Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for December

1 DECEMBER 2023

The Security Council will hold in December two separate open debates on transnational organized crime and the threats from small arms, its President for the month said at a Headquarters press conference today.

José Javier De la Gasca Lopez Domínguez (Ecuador) — whose country holds the 15-nation organ’s rotating presidency for December — said the open debate format aims to make the Council more inclusive and participatory.

He said his delegation will address in an open debate on 7 December the growing challenges of and new threats from transnational organized crime, building on the legacy of Latin American nations’ past work on the topic.  Organized crime is a scourge in various parts of the world, including Ecuador.  “There is a need for greater synergies between United Nations system bodies to favour international cooperation and to ensure that we have the necessary tools to support national forces in each State. This will allow us to overcome emerging threats and challenges,” he said.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres will participate in the debate.

The Council will hold a second open debate on 15 December on the threat to peace and security posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. The meeting will discuss the Secretary-General’s biannual report on the topic.

There will be consultations on the Middle East during December, particularly on the Palestinian issue, he said.  That includes a briefing on the peace process in the Middle East on 19 December, with more meetings likely on the same issue.  “We will work closely with all interested parties to ensure that our work on this very important matter will continue this month and will respond to the events on the ground,” he said.  The Council will also hear from investigators