr. Moncada (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)
for the unity of the country and the future of the (spoke in Spanish): The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
political situation that require the Security Council to has the honour to speak on behalf of the 120 States
take decisive measures to deter those responsible for members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries.
the escalation. The State of Qatar fully supports the
legitimate Government of National Accord, which is The Movement takes this opportunity to reaffirm
recognized internationally in keeping with Security its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their
Council resolutions, as well as the efforts of Special inalienable rights and just cause at a time when the
Envoy Ghassan Salamé to reach a just political solution situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian
for the brotherly Libyan people. territory, including East Jerusalem, is at a critical and
unsustainable juncture.
The nearly two-year-long unjust blockade imposed
on the State of Qatar constitutes a flagrant violation of The Security Council has the responsibility of
the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of ensuring the maintenance of international peace and
friendly relations among States, which obliges States security. The organ must uphold its obligations, as
to refrain from escalating and fuelling conflicts and established in the Charter of the United Nations, and
to resolve disputes by peaceful means. We believe that take action to implement its own resolutions, which
the fabrication of that crisis — whose objectives are constitute the basis for a peaceful, just and lasting
well-known — amid the tensions in our region not solution to the conflict and are legally binding for all
only harms the State of Qatar and the vital Arabian Member States. That is why we are concerned about the
Gulf region but also creates a dangerous precedent in fact that the Security Council has been unable to fulfil
international law by legitimizing illegal international its own mandate owing to the use of the veto by one of
measures, violating human rights and undermining the its permanent members.
efforts of the Council to maintain international peace
and security. The Movement continues to believe that resolution
2334 (2016) offers the only viable path to peace , by
The legal validity of the State of Qatar’s approach establishing the requirements for a just settlement on
to the Gulf crisis was reflected in the ruling issued by the basis of the two-State solution , and while respecting
the International Court of Justice in July 2018, which the terms of reference historically endorsed by the
demonstrated the determination of the State of Qatar to international community, in accordance with United
resort to the mechanisms provided by the international Nations resolutions, the Madrid principles , including
law to resolve disputes. the land for peace principle, the Arab Peace Initiative
The two-year-long blockade and the unjust and the Quartet road map. That should ensure that the
campaign against the State of Qatar have only served to Palestinian people enjoy their inalienable rights. We
enhance Qatar’s positive international standing and its therefore call for the implementation of the resolution
valuable contributions to international cooperation and and for it to be respected by the occupying Power.

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We insist on respect for and the implementation of must abide by its obligations and responsibilities under
all relevant United Nations resolutions. It is imperative international law.
that immediate action be taken to remedy the current
With regard to the occupied Syrian Golan, the
situation on the ground, reduce tensions and foster an
Movement reaffirms that any measures or actions
environment conducive to the quest for peace. We must
that the occupying Power Israel may take or has
avoid the adoption of unilateral, provocative or arbitrary
taken — such as the illegal decision of 14 December
measures, which serve only to embolden Israel to
1981, aimed at altering the legal status, physical
continue its illegal policies and practices in the occupied
character, demographic composition and institutional
Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
structure of the occupied Syrian Golan, as well as
The Movement continues to be concerned about Israel’s measures to implement its jurisdiction and
the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is especially administration in this area, including attempting to
grave on the humanitarian front and continues to exercise sovereignty over it by calling local elections
deteriorate day by day. We therefore call for the Israeli in four Syrian localities — are null and void and have
blockade to be completely lifted, which continues to no legal effect.
inflict unspeakable humanitarian, social and economic
Accordingly, and in line with our principled
suffering on more than 2 million Palestinian children,
position, we once again demand that Israel comply
women and men in Gaza.
with resolution 497 (1981) and withdraw completely
That crisis must be addressed comprehensively from the occupied Syrian Golan to the borders of June
and in accordance with international law, including 1967, in accordance with resolutions 242 (1967) and 338
international humanitarian law and human rights law (1973). We also condemn the unilateral proclamation
and all relevant United Nations resolutions, in the of the United States on recognizing the Golan Heights
context of Israel’s continued illegitimate and hostile as part of Israel and we call on the Security Council to
foreign occupation of Palestinian territory, since 1967, reject that provocative act.
and of all of the calls for an end to an occupation that
With regard to Lebanon, we reaffirm the need
has lasted for more than half a century.
for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territories,
Given that Israel has renounced its obligations as an including the areas of the Shaba’a farmlands, the
occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention Kfar Shuba hills and the Lebanese part of Al-Ghajar
to protect Palestinian civilians, the Movement calls on village up to the Blue Line. We also urge Israel to
the international community to ensure the protection of cease its violations of Lebanon’s territorial integrity
Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the and sovereignty, in accordance with international
occupied territories, in order to alleviate the occupied resolutions, particularly resolution 1701 (2006).
population’s critical situation of insecurity and prevent
To conclude, we call on the international
further losses of innocent lives. Failure to do so could
community to uphold international law and the
further aggravate the situation and lead to the tragic
Palestinian cause in a coordinated effort with the aim
loss of more civilian lives.
of ending that injustice. We reaffirm our commitment
The Movement expresses its indignation at Israel’s to a just, lasting, comprehensive and peaceful solution
impunity for all the violations it has committed, many of to the Palestinian question, including the suffering
which could be considered war crimes. The absence of of Palestinian refugees. We also express our support
justice leads to new crimes being committed and further for the heroic Palestinian people in their struggle to
destabilizes the situation on the ground, which in turn enjoy their inalienable rights and legitimate national
diminishes the prospects for peace, as indicated in the aspirations, including the rights to self-determination,
report (A/HRC/40/74) of the independent commission freedom and independence in their State of Palestine,
of inquiry established by the Human Rights Council with East Jerusalem as its capital.
to investigate the 2018 Gaza protests. That is why we
The President: I now give the floor to the
call for international action, especially by the Security
representative of Uruguay.
Council, to put an end to the occupying Power’s
systematic violations against the occupied Palestinian Mr. Bermúdez Álvarez (Uruguay) (spoke
civilians and hold it accountable for its crimes. Israel in Spanish): Uruguay attaches great importance

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to the different matters on the Security Council’s East Jerusalem, as well as the illegal measures that
Middle East agenda, which are always complex sustain them, is extremely worrisome. The eviction of
and multidimensional. Palestinian families and the continuous demolition and
confiscation of their property compound that scenario,
We wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General
while stoking speculation and heightening the risk of
for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary
plans for a future annexation. We condemn the fresh
DiCarlo, for her informative briefing, as well as the
acts of violence and terrorism against Israeli civilians,
co-Directors of EcoPeace Middle East, Mr. Gidon
including the firing of rockets and explosive devices
Bromberg and Ms. Nada Majdalani, for their briefings.
We also wish to thank the United Nations Special from Gaza, and the increase in settler violence against
Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Palestinian civilians, as well as the excessive use of
Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, for his continued and dedicated Israeli force in response. We categorically reject the
work, which Uruguay fully supports. incitement and glorification of all violent acts.

The ninth quarterly report (S/2019/251) of the For all those reasons, we would once again like to
Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution request both sides to adopt measures and make gestures
2334 (2016) — the second report submitted in writing in that gradually de-escalate and ease tensions, which
the permanent format that my country requested when is the only way to reach a definitive solution to the
it previously took the floor in the Council — provided conflict in the medium and long terms and a just and
a disappointing outlook last month in that we have lasting peace to this long-standing disagreement.
seen no improvements since December 2016. The few Last October, Uruguay presented a set of 10
positive measures that have been adopted have been measures in that regard, which we wish to reiterate
unable to reverse the negative trends on the ground, as today, including ending the launching of industrial
a result of which the viability of the two-State solution and homemade missiles from Gaza and ceasing all
is in serious jeopardy. actions that could be classified as terrorist; refraining
We once again recognize the potential contribution from the disproportionate repression of demonstrations
of the different multilateral, regional and unilateral in Gaza; suspending the settlement policy in the
initiatives — both those in force and those that are occupied territories; suspending demolition orders for
taking shape — but we are clearly still very far from Palestinian homes; fully recognizing the State of Israel;
achieving a solution to a conflict that has already returning prisoners or their corpses, as a minimum
lasted more than seven decades. The two-State solution demonstration of humanity in the conflict; consolidating
remains the only viable option; there is no plan B that reconciliation agreements between Fatah and Hamas to
can replace it. Uruguay maintains strong ties with both promote Palestinian unity and dialogue; and working
the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. We once for the economic potential of the region and options for
again reaffirm the right of Israel and Palestine to live cooperation. The experience demonstrated today by the
in peace within secure and recognized borders, in an representatives of EcoPeace Middle East should serve
atmosphere of renewed cooperation that is free from as a role model for that.
any threat or act that might breach the peace. Seventy years ago, the General Assembly adopted
We must return as soon as possible to the table resolution 181 (II). Thanks to the impetus of that
for direct negotiations that can clarify all pending international legal act taken by the Organization,
issues. That will be difficult, but to continue in the Israel and Palestine have continued to consolidate their
state of paralysis and stagnation that we are currently identity, rights and obligations as States and recognized
witnessing will be even worse. To achieve that goal, legal entities. As was the case 70 years ago, when it was
we must reverse the current negative trends on the responsive and eager to find a solution, the international
ground that are clearly detailed in Special Coordinator community today remains ready and expectant.
Mladenov’s most recent report, as it will otherwise be
A positive outcome is not advanced by leaders taking
extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Palestine to
action without considering their consequences, while
consolidate its State territory.
the international community supports and promotes
The intensification of the development, approval them in good faith. It is time to put aside hatred,
and construction of settlements in the West Bank and mental blockages and frustration. Any territory gained

