Regards, Mr. President. Along with others, I want to express my gratitude for today’s briefings from Mr. Wennesland, Mr. Lazzarini, and Mr. Levy.
Let me begin by congratulating everyone on the Abraham Accords’ two-year anniversary this month. The Abraham Accords are a historic turning point that advances the aim of regional peace and prosperity for everyone.
President,
The UK welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza, as we expressed at the emergency session on August 8, and we once again urge the parties to use all reasonable efforts to keep it going. In line with international humanitarian law, it is essential to provide humanitarian access into and out of Gaza.
The terrorist incident that occurred in Jerusalem on August 13 horrified us. The UK categorically rejects any acts of terrorism.
Our hearts go out to the impacted families and the victims. We affirm our steadfast commitment to Israel’s security. Both sides of this dispute have suffered greatly as a result.
We encourage Israel to exercise moderation when using live fire and to guarantee a comprehensive and open inquiry into all deaths because we are alarmed about the unprecedented number of Palestinians murdered by Israeli security forces this year.
President,
We have made it plain that we are concerned by the Israeli government’s decision to label six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist groups last year.
Equally troubling are the following searches on the headquarters of seven Palestinian NGOs and the ensuing employee arrests.
The Occupied Palestinian Territories must allow civil society organisations to function freely because they are crucial to safeguarding democracy and human rights.
A few of these organisations are still in our conversation.
President,
We demand that the Israeli government put a stop to the E1 settlement plan and plans to advance evictions at Khan Al Ahmar. A two-state solution would be substantially hampered by advancing E1. International humanitarian law forbids settlements.
A donor-funded school in Ein Samiya and Masafer Yatta both received demolition orders this month. Such demolitions result in needless suffering and, excepting very rare instances, violate international law.
The UK has historically backed UNRWA because of the crucial role they play in delivering basic services, humanitarian aid, and safety for Palestinian refugees all around the area.
At the pledge conference in June, we were happy to announce that we and UNRWA had reached an agreement on a new multi-year financing arrangement and that this year’s contribution would be £15 million.
The current condition of affairs shows the urgent necessity to get closer to a Two State Solution that guarantees a safe and secure Israel coexisting with a prosperous and independent
Palestinian state based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both nations. The UK is still dedicated to cooperating with all parties in order to ease tensions and move toward a lasting settlement.