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8489th Security Council Meeting: Situation in Middle East; Palestinian question
Members Urge Israel to Stop Building Settlements on Palestinian Land, as Permanent Members Oppose Golan Decision by United States
The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process warned the Security Council today about the danger of renewed violence in the Gaza Strip, “with potentially catastrophic consequences”, in the aftermath of rocket and mortar attacks from the Palestinian enclave and Israel’s robust military response.
A new conflict will be devastating for the Palestinian people, with consequences for Israelis living near the Gaza perimeter, and regional repercussions are likely as well, Nickolay Mladenov emphasized. A fragile calm seems to have taken hold in Gaza since Monday’s incidents, he noted, while stressing that nobody has an interest in a full‑scale military confrontation in the enclave.
“I am concerned that we may once again be facing another dangerous escalation of violence in Gaza with potentially catastrophic consequences,” he cautioned, pointing out that the last two days have shown how close is the brink of war. He called for a halt to the launching of rockets, mortars and other incendiary devices into Israel, while underlining the responsibility of that country’s security forces to exercise restraint in responding.
He went on to strongly condemn a wave of arrests and violence by Hamas security forces earlier this month against Palestinian civilians protesting the dire socioeconomic circumstances in Gaza. The brutal beating of journalists and human rights workers, as well as the raiding of homes, is particularly alarming, he added.
Briefing members on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) — which notably calls upon Israel to cease its settlement‑construction activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem — he reiterated that the establishment of those settlements has no legal effect, constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, and must cease immediately and completely.
In the ensuing discussion, Indonesia’s Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Israel, as the occupying Power, is failing to implement resolution 2334 (2016). He went on to cite Israel’s failure to pay $139 million in revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, and called for increased humanitarian and economic assistance for the Palestinians.
Kuwait’s delegate reinforced that point, emphasizing the important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He went on to highlight Israel’s provocative rhetoric and attempts to change the status of holy sites, and underlined Kuwait’s rejection of the decision by the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the annexed Golan Heights.
On that point, the representative of the United States stressed the critical security importance of that decision, saying that allowing control over the Golan Heights by the likes of Syria and Iran would be tantamount to turning a blind eye to the atrocities of the Assad regime as well as Iran’s destabilizing presence in the region. As for Gaza, he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, adding that the international community must shine a light on the injustices perpetrated by Hamas.
The Russian Federation’s representative described the launching of rockets into Israel as unacceptable, and called upon both sides to refrain from unilateral actions and the use of force. However, the status quo is not viable, he emphasized, calling upon Council members to redouble their collective efforts to relaunch negotiations aimed at realizing a two‑State solution. As for the Golan Heights, he said unilateral steps cannot change the territory’s status, which has been determined by Council resolutions. That status is subject to direct Israeli‑Syrian dialogue, he stressed.
China’s representative, reinforcing that point, stressed that his delegation opposes unilateral actions that seek to alter facts on the ground, nor does it wish to see regional tensions escalate.
France’s representative said his delegation does not recognize the Golan since Israel’s occupation of the territory is in breach of international law.
The United Kingdom’s representative, recalling that Israel occupied the Golan by force, emphasized that her delegation does not, therefore, recognize its sovereignty over that territory, and its Government has no plan to change that position.
Germany’s delegate, reprising the previous discussion, advised Palestine and Israel to avoid exchanging accusations in their statements to members. “Put your speeches aside and focus on how you are implementing resolution 2334 (2016),” he urged, emphasizing that abiding by international law is the best way to protect civilians.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine responded by asserting that the occupying Power “on the other side of the table” is, under the protection of a Council member, failing to implement relevant Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016). “I beg you, find a way to implement your resolutions,” he urged members. Calling for serious action to prevent further brutality, he called upon the Council to demand an end to all illegal Israeli policies, which are destroying the viability of a two‑State solution. It must also demand that Israel immediately cease all provocations — including those perpetrated by extremist settlers — and attacks against the historic status quo of Haram al‑Sharif, he said, adding: “We urge you to act before it is too late.”
Israel’s representative said that his delegation is comfortable discussing implementation of Council resolutions, but when rockets are flying, Israel will defend its people, and then it will talk. “We have entered a new reality”, with Hamas able to launch rockets deep into Israel, he said, calling upon the Council to clearly condemn Hamas and designate it as a terrorist organization. “If those attacks continue, the leaders of Hamas will feel the might of the [Israel Defense Forces] and be buried in the tunnels of Gaza,” he warned.
Also speaking today were representatives of the Dominican Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Poland, Belgium, Peru and Equatorial Guinea.
The meeting began at 9:43 a.m. and ended at 12:09 p.m.
For further details please see source:
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