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or exercise of misconceived sovereignty is worthless among all communities and faiths. We mourn the
if it is achieved at the cost of peace and prolongs the incomprehensible loss of innocent life.
struggle of the peoples that inhabit the region.
What is clear is that the situation on the ground in the
Before concluding, allow me to briefly touch Palestinian territories is fragile and cannot be neglected
upon the situations in Yemen, Syria and, owing to its any longer. The conflict has critically destabilized the
geographical proximity, Libya. Middle East, paving the way for extremist groups to
spread their messages of terrorism and violence. The
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen shows no signs of
international community must take united, practical
improvement. While the Stockholm Agreement marked
measures to save the prospects for peace and the two-
a beacon of hope in the long and bloody conflict, the
parties must respect what has been agreed and avoid State solution, on which we are all agreed.
actions on the ground that harm civilians and carry the The OIC is committed to an outcome that sees
risk of increasing famine, cholera and other afflictions. the establishment of an independent Palestinian State,
This month’s attack against a school in Sana’a is yet based on the June 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem
another example of the plight of millions of Yemenis as its capital, according to the relevant resolutions,
every day. the Arab Peace Initiative and the Madrid principles.
In Syria, we support the efforts of Special Envoy To reach such a just resolution, with Palestine and
Geir Pedersen to move forward the peace process Israel living side by side in peace, security and mutual
and the future integration of a balanced and credible recognition, the OIC calls on the Security Council and
constitutional committee, in line with resolution 2254 Member States to take the following steps as a priority.
(2015). First, we must urgently address the dire
Finally, the recent military escalation in Libya, humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian
encouraged by the support that some Council members territories, including East Jerusalem. Today’s discussion
and important actors in the region have offered to one serves to highlight the ongoing humanitarian, political
of the parties — a party that does not respect binding and economic crisis in the Palestinian territories,
international agreements — is endangering the United while recent reports about the grave conditions in
Nations-supported Government of National Accord and the Gaza Strip are cause for serious concern. The
pushing the country closer to another civil war. international community has a duty to act to avert a
humanitarian catastrophe.
The President: I now give the floor to the
representative of the United Arab Emirates. Israel’s near total closure of the Gaza Strip continues
to harm the nearly 2 million Palestinians living in the
Mrs. Nusseibeh (United Arab Emirates): I have the 41 by 11 kilometre territory. For more than a decade,
honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the member Israel has maintained a generalized travel ban, limiting
States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation travel to exceptional humanitarian cases. The result
(OIC). is that travel out of Gaza today is at about 1 per cent
At the outset, I would like to congratulate Germany of its level 20 years ago. Even in those exceptional
and France on their successful and innovative joint humanitarian cases, including those involving medical
presidencies of the Security Council over the past two patients, applicants often face difficulties in obtaining
months. I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary- travel permits.
General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs,
There are also severe restrictions on the entry and
Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, and the other briefers for their
exit of goods in Gaza, with significant consequences for
comprehensive and interesting briefing this morning.
Palestinians’ access to essential services. The limited
I would like to strongly condemn, on behalf of the supply of electricity often compromises the local
OIC, the recent attacks against worshippers of the three water supply, sewage treatment services and hospital
Abrahamic faiths in New Zealand and Sri Lanka and, operations, as we heard in this morning’s briefing.
in just the past two days, against a synagogue in San Shortages of fuel have led to a partial shutdown
Diego and a Protestant church in Burkina Faso, which of several hospitals for extended periods. Gaza’s
demonstrate the need to promote greater tolerance unemployment rate today is well over 50 per cent, and

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is even higher for women and youth, while 80 per cent sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan does not
of the population relies on basic humanitarian aid. alter the legal status of the Syrian Golan Heights under
international law.
We must therefore act to support the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Finally, we must provide the necessary assistance
the Near East (UNRWA), which provides aid to the and support for Palestinians to achieve economic
majority of Gaza’s population and to refugees in need and social development in line with the Sustainable
throughout the region. As we have heard, at the forty- Development Goals, to which we have all made a
sixth session of its Council of Foreign Ministers, held in commitment. The international community must
the United Arab Emirates in March, the OIC announced ensure that Palestinians are not left behind and are able
the establishment of an endowment fund for Palestine to build a self-sustaining national economy.
refugees, which will bolster the financial position of In conclusion, we affirm that the OIC will spare
UNRWA and enable it to sustainably deliver relief no effort to advance international peace and security
and humanitarian, educational and health services to through the promotion of a two-State solution whereby
Palestinian refugees. However, further mobilization Palestine and Israel live side by side in understanding,
is truly needed to provide UNRWA with sufficient, peace and prosperity.
predictable and sustainable funding. The OIC calls for
the continued generous support of Member States to The President: I now give the floor to the
that end. representative of Liechtenstein.

Secondly, we must all collectively drive Mr. Wenaweser (Liechtenstein): I thank you,
international momentum to break the deadlock in the Mr. President, for personally presiding over this open
political process. The international community and the debate. We welcome this exchange in the light of
Security Council have a crucial role to play in reaching developments in different parts of the Middle East and
a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict. hope that the Security Council will engage in open
We must intensify our efforts to launch credible debates on other countries’ situations as well.
negotiations on all final-status issues in the Middle We repeat our view that the two-State solution
East peace process, in accordance with the established to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the only
terms of reference. In that regard, the OIC reiterates viable avenue leading to sustainable peace between
that the only viable solution to the conflict is the two- Israelis and Palestinians and for the entire region. Our
State solution. The OIC reaffirms that safeguarding the position remains unchanged: settlement activities in
prospect for peace requires halting unilateral measures the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East
that undermine peace and security. To that end, Israel Jerusalem, are illegal under international humanitarian
must stop its illegal settlement activities, in accordance law. The decisions taken by the Council in that regard,
with resolution 2334 (2016), as they pose a major including resolution 2334 (2016), must be respected and
obstacle to the two-State solution. fully implemented by all parties and relevant actors.
We reiterate our deep concerns about Israeli With respect to recent developments concerning
control over, and restrictions to, access to Islamic the Golan, Liechtenstein stresses that the prohibition of
and Christian holy sites. Furthermore, any unlawful the annexation of territory is a cornerstone of the rules-
attempts to change the legal status of Jerusalem based international order. The annexation of territory
seriously jeopardize international security and must as a result of any use of force runs counter to the
end. The OIC emphasizes that international consensus established norms of international law. Annexation also
must be respected and the agreements that underpin the amounts to an act of aggression — the worst form of the
international order enforced. The Charter of the United illegal use of force — which is not only forbidden by
Nations applies to all without exception. international law but also subject to individual criminal
accountability, including under the Rome Statute of the
We reaffirm that our efforts to achieve international
International Criminal Court.
peace and security will not succeed without an end
to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab Last month marked the eighth anniversary of the
territories. In that regard, the OIC reiterates that the beginning of the war in Syria. Hundreds of thousands
recent recognition by the United States of Israeli of people have been killed and many more have been

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injured and displaced. The country has suffered international law, including the deliberate targeting of
large-scale destruction. There is an entire generation civilian populations and infrastructure and preventing
of children who have not known life without war. the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid. With
The entire region has been destabilized by an armed more than 20 million people in need of assistance, that
conflict shaped by foreign actors. The Security Council responsibility is more acute than ever. We call on the
has failed in the task of addressing the crisis and human members of the Council, in particular the 10 signatories
suffering in any meaningful manner. Six single and six of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency
double vetoes have been exercised, with tremendous Group code of conduct on mass atrocity crimes to live
human costs and far-reaching negative consequences up to that responsibility.
for the United Nations as a whole.
The President: I now give the floor to the
By creating the Impartial and Independent representative of Finland.
Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and
Mr. Sauer (Finland): I have the honour to speak on
Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most
behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, the General
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Assembly stepped in to counter the Council’s inaction
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
and ensure that the worst crimes committed will not
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the
go unpunished. The mechanism is operational and
United Kingdom. The full written version of these
fully part of the institutional framework of the United
remarks will be circulated in the Chamber.
Nations, as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly.
Last week’s submission of the report of the Mechanism The situation in the Middle East continues to
(see A/73/741) to the General Assembly made it clear deserve full international attention. The European
that the Mechanism currently represents the best hope Union (EU) wishes to express its serious concern about
that the Syrian people will one day see justice served. the current trends on the ground, which threaten the
viability of the two-State solution and are dismantling
There can be no sustainable peace without justice,
it piece by piece.
in particular not for a conflict characterized by the use
of chemical weapons, the systematic use of torture and As already recalled in recent debates, the Middle
summary executions, as well as sexual and gender-based East peace process remains a key priority for the
violence and the indiscriminate shelling of civilian European Union. The EU’s position has been consistent
areas. Justice must be an integral part of any political and remains unchanged. Our position is determined
settlement, and we welcome the strong signal to that on the basis of what we believe is in the best interests
effect emanating from the third Brussels Conference, of peace and stability in the region, as well as our
held in March. Despite the sobering track record of the adherence to international law and the relevant Security
Council, we continue to call on it to finally refer the Council resolutions.
situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
We see no viable alternative to a negotiated two-
Like many, we consider the Stockholm Agreement State solution that falls within the internationally agreed
of December 2018 on Al-Hudaydah a milestone that parameters set out in the European Council conclusions
brought hope to the people of Yemen for progress of July 2014; fulfils the legitimate aspirations of both
towards an end to the conflict. Its swift and effective parties, including both Israeli and Palestinian security
implementation is crucial to reaching a sustainable needs and Palestinian aspirations for an independent,
political settlement. Like many as well, we are democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of
disappointed by the painfully slow progress to date Palestine; ends the occupation that began in 1967; and
and call on the Council to put its full weight behind resolves all final-status issues, including the status of
the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Jerusalem as the future capital of both States.
to ensure that all parties and stakeholders deliver on
It remains our first priority to keep the two-
their commitments.
State solution alive and, to that end, to safeguard the
The Council has a crucial responsibility to possibility of new peace negotiations being held. We
protect civilians from the most serious crimes under hope that both the new Palestinian Government and

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the future Government of Israel will share with us the We continue to follow the situation in Gaza with
importance of resuming the peace process. In order to great concern. We have repeatedly called on all parties
achieve a just and lasting peace, any future plan for to take swift steps to bring about a fundamental change
Israel and Palestine must recognize and build upon the in the humanitarian, political, security and economic
internationally agreed parameters. situation in the Gaza Strip, including the end of the
closure and the full opening of the crossing points,
Israeli settlement construction has continued
while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
unabated in recent months; plans for more than 4,600
The EU pays tribute to the efforts led by Egypt and the
new housing units were advanced by the Israeli
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East
authorities only last week. The European Union’s
Peace Process to avoid further escalation and attempt to
position on the Israeli settlement policy is clear and
improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
remains unchanged: we will continue to consider
Israeli settlements and their expansion in the occupied We welcome Israel’s decision to increase part of the
West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as illegal under fishing zone from 12 to 15 nautical miles off Gaza’s
international law. The settlement policy erodes the coast. We hope that decision will lead to additional
viability of the two-State solution and the prospects for steps towards the further lifting of restrictions. As the
a lasting peace, as reaffirmed by resolution 2334 (2016). health system in Gaza continues to be under severe
strain, we urge all parties to facilitate the entry of much-
The EU also expects the Israeli authorities to
needed personnel and medical supplies. The lifting
take steps to restrain the increasing settler violence.
of restrictions on the movement of people, including
The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has
to benefit those in need of medical care, services
continued to deteriorate, with no clear political horizon
and goods — in particular many goods designated
in view. The EU firmly condemns all acts of violence,
as dual-use items — is essential for reconstruction,
terrorism and incitement to violence and hate, which are
service delivery and required infrastructure projects.
fundamentally incompatible with advancing a peaceful
two-State solution. In addition, the United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
The EU wishes to express its concern regarding
(UNRWA), which supports over 5 million Palestinian
the recent funding crisis of the Palestinian Authority,
refugees, is facing serious financial challenges for 2019.
which has been exacerbated by Israel’s decision to
The majority of Gaza’s population is directly dependent
withhold a percentage of the revenues it collects on
upon UNRWA’s food support for their basic needs.
behalf of the Palestinian Authority and the latter’s
The Agency lacks sufficient funds to meet its food
subsequent refusal to accept any clearance transfers
delivery to Gaza past June. UNRWA is key to regional
unless the full amount is reinstated. Israel must fully
stability. We would like to commend UNRWA’s efforts
implement its obligations under the Paris Protocol.
to overcome the recent financial crisis. We firmly
The EU also supports the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee
support UNRWA’s mandate and encourage others to
for the Coordination of the International Assistance
also demonstrate their support for its work.
to Palestinians, which contributes to safeguarding the
two-State solution, and it encourages the parties to The European Union is concerned by the findings
closely coordinate with the donors. in the report of the United Nations Independent
Commission of Inquiry (A/HRC/29/52), in particular
The EU reiterates its call upon all Palestinian factions
that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use
to engage in good faith with a view to reconciliation. A
of live ammunition by Israeli security forces against
single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian Authority,
demonstrators may be unlawful. The Commission is of
with a common national vision and full control over
the opinion that the Israeli Government has consistently
the whole Palestinian territory, including Gaza, is
failed to meaningfully investigate crimes and violations
critical for fulfilling the national aspirations of the
committed against Palestinians.
Palestinian people and achieving a viable Palestinian
State. We reiterate that there is no State of Palestine We urge the Israeli Government to carry out
without Gaza, or with Gaza alone. In that context, the meaningful investigations. The EU recalls that
EU encourages the prompt establishment of a date for compliance with international law, including
the planned Palestinian elections. international humanitarian law and international human

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rights law, by States and, when applicable, by non-State to address the Security Council twice this month under
actors is a cornerstone for peace and security. All those your able leadership, Mr. President. We appreciate the
responsible for non-compliance with those norms must convening of this quarterly open debate on the situation
be held accountable. Human rights must be respected in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
on both sides.
We thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-
The EU recalls the importance of a thriving and General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, as well
diverse non-governmental organization (NGO) sector as the co-Directors of EcoPeace Middle East, for their
and broader civil society sector and the vital role that invaluable perspectives on the subject matter. Our
they play in open and democratic societies. We are delegation also acknowledges the outstanding service
concerned that, in the current political landscape, the of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the
efforts of those on all sides who seek to bridge the gap Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov,
between Israelis and Palestinians are being undermined. in fulfilling what remains one of the most intense yet
The EU recalls the importance of the unhindered work most important responsibilities of the international
of civil society organizations, in particular human community and the Security Council.
rights organizations, both in Israel and the occupied
We align ourselves with the statement delivered
Palestinian territory, as they contribute to finding
on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries;
common ground and work towards the achievement of
however, we wish to highlight a few points in our
the two-State solution. In that regard, we urge Israel to
national capacity.
allow Mr. Omar Shakir and Human Rights Watch to
continue their human rights advocacy work unimpeded. As we meet here today, the recent mass suicide
The EU will continue to grant financial support to bombings at places of worship and hotels in Sri Lanka;
projects proposed by both Israeli and Palestinian NGOs the shooting at a synagogue in southern California here
to address issues relating to human rights, equality and in the United States; and another attack at a Protestant
peacebuilding, as it does for similar proposals from all church in Burkina Faso are sad reminders that the
over the world. world is becoming increasingly dangerous and call on
us to act together and decisively. We condemn in the
While upholding its policy of clearly distinguishing
strongest terms those acts of violence and offer our
between the territory of the State of Israel and the
condolences to all those affected.
territories occupied by it since 1967, the EU rejects any
attempts to isolate Israel and does not support calls for a As the world continues to witness the deteriorating
boycott against Israel. The EU stands firm in protecting situation in Israel and in Palestine, Botswana remains
the freedom of expression, the freedom of press and equally concerned about the developments in the
the freedom of association, in line with the Charter of region. Without any doubt, the ongoing situation has an
Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The EU adverse impact on the political, economic and security
stresses the importance of ensuring that journalists in situations of both Palestinians and Israelis. Of further
Israel, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and worry is that those trends undermine meaningful
Gaza can perform their professional duties without negotiations and prospects for achieving lasting peace
undue interference. and the realization of the ultimate goal of a two-
State solution. We are especially deeply concerned by
Lastly, the position of the European Union on the
reports in Gaza indicating a dire situation that is at risk
status of the Golan Heights has not changed. In line
of major escalation, with retaliatory actions causing
with international law and resolutions 242 (1967) and
severe humanitarian suffering, deaths and injuries of
497 (1981), the European Union does not recognize
innocent civilians. We therefore call for restraint in the
Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
use of excessive and lethal force, for the protection of
International law affirms very clearly that borders
the lives of all.
cannot be changed by military force.
Our delegation welcomes the report of the
The President: I now give the floor to the
Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution
representative of Botswana.
2334 (2016) (S/2019/251), relating to Israeli settlements
Mr. Kelapile (Botswana): At the outset, our in the occupied Palestinian territory. We remain
delegation expresses its gratitude for the opportunities troubled by how little progress was achieved during the

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reporting period. We are particularly concerned about strengthening of coordination of international efforts
the ongoing settlement activities in the Palestinian to that just end.
territories. We reiterate that those actions are in
The President: I now give the floor to the
violation of international law and constitute a significant representative of Saudi Arabia.
obstacle to achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive
peace in the Middle East. We echo the call for complete Mr. Al-Mouallimi (Saudi Arabia) (spoke in
adherence to obligations under various international Arabic): At the outset I would like to congratulate you,
instruments, as well as the call to refrain from any steps Mr. President, on presiding over the Security Council
that could reverse progress towards the resumption of for this month. I wish friendly Germany every success.
the peace process. United Nations resolutions, especially Security
Our delegation fully supports the international Council resolutions, are the basis for relations among
community’s continued efforts towards finding a Member States in order to achieve the lofty goals of the
negotiated settlement on the Middle East conflict. Organization, in particular maintaining international
peace and security, ending occupation and granting
We remain optimistic in our collective ability to exert
peoples their right to self-determination. However,
influence on the parties concerned to resume the
Israel has clearly failed to fulfil its commitments under
intra-Palestinian peace talks, with a view to paving the
the Charter of the United Nations. Israel has continued
way forward towards relaunching the Israeli-Palestinian
to violate human rights in a blatant manner.
dialogue. In that regard, we welcome the momentum
maintained throughout several recent gatherings, The latest of the Israeli illegitimate practices was
including the third intra-Palestinian meeting, a enacting a law that would allow the occupying Power
conference of a group of Arab and European Foreign to withhold tax revenues belonging to the families
Ministers and the first joint summit of the League of of Palestinian martyrs and detainees. Israel has also
Arab States and European Union member States, all continued its settlement expansion on Palestinian
held in February. territory and has continued to violate the sanctity of
religious sites.
There is certainly a lot to be gained if the Palestinian
leaders and their people can reunite behind their desirable The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms that the
and well-deserved cause for self-determination. But Palestinian question is its first priority and that any
the prevailing rift and divisions among the Palestinian solution that does not grant Palestinians the right
to establish their own independent State along the
leadership in itself greatly undermines their collective
4 June 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, is
ability to engage meaningfully in the peace process as
doomed to fail. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains
a united negotiating force.
committed to international legitimacy, including the
Allow me to conclude by once again reiterating relevant Security Council resolutions and the Arab
our delegation’s long-standing position and conviction Peace Initiative.
that there is no alternative to the two-State solution. We
We stress once again the need to provide protection
believe that bringing about lasting peace in the Middle for the Palestinian people, to protect occupied Jerusalem
East, whereby Palestinians and Israelis live side by and to maintain its Arab, Muslim and Christian identity
side in a peaceful and dignified manner regardless of as well as its legal and historical status. We also stress
race, religion or otherwise, remains a cause still worth the need for Israel to end its occupation of all Arab
pursuing. That would be the greatest investment and territories, including the Syrian Arab Golan, the Sheba’a
peace dividend by the international community for Farmlands and all other occupied Lebanese territories.
generations to come.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its
We take this opportunity to reaffirm Botswana’s steadfast position on the Syrian Arab Golan as an
solidarity with the Palestinian people, as well as our occupied territory, according to resolutions 242 (1967)
unwavering support for a sovereign Palestinian State as and 497 (1981). We reject any decision to recognize
determined by the pre-1967 international borders, with Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. We underline that
East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the relevant any such recognition does not change the legal status of
Security Council resolutions. We renew our call for the the occupied Syrian Arab Golan.

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Iran continues its provocative expansion approach put an end to their suffering, as is the case in Yemen,
in the Middle East by supporting the participation the Sudan, Libya and Syria.
of the terrorist Lebanese organization Hizbullah in
The President: I now give the floor to the
the fighting in Syria and by supporting the Houthi
representative of Ecuador.
militias in Yemen, which refuse to implement the
Stockholm Agreement. Ms. Yánez Loza (Ecuador) (spoke in Spanish): My
delegation is grateful for the convening of this meeting.
We welcome the decision by the United States to We recall that the United Nations has reaffirmed the
consider the Islamic Revolutionary Guard of Iran and Security Council’s permanent responsibility
Hizbullah as terrorist organizations, as well as the
decision by the United Kingdom to consider Hizbullah “with regard to the question of Palestine until the
as a terrorist organization. We call on the Security question is resolved in all its aspects in accordance
Council to take all the necessary measures to list those with international law and relevant resolutions”,
two organizations, including the Houthi militias, as as set out in the seventh preambular paragraph of
international terrorist organizations. We also call on General Assembly resolution 73/19, of 2018.
the Council to demonstrate the necessary courage
and to name the parties that continue to obstruct the We are also grateful for the informative briefings
peace process in Yemen, first of which is Iran, which by Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo,
continues to provide the Houthis with weapons, in the work done in the field by the co-Directors of
EcoPeace Middle East, the Secretary-General’s report
clear contravention of resolutions 2140 (2014) and
(S/2019/251) on the implementation of resolution 2334
2216 (2015). My country’s Government stresses the
(2016) and the April report prepared by the Office of
importance of reaching a comprehensive political
the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle
solution in Yemen, in line with Council resolutions,
East Peace Process (S/2019/251).
including resolution 2216 (2015), the Gulf Cooperation
Council initiative and the outcome of the Yemeni Nevertheless, this year we once again express our
National Dialogue Conference. We also stress the need concern about the very serious deterioration of the
to implement the Stockholm Agreement as the first step situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including
towards a comprehensive political solution. East Jerusalem. As of March, the situation has not
changed. The reports I mentioned give an account of the
My country supports the efforts of the Special persistent factors that threaten the stability of the West
Envoy for Syria to resolve the Syrian crisis. We Bank and the survival of the aspiration of building a
hope that Syrians will be able to take the appropriate Palestinian State, such as the expansion of illegal Israeli
measures for establishing the suggested constitutional settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East
committee, which will be tasked with drafting a new Jerusalem, the demolition and confiscation of properties
Syrian constitution that guarantees equality for Syrians and the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure. All
and fulfils their aspirations to freedom and dignity. that is compounded by declining financial support,
We stress the need to put an end to the suffering of which has lead to a severe fiscal crisis coupled with
detainees, abductees and the disappeared in Syria in growing humanitarian needs and the lack of political
order to release them or shed light on their whereabouts prospects for a negotiated solution.
and their fate. That remains a humanitarian concern
that should not be subject to bargaining. We again appeal to Israel to review its decision on
the partial withholding of 6 per cent of the revenues it
The countries of the region have long suffered collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. We also
from conflicts and imposed wars, especially the Israeli condemn the indiscriminate firing of rockets and mortar
occupation of Palestine and the Iranian attempt to shells against Israeli civilians, which is prohibited by
impose its hegemony on the Arabian Gulf. It is time to international humanitarian law. We condemns violence
put an end to occupation and hegemony in the region by all actors.
and ensure freedom and prosperity.
In November 2018, 156 Member States voted in
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will always be the favour of General Assembly resolution 73/19, which
first to support the people and their decisions so as to reaffirms the need to achieve a peaceful settlement to

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the question of Palestine, at the heart of the Arab-Israeli sustainable ways to continue to support UNRWA and
conflict, in all its aspects, and to intensify all efforts alleviate tension in Gaza.
to that end, as well as the urgency of safeguarding the
The President: I now give the floor to the
prospects for achieving the two-State solution, Israel
representative of Malaysia.
and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security
within recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 Ms. Osman (Malaysia): First and foremost, I
borders, and of making tangible progress towards the wish to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this
implementation of that solution and towards a just important open debate, which allows non-members
solution to all final-status issues. In addition, 148 States of the Security Council to express their views on the
also shared our position on several provisions relating worrisome situation in the Middle East, in particular
to occupied East Jerusalem and reiterated that any in the occupied Palestinian territory. It is our sincere
measures taken by Israel to impose its laws, jurisdiction hope that the views expressed here will be considered
and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem are seriously by the members of the Council for the sake of
illegal and therefore null and void and have no validity maintaining peace and security in the region.
whatsoever, and called upon Israel to put an immediate Malaysia wishes to align itself with the statements
end to all such illegal and unilateral measures. The delivered earlier by the representative of the United
Secretary-General’s report nevertheless shows that the Arab Emirates, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic
evictions and displacements of Palestinians continue Cooperation, and by the representative of the Bolivarian
and that settlement activity threatens to increase. Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of the Movement of
In the face of the persistent serious and Non-Aligned Countries.
deteriorating situation, my delegation reiterates its Malaysia is greatly concerned over Israel’s recent
call to the international community to make tangible irresponsible statement on its intentions to annex the
progress in supporting the advancement of a definitive West Bank. Given that Israel has managed to expand
and just peaceful political solution on the basis of the illegal settlements at an unprecedented scale, continues
existence of two States, Palestine and Israel, which, as to demolish Palestinian homes and structures, continues
the Secretary-General has reiterated, is the only way to to bring unimaginable death, suffering and misery to
achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, restore the people of Palestine, be they in the West Bank or
the rights of the Palestinian people and bring about the Gaza, that statement has come as no surprise. It follows
establishment of an independent State of Palestine as a Israel’s stated intention to annex the Golan Heights
full-fledged Member of the United Nations. just a few weeks earlier, which regretfully, the United
Our delegation would like to acknowledge the States has recognized.
invaluable efforts made by the United Nations Special Malaysia is deeply disappointed that the United
Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Egypt States would recognize the forced and illegal occupation
and all States involved to contribute to stability in of a land that belongs to a sovereign State. We hope
the region. that the United States can demonstrate leadership in the
Finally, my delegation expresses its full support Palestine-Israel conflict. As the leader of the free world
for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and and the leading country advocating democracy, the
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near United States can certainly bring about the necessary
East (UNRWA) and its appreciation to the Agency’s changes so that we can make tangible progress in the
peace process. In that regard, the United States, as well
Commissioner-General and staff for their tireless
as other members of the Security Council, must do
efforts and valuable work in assisting Palestine refugees
their part to allow both Palestine and Israel to resume
with emergency assistance, which has saved the lives
negotiations on finding a solution to the Palestine and
of 1.5 million Palestine refugees affected by conflict
Israel conflict. Malaysia is confident that, with the
and humanitarian crises, especially in Gaza and Syria.
support of the international community, much more can
We welcome with hope the strategic dialogue of the
be achieved than what we have arrived at today.
Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of
International Assistance to Palestinians that will take Malaysia condemns the continuous use of force
place tomorrow, 30 April, in Brussels, to discuss by Israel against Palestinian protesters during the

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rallies in March this year to commemorate the first standing trust deficit owing to the Council’s inaction
anniversary of the Great March of Return. The regime’s must be overcome now.
total contempt and disregard for the findings of the
The President: I now give the floor to the
Independent International Commission of Inquiry
representative of Bangladesh.
on the protests in the occupied Palestinian territory,
published less than a month ago (A/HRC/40/74), has Mr. Bin Momen (Bangladesh): Please accept
only proved the intransigence of the Israeli regime. my heartfelt thanks, Mr. President, for Germany’s
The international community has a duty to collectively successful leadership on the work of the Security
ensure that Israel’s continued violations are put to an Council during the month of April. We join other
end. The escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and delegations in thanking the Under-Secretary-General
the West Bank in recent weeks, leaving dozens more for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the other
innocent Palestinian civilians dead, paints an even briefers for their comprehensive briefings this morning.
bleaker future for the prospects of a two-State solution. I also join other speakers in condemning the recent
attack at a synagogue in San Diego in the United States
Malaysia reiterates its call on all States Members of of America.
the United Nations and the international community to
continue pressing Israel and demand that it immediately My delegation aligns itself with the statement made
and completely cease all illegal settlement activities in by the representative of the United Arab Emirates on
the occupied territories as well as the ongoing illegal behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
demolition of Palestinian homes. Israel must end all We congratulate the formation of new Palestinian
other violations of international law and international Government this month, with Mr. Mohammad Shtayyeh
humanitarian law and fully comply with all the relevant as its Prime Minister.
Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334
(2016), and the Charter of the United Nations. I would like to speak today on three specific areas
of concern. First, with regard to political and human
Malaysia strongly condemns the proclamation by rights situation, for a long time the international
the United States to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over community has been overburdened with the recurring
the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights are and will violations of international human rights law and
always be an indivisible part of Syria. Malaysia finds humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory,
it unacceptable that the United States would recognize including East Jerusalem. The persistence of patterns of
the forced and illegal occupation of land that belongs violations cannot be viewed in isolation from measures,
to a sovereign country. Malaysia calls on the United statements and provocations by Israel, the occupying
States to respect and uphold its responsibility under the Power, or other parties, aimed at further destabilizing
resolution 497 (1981). Israel must be made to withdraw the region and beyond and delaying the prospects for a
fully from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. successful outcome of the peace process.
The current deadlock in the Middle East peace For nearly 5 million Palestinians living under
process needs firm and pragmatic solutions in occupation, the degradation of their water supply, the
accordance with international law and norms. It is exploitation of their natural resources, the destruction of
therefore important that the international community their environment and denial of right to their health are
create conditions conducive to peace talks in order to symptomatic of the lack of any meaningful control they
improve prospects for finding a peaceful solution to have over their daily lives. The 2018 report (A/73/53)
this long-standing conflict. Malaysia remains steadfast of the Human Rights Council also addressed concerns
with respect to its long-standing and principled position regarding arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and torture,
for the inalienable rights of Palestinians, including the increasing restrictions on the rights to the freedoms
establishment of an independent and sovereign State of expression, association and peaceful assembly,
of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East the tightening of restrictions on movement, and
Jerusalem as its capital. We are unequivocal in our continued and across-the-board lack of accountability.
conviction that the Security Council must reassume its Such violations weaken the international system and
rightful role as the ultimate broker, particularly with contribute to further deepening the current political
respect to the Palestine-Israeli conflict. The long- impasse and jeopardizing opportunities for making

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the two-State solution a reality. People living in the their political, social, economic and cultural hardships
occupied Palestinian territory need to be able to stand and pave the way for them to achieve the Sustainable
up for their rights without being punished for their Development Goals.
courageous advocacy and calls for action. The Council
We believe all barriers to streamlining internal
must take immediate action to ensure that Israel ceases
revenue collection should be eliminated. Financial
its violations of international law when responding to
support to Palestine is also required. We strongly
any just demonstration by the innocent and unarmed
suggest that prompt intervention is needed to compel
people of Palestine. We must ensure legal accountability
the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs
and end impunity for the excessive use of force against
the freedom of movement of goods and of the 1.8 million
largely peaceful Palestinian demonstrators.
civilians of the Gaza Strip.
The second point that I wish to highlight is related to
humanitarian concerns. No doubt this volatile situation The international community, with the Security
is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis facing the Council at the forefront, must continue to act to ensure
Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Under accountability for all Israeli violations and provide
the pretext of a security threat to Jewish settlers in the protection for the Palestinian people as long as Israel’s
occupied territory, thousands of Palestinian civilians illegal foreign occupation persists and the inalienable
have been rendered homeless and forced to live under rights of the Palestinian people are denied. As the
tragic circumstances owing to Israeli offensives on the Israeli colonial settlement policy constitutes blatant
Gaza Strip, which has been tightly closed for almost 11 contempt and systematic violations of numerous United
years now. The dire situation on the ground has grown Nations resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016),
steadily more dangerous as a result of the illegal Israeli we once again call upon the international community
blockade and escalation of military aggression and raids to respect that resolution and ensure that Israel respects
carried out in the occupied territory, including East it as well, in particular its paragraph 5, which obliges
Jerusalem. This aggression has resulted in the tragic Israel not to deal with settlements.
loss of civilian lives and a high number of casualties We reiterate our call upon the Security Council to
among Palestinian civilians, including children. The recommend and positively consider the admission of
extent of the vulnerability of the Palestinian people and State of Palestine as full Member of the United Nations.
their deepening poverty is responsible for the increase
in the number of Palestinian refugees. Programmes We urge international actors to engage
undertaken by the United Nations Relief and Works constructively and effectively to sponsor a multilateral
Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East political peace effort to achieve a just and lasting
(UNRWA) are also facing serious shortfalls. For our peace in the Middle East based on relevant United
part, pursuant to the directive of our Prime Minister Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. It
Sheikh Hasina, we contributed $50,000 to UNRWA’s is now our — the international community’s — moral
programme budget last year. I hope other countries that responsibility to strive to have an impact with a view to
have championed humanity will also come forward to enabling the Palestinian people to live in freedom and
keep UNRWA going with their voluntary contributions. dignity in their Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem
as its capital.
My final point relates to the necessity of promoting
socioeconomic development for the people of Palestine. The President: I now give the floor to the
We are advocating here at the United Nations under the representative of Cuba.
slogan of leaving no one behin. However, according to
Ms. Rodríguez Abascal (Cuba) (spoke in
the United Nations country team, the Israeli occupation
Spanish): We align ourselves the statement made by the
has contributed directly to poverty, unemployment
representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
and a prolonged humanitarian crisis. The mere fact
on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries.
of living under occupation for five decades has left
Palestinians from all walks of life disadvantaged or The Cuban delegation regrets that since the last
vulnerable in some way. An end to the occupation is open debate on this issue (see S/PV.8449) there has been
therefore a must. We cannot be “one people” if we do no progress in favour of the just cause of the Palestinian
not help our Palestinian brothers and sisters overcome people. On the contrary, there was a dangerous

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worsening in the deterioration of the situation on the We reaffirm our full support for a comprehensive,
ground over the past quarter. just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, based on a two-State solution that allows
As we commemorate the first anniversary of
the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-
the Great March of Return, Israel continues to use
determination and their right to an independent
indiscriminate and disproportionate force against tens
and sovereign State with pre-1967 borders and East
of thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return
are peacefully demonstrating for an end to the illegal for refugees.
Israeli occupation, the blockade of the Gaza Strip and
the realization of all the rights of the Palestinian people. We express to the people and the Government
Israeli air strikes and bombings continue to massacre of Palestine our unwavering solidarity and support
the Palestinian people, while the Security Council for Palestine’s accession as a full Member of the
remains silent. It is particularly regrettable that this United Nations.
organ, owing to the repeated obstruction by the United We reject the unilateral action of the United States
States delegation, has not condemned the escalation of Government in recognizing the city of Jerusalem as
violence and the tragic events that have taken place in the capital of Israel and its withdrawal of financial
the Gaza Strip since 30 March 2018. support for the United Nations Relief and Works
The Cuban delegation reiterates its strong rejection Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, all
of the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force of which further exacerbates tensions in the region
by Israel against Palestinian civilians in the occupied and deepens the precarious humanitarian situation of
territories, including East Jerusalem and particularly Palestinian refugees.
the Gaza Strip, in flagrant violation of the Charter of We vigorously condemn the decision of the United
the United Nations and international humanitarian law. States Government to recognize the occupied Syrian
Golan as Israeli territory, which constitutes a serious
We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal
and flagrant violation of the Charter of the United
construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in
Nations, international law and the relevant Security
the occupied Palestinian territory and the demolition
Council resolutions, in particular resolution 497 (1981).
and confiscation of Palestinian property. All of those
That new manoeuvre by Washington, which violates
measures, coupled with the blockade of the Gaza Strip,
the legitimate interests of the Syrian people and of Arab
violate the Fourth Geneva Convention and erode the
and Islamic nations, will have serious consequences
viability of a two-State solution. for stability and security in the Middle East and will
The Cuban delegation expresses its deep concern further exacerbate tensions in that volatile region.
at Israel’s decision to not renew the mandate of the We will continue to support the demands of the
Temporary International Presence in Hebron. It was Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to recover
very regrettable that the Security Council has also the Golan Heights, and call once again for the total
been unable to demand that Israel renew the mandate and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from the Syrian
of the International Presence, in accordance with the Golan and all other occupied Arab territories.
relevant Council resolutions, the Oslo II Accords and
international law. We reject the fabrication of pretexts and concepts
to try to legitimize in the Council the unilateral use
We reiterate the call on the Security Council of force and aggression against sovereign States. We
to fulfil its responsibility, conferred to it under the demand respect for multilateralism and an end to double
Charter of the United Nations, for the maintenance standards, interference in internal affairs, foreign
of international peace and security. The Council aggression and the sponsoring of terrorist groups that
must demand an immediate end to the occupation of promote instability and conflicts in the Middle East.
the Palestinian territories and to aggressive policies
The President: I now give the floor to the
and settlement practices, as well as compliance with
representative of the Maldives.
the resolutions on the situation in the Middle East,
including the Palestinian question, adopted by this Mr. Mohamed (Maldives): My delegation wishes
organ, in particular resolution 2334 (2016). to congratulate France and Germany for the successful

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joint presidency of the Security Council for the months The Maldives has always believed that an
of March and April. It is an example of how collaborative independent and sovereign Palestine, established on
partnerships can help to strengthen multilateralism. I the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,
would also like to note with appreciation the positive living side by side in peace and harmony with Israel,
changes introduced in recent months to improve is the best and the only solution to the conflict. The
transparency in the workings of the Council, and Maldives calls upon the occupying Power, Israel, to
thereby help to increase the legitimacy of its decisions. fully implement the resolutions of the Council and
respect the legal obligations under the Charter of the
And yet the Council is failing to protect its legitimacy
United Nations. We also urge the Security Council and
on the question of Palestine, which is probably the
the international community to redouble their efforts
most enduring issue in the Council’s history. Since
to end the conflict and to bring meaningful and lasting
the previous debate on this topic, held in January (see
peace to the people of Palestine.
S/PV.8449), more countries have announced their
intention to move their embassies from Tel Aviv to The conflict in Syria has already claimed the lives
Jerusalem. And in recent weeks we heard the disturbing of hundreds of thousands of people, including children.
news that Israel’s illegal annexation of the Syrian Golan It has levelled entire cities and towns to the ground and
is also receiving recognition. Such decisions are illegal reduced them to rubble.
and in clear violation of the resolutions of the Council On Yemen, my Government is encouraged by the
and the Charter of the United Nations. Council’s decision to adopt resolution 2452 (2019) on
The Council has declared null and void — through 16 January and to establish a Special Political Mission
resolutions 476 (1980) and 478 (1980) — Israel’s illegal to support the implementation of the ceasefire. The
occupation of Palestine, the annexation of Jerusalem, Maldives calls upon the parties to exercise maximum
the shifting of Israel’s capital to Jerusalem and the restraint and bring an end to the long suffering of
decision by any country to recognize Jerusalem as millions of civilians and children in Yemen. The
Israel’s capital. Through resolution 2334 (2016), the Council must expedite the pooling of resources to
Council called upon all States to distinguish, in their observe the truce, which is still very fragile.
relevant dealings, between the territory of the State My Government reaffirms its support to the
of Israel and the Arab territories occupied since 1967. Council and the Secretary-General in all ongoing
Similarly, any action by Israel to exercise sovereignty efforts to bring lasting peace to the Middle East. As we
over the Syrian Golan violates resolutions 242 (1967), begin to observe the holy month of Ramadan in May,
338 (1973) and 497 (1981). The Maldives therefore it is also our wish that the people of the Middle East
requests the President of the Security Council to will be able to observe the holy month free from the
publicly condemn the decisions by any country to hardship of conflict, perform their religious duties with
recognize Israel’s illegal annexations of Jerusalem dignity and be treated with compassion.
and the Syrian Golan and encourage those countries to
return to the right side of international law and conduct The President: I now give the floor to the
themselves in a manner consistent with international representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.
norms of acceptable behaviour. Mr. Seifi Pargou (Islamic Republic of Iran): I thank
Israel’s seven-decades-long illegal occupation of you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on
Palestine violates the basic human rights of thousands the world’s longest crisis. It is a given fact that no crisis
can be solved permanently without addressing its main
of men, women and children. Israel’s illegal seizure
root causes. The question of Palestine is no exception.
of Palestinian lands must stop. The illegal blockade
It started as a result of the occupation and can come to
of Gaza must come to an end. The racial and religious
an end only by ending it.
discrimination against the Arabs must end. The
Maldives reiterates its calls on Israel to stop the The Security Council, whose primary responsibility
attacks on Palestinian civilians, including women and is the maintenance of international peace and security,
children. Palestinians must be treated with dignity has an explicit legal obligation to counter aggression
and respect, and their inalienable rights must be and occupation. It must therefore take the necessary
restored immediately. measures to force the occupying Power to end the

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occupation. However, the consideration of this issue by “America first” but “Israel first”, even at the price of
the Council over the course of the past seven decades blatantly violating the basic principles, as well as the
has resulted in the adoption of some resolutions with no peremptory norms, of international law.
actual effect on the fate of Palestinians.
Thirdly, the United States has proved to be an
Interestingly enough, relying on the absolute unreliable partner, particularly when it comes to all
support of a permanent member of the Council, Israel matters regarding Palestine. Therefore, no one should
has implemented none of those resolutions. In addition, trust its ill-advised proposals regarding the Palestinian
whenever the Council has determined to adopt a question, including with respect to the so-called “deal
resolution to compel Israel to implement them, the United of the century”. Indeed, the inalienable rights of a
States has vetoed all such proposals — 44 times thus far. nation cannot be compromised by putting it under
As a result, the Zionist regime has been emboldened to extreme military, political and economic pressure or
continue, with total impunity, its expansionist policies bought with petrodollars.
and illegitimate practices and has systematically
Fourthly, in the past 70 years, Israel has committed
committed all four core international crimes, that is, the
numerous crimes, including waging war against all
crime of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity
its neighbours with total impunity. The decade-long
and war crimes. However, under the current United
illegal inhumane blockade on Gaza, the continuation
States Administration, the situation has drastically
of which is drastically deteriorating the already
changed, as the United States itself has also embarked
grave humanitarian situation, is another example in
on directly violating the relevant binding resolutions of
that regard.
the Security Council.
Under such circumstances, the international
The first example was moving the United States
community must continue its long-standing strong
Embassy to Jerusalem and the second was recognizing
support for the just cause of the Palestinians and for the
Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan.
full realization of their inalienable rights, in particular
Both acts are against the peremptory norms of
the establishment of the independent State of Palestine,
international law, let alone the Council resolutions
with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
According to international law, the territory of a State
shall not be the object of acquisition resulting from the Furthermore, the international community should
threat or use of force and no such territorial acquisition resist any attempt by the United States and some of its
shall be recognized as legal. allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, to change the
nature of the real threats in the Middle East. The first
Therefore, the acts of the United States in that
and foremost problem in the Middle East is the question
regard are illegitimate, null and void and have no legal
of Palestine, and the plan to substitute it with artificial
weight and value. The Islamic Republic of Iran once
and fabricated threats and crises is designed to divert
again condemns, in the strongest possible terms, those
the attention of the international community from the
internationally wrongful acts. We stress that the Golan
Israeli illegal occupation of Palestine and the lands of
is, and will remain, an integral part of Syria.
others. It should be rejected by all peace-loving nations.
The history of Palestine over the past seven
The President: I now give the floor to the
decades teaches us certain important lessons. First,
representative of Hungary.
with regard to Israel, the Council has been both inactive
and ineffective because of the unreserved support of Mrs. Bogyay (Hungary): First of all, I thank
the United States for Israel. Indeed, the continuation of Germany for organizing such an important open
that situation would further erode the credibility of the debate. I thank the briefers and the representatives of
Council and increase its existing trust and confidence the Observer State of Palestine and Israel for their very
deficit. Likewise, in addition to the United Nations, important contributions.
international law is another victim of the Israeli
In line with most of the international community,
intransigence to end its occupation of Palestine.
Hungary still considers the two-State formula the best
Secondly, regarding Israeli-related issues, the only solution to the seven-decade Israeli-Palestinian conflict,
principle that guides the United States foreign policy, as no credible alternatives have been put forward that
particularly under its current Administration, is not address both the legitimate security concerns and the

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aspiration to statehood by both parties. Over the past announcement of the construction of 840 new housing
three months, however, with Israel having elections and units in Ariel (see S/PV.8489). We are also concerned
the Palestinian factions still not able to resolve their over the launching of rockets from the Gaza Strip into
differences and unite, we saw no progress regarding the Israeli civilian areas.
relaunching of the negotiations between the parties.
Regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, we call
We believe that in the current stalemate the on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to act seriously
international community should play a positive role to prevent any further deterioration of the humanitarian
in facilitating the relaunch of negotiations. In that situation. There can be no lasting solution for Gaza
regard, Hungary’s awaits the presentation of the United without a lifting of the blockade and the restoration
States peace plan with hope. At the same time, we find of the power of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. My
it important to stress that the Israeli and Palestinian
delegation highly appreciates the tireless efforts of the
leaders should understand that long-lasting peace
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
requires difficult compromises by both sides. On the
Refugees in the Near East to ease the suffering
one hand, their task is to arrive at such compromises
of Palestinians.
and, on the other hand, to convince their peoples to
accept them. We hope that all sides will agree to engage A just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the
in a renewed dialogue in good faith. As a member of the conflict can be achieved only through earnest and
European Union, we will continue working to achieve constructive dialogue and negotiations, in accordance
peace and stability in the Middle East region. with international law, including all relevant United
The President: I now give the floor to the Nations resolutions, particularly Security Council
representative of Viet Nam. resolutions 478 (1980), 2254 (2015) and 2334 (2016).

Mr. Pham (Viet Nam): First of all, I would like Viet Nam time and again has reaffirmed its support
to thank the German presidency for convening this for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people
important open debate. I also thank Ms. Rosemary for their inalienable rights, including the right to self-
DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and determination and the establishment of an independent
Peacebuilding Affairs, for her valuable briefing, as and sovereign State. We strongly believe that the two-
well as Ms. Nada Majdalani and Mr. Gideon Bromberg State solution is the optimal way to end the conflict and
for their interventions. Viet Nam aligns itself with to fulfil the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
the statement delivered by the representative of the We wish to see two States, Israel and Palestine, living
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the side by side in peace and security along the pre-
Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. 1967 borders.
Viet Nam is deeply concerned over the continued We call for unity at both the national level, with
negative trends on the ground, particularly deadly a genuine intra-Palestinian reconciliation, and the
clashes, incitement to violence, provocations, illegal
international level, with continued and consistent
settlement expansion, displacement of people and the
support in words and in deeds. We highly appreciate
dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
the efforts made by Egypt to promote Palestinian
It is ultimately the people who suffer the most. The
reconciliation and call upon all concerned to abide by
situation is a denial of the fundamental rights for the
people on the ground and undermines all efforts towards international law and United Nations resolutions on
a peaceful solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. this issue.

Viet Nam condemns all acts of violence against Regardless of the enormous efforts made by the
civilians and excessive use of lethal weapons. We urge international community, prospects of a sustainable
all concerned parties to exercise restraint and to refrain political solution to the conflict seem to be on a
from all acts that would escalate tensions. We share the dangerous trajectory, as the Secretary-General has
concern that Special Coordinator Mladenov expressed warned. Viet Nam urgently appeals to all parties
in his briefing to the Council last month that no step concerned to make greater concerted efforts to put
had been taken by Israel to cease settlement activities an end to the pain and suffering of the people on the
in the occupied Palestinian territories and the recent ground and to bring the peace process back on track.

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The President: I now give the floor to the territorial integrity along with its neighbours in the
representative of Bahrain. region must end.
Mr. Alrowaiei (Bahrain) (spoke in Arabic): I would One of the most serious challenges we are facing
like to congratulate the German and French presidency in our region is the grave threats posed and excessive
of the Council on the work done this month. I wish damage caused by terrorism. This destructive scourge
also to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened leads to the loss of lives and the destruction of the
this important debate, which is being held against the infrastructure and the security and stability of States.
backdrop of increasing developments and challenges in Once again, we reiterate our firm position in condemning
our region. I thank you also for allowing Member States terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever
to participate in this open debate, which addresses a terrorist act is committed, regardless of the identity of
highly complex and sensitive Middle East issues. the perpetrators or their motives.
I would also thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under- We stress the importance of combating together
Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding extremist ideologies and terrorist groups and of drying
Affairs, for her valuable briefing. up their sources of funding. We note that the eleventh
Today more than ever the international community meeting of the Counter Da’esh Finance Group was
must play a greater role in the implementation of its held on 16 and 17 April in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
resolutions in order to achieve peace and stability in At that meeting we discussed the tireless efforts of the
the Middle East and create positive conditions for international community to combat the Da’esh terrorist
more opportunities for a political settlement. That group. Those efforts made possible the defeat of that
includes providing protection for the peoples affected terrorist group in a number of countries. In addition, its
and putting an end to any interference in the domestic ability to carry out and finance attacks has diminished.
affairs of States. In addition, it is vital to help States However, we must remain cautious and continue our
to maintain their sovereignty, security, independence efforts to overcome Da’esh and similar terrorist groups
and stability. once and for all and stop any financial flows to them.
The transfer of funds to terrorist groups outside of
In that context, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the official financial system constitutes one of the
that in order to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting greatest challenges we are facing. Indeed, Da’esh, the
peace in the region, we must first settle the Palestinian terrorist group Hizbullah and Al-Qaida, along with
question. The brotherly Palestinian people must be other terrorist groups, rely on the receipt and transfer
granted their legitimate right, as other peoples, to of funds through illegitimate channels.
establish an independent State, along the lines of 4 June
1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of In conclusion, in order to achieve international peace
the Arab Peace Initiative, the two-State solution and the and security we must be united and devise innovative
various relevant resolutions of international legitimacy. mechanisms to overcome long-standing and emerging
We stress also the importance of maintaining the status challenges. The Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to
of Jerusalem and its historical character. cooperate with the international community to settle
conflicts by peaceful means in order to achieve peace,
The Kingdom of Bahrain, as part of the coalition stability and security in the region and in the world.
to support legitimacy in Yemen under the auspices of
the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is committed to The President: I now give the floor to the
achieving a comprehensive peaceful solution in Yemen. representative of Egypt.
We are committed to achieving security and peace Mr. Edrees (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): I wish at
in the sisterly Republic of Yemen and to meeting the the outset to thank the German presidency as well as
aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people to security Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. I also thank
and development, in keeping with the Gulf Cooperation Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the
Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism, Middle East Peace Process, for the efforts he is making
the outcome of the National Dialogue Conference and regarding the peace process in the Middle East and to
the resolutions of the Security Council, especially preserve the parameters of the process. I thank him as
resolution 2216 (2015). All forms of interference in the well for his tireless efforts to contain the deteriorating
internal affairs of Yemen that threaten its unity and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and for his

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efforts to achieve inter-Palestinian reconciliation. I incentives while ignoring the fact that the real issue
also thank the representatives of Eco-Peace for their is a political one. We are talking about a people who
comprehensive briefings. have lost their homeland and generations of whom have
been born and have lived under occupation. No one
The occupation of the Arab territories since 1967
will emerge victorious if the legitimate international
is one of the issues that have been discussed by the
terms of reference and norms are violated, because the
Council for decades. One generation after another has
fact is that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples share a
listened to briefings and presentations that are similar,
common fate.
sometimes identical, to one another. We have been
patient, hoping that a day will come when the rights The two parties must decide their destinies,
will be restored and peace, security and stability will especially as we are now at a historic crossroads. They
prevail in the region. can either live in peace in two States living side by
side, through negotiations based on the 4 June 1967
We remain certain that the Security Council and
borders, including Jerusalem and under the terms of
the Organization as a whole, including the Secretary-
the Arab Peace Initiative, or they can adopt temporary
General, will remain the legitimate guarantors of
measures in the hope of achieving political victory
the inalienable rights of the Palestinian and Syrian
under the spectre of a single State, which can only bring
peoples. However, we must consider the negative
enormous challenges for both peoples. There is no third
developments concerning the Palestinian question
option. Neither party can emerge victorious or realize
and the occupied Syrian Golan. We had not thought
its aspirations at the expense of the other, whichever
that it would be possible to add even more injustice to
road they decide to take.
the historical injustice suffered by the Arab people,
meaning additional injustice after half a century of the In conclusion, 40 years have elapsed since the peace
injustice already done to them. That is why I would treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed. It remains
like to reaffirm the content of the communiqué issued an example for all to follow, as it laid the groundwork for
by the Arab Kings and Presidents during their summit achieving a fair and comprehensive peace in the region.
in Tunisia. True peace, which serves the people, is based uniquely
on the acknowledgement by the parties concerned of the
On the issue of the recent United States decision
importance of restoring people’s rights and ending the
regarding the occupied Syrian Golan, we affirm that in
occupation. We are confident that both the Palestinian
no way will it alter the legal status of the Syrian Golan,
and Israeli parties are capable of arriving at such a
which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. It also
peace, as long as they prioritize the genuine interests
has no bearing on resolution 497 (1981), which does not
and security of their peoples.
recognize Israeli’s annexation of the Syrian Golan.
The President: I now give the floor to the
I will not discuss the suffering of the Palestinian
representative of Brazil.
people here, as we all know just how much they
are suffering. We heard a briefing on that issue Mr. Duque Estrada Meyer (Brazil): I thank you,
earlier today. Nonetheless, I would like to take this Mr. President, for organizing this important debate.
opportunity to draw the Council’s attention to the fact
I would like to begin with some remarks concerning
that we are facing a new development in the Palestinian
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Brazil reiterates its
question, particularly with regard to the fate of the
support for a two-State solution, with Israel and
two-State solution, which has been adopted by both the
Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Brazil
Palestinian and the Israeli people, as well as endorsed
encourages the parties to seek a constructive political
by the international community, and which benefits and
environment conducive to a return to meaningful
responds to the aspirations of both parties.
negotiations. The situation in Gaza, which has now
The next stage requires us to fully understand lasted for a year, continues to highlight the importance
that there can be no viable solution to the Palestinian of a fair, just and mutually agreeable political solution
question based on the status quo, which we consider to the Israeli-Palestinian question. In that spirit, Brazil
a step backwards that will have serious consequences. welcomes the United States initiative for a peace plan.
Solutions cannot be based on the illegal annexation of We look forward to its presentation and encourage
occupied territory or on giving Palestinians economic all the parties involved to engage with an open mind

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in constructive negotiations. Peace can be achieved continue to believe that establishing lasting peace and
only through difficult decisions and concessions from national unity ultimately requires an inclusive Libyan-
all sides. led and -owned political process. We call on all parties
to work with Special Representative Ghassan Salamé
With regard to Syria, Brazil is gravely concerned
to achieve a comprehensive political solution to the
about the escalation of violence in Idlib and reiterates
security crisis and the dire humanitarian situation
the importance of fully complying with the ceasefire
in Libya.
agreed on last year. Only then can we begin to create
conditions on the ground that can enable progress to The President: The representative of Israel has
be made towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict. asked to make a further statement. I now give him
Brazil would like to underscore its support for the the floor.
work of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and its hope
Mr. Bourgel (Israel) (spoke in French): I have
that we will soon see further progress on the Geneva
asked for the floor to comment on various statements
track, especially through the speedy convening of a
made earlier today, specifically by the representatives
constitutional committee, which will be a crucial step
of Syria, Iran and Lebanon. I will try to do that in the
towards an urgently needed political solution, based
four minutes I have, as I know it has been a long day
on the parameters established by the relevant Security
for everyone.
Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2254
(2015), and the Sochi declaration. We reiterate that only If the goal of this open debate were truly to discuss
a political process mediated by the United Nations and the situation in the Middle East and not just about putting
owned and led by the Syrian people can bring an end one side on trial, we should be considering broadening
to the conflict and enable the alleviation of Syrians’ the discussion and establishing the underlying causes
humanitarian suffering. of the destabilization in our region, which are the
destructive activities of Iran and those who do its
Brazil regrets that the security situation has
bidding. In that regard, I would like to remind the
continued to delay the implementation of the Stockholm
Council once again that the Islamic Republic of Iran is
Agreement and resolution 2452 (2019) in Yemen.
one of the world’s main sponsors of terrorism. It spends
We remain committed to monitoring the ceasefire in
approximately $7 billion a year to finance its networks,
Al-Hudaydah, for which we have agreed to deploy
and needless to say at the expense of its own citizens
Brazilian military and police officers. In our view,
and needs. It uses the arms that it manufactures and
the Stockholm Agreement represents only a first step
sells to fuel and encourage terrorism all over the world,
on the way to achieving a comprehensive political
especially in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
solution to the conflict in Yemen. In that regard, while
welcoming the recent announcement that the parties Furthermore, as it did in Lebanon, it is trying to
have agreed to the concept of operations for the first turn Syria into a launchpad for the ballistic missiles
phase of the redeployment of forces in Al-Hudaydah, we that it produces, in flagrant violation of resolution
are following with great concern the continued reports 2231 (2015). It exports its missiles, foments terrorism
of violence, which threaten to undermine the fragile and spews out its destructive ideology, in violation of
ceasefire in the city and the escalation of violence resolutions 1559 (2004), 1701 (2006) and 2216 (2015).
elsewhere in the country. We call on the parties to Where Israel is concerned, there can be no denying
continue to work with Special Envoy Martin Griffiths that its main goal is my country’s destruction, sooner
towards the full implementation of the Stockholm or later. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
Agreement and urge them to refrain from measures of Iran has said that Israel will be wiped out in 25
that might lead to a halt in the momentum created by years at the most. I would also like to point out that
its establishment. the Syrian regime has offered its territory as a platform
for Iranian terrorism. On 20 January, for example, in
Lastly, Brazil is opposed to any military action in
complicity, the Iranian Quds Force launched a medium-
Libya and urges all sides to de-escalate the situation,
range ground-to-air missile from Damascus towards
commit to a ceasefire and engage with the United
the Israeli Golan Heights.
Nations, the African Union and the relevant regional
stakeholders in order to ensure a full and comprehensive With regard to Lebanon, Hizbullah, which is
cessation of hostilities throughout the country. We internationally recognized as a terrorist organization,

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is part of the Lebanese Government, in which it without exception. It must be brought to justice and
plays an open, active and important role, while it has held accountable.
stockpiled more than 130,000 missiles that can be
The President: The representative of Saudi Arabia
fired at my country at any time, not to mention the six
has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I
attack tunnels recently discovered across our borders. now give him the floor.
Hizbullah’s fanatical position clearly poses a serious
threat to the stability of the entire Middle East as well Mr. Alhakbani (Saudi Arabia) (spoke in Arabic):
as my country’s security. I would like to respond to the statement made by the
representative of Iran.
The international community has a moral obligation
to take firm measures against those who continue to We strongly reject the baseless and erroneous
fuel violence and promote terrorism and whose only accusations by the representative of Iran against my
goal is undermining global peace and stability. country. They are not surprising, coming as they do
from a representative of the Iranian Government, which
The President: The representative of the Islamic is guilty of violating all international humanitarian and
Republic of Iran has asked for the floor to make a ethical laws and customs.
further statement. I now give him the floor.
History has shown conclusively that Iran has
Mr. Seifi Pargou (Islamic Republic of Iran): Today blatantly interfered in the domestic affairs of Arab
the Saudi delegation made unfounded allegations countries by supporting armed groups and coup
against my country that I do not want to dignify with an militias. Any Arab country in which Iran has interfered
answer. We are not surprised to hear such fabrications, has ended up suffering from division, instability and the
as they are in line with Israel’s approach to diverting spread of armed groups as well as sectarianism. History
attention from this meeting’s agenda, which is Israel’s has also shown conclusively that the strife, divisions
occupation of Palestine. They make these accusations and conflicts that the Middle East is suffering from
to distract from the reality of Saudi’s relations with began with the Khomeini revolution in Iran in 1979.
extremists and terrorists. Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi The Iranian Constitution states that it is important to
ideology is the ideology of major terrorist groups export the revolution’s ideology, along with hatred and
around the world, just as its petrodollars are the main expansive ambitions. Iran’s policy is clear, as we can
source of funding for global terrorist activities. That see from the formation of armed parties loyal to it in
is what its patron, the United States, has repeatedly Arab countries that have led to the destruction of State
stated. The Saudis are therefore the founding fathers of foundations, including in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen,
terrorist groups, ideologically and financially. where we see examples of its hostile policies. Its
expansionist policies are crystal clear. It is flagrantly
As Saudi Arabia pays to remove its name from interfering in the domestic affairs of neighbouring
the list of child killers in the United Nations, it is also countries, as well as pursuing hostile policies and
trying to portray itself, by making large contributions persistently threatening to close maritime straits
to United Nations counter-terrorism mechanisms, as a and international trade routes, in blatant violation of
country that is combating terrorists. However, neither international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
its fabrications against others nor such contributions It is also violating Security Council resolutions on
can change the reality of deeds such as its cold-blooded Yemen and supporting the Houthi militias in their
murder and dismemberment of Saudi journalists. And it coup attempts, thereby prolonging the suffering of our
should stop beheading innocent Saudi minorities on the brother people of Yemen.
pretext of fighting terrorism. The reality is that they are
brutally killed only because they are minorities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an independent
judicial system and legislature that respect human rights,
Last but not least, with regard to the Israeli while ensuring justice and equality. The representative
delegation’s accusation and nonsensical statement, the of Iran has attempted to accuse my country in an effort
item on this meeting’s agenda is the Middle East and to distract attention from the crimes committed by
Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Israel has to answer Iran in the region. The Arab region is in dire need of
for that. In its short lifespan, it has already waged 15 stability on the security front if it is to embark on a path
wars in our region and has invaded all of its neighbours, of reconstruction and development in a region that is

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still suffering from Iranian interference. It is time for policies in the Middle East if we want to put an end to
the Security Council and the international community such destabilization and divisions.
to take a serious stance against Iran’s destabilizing The meeting rose at 4.20 p.m.

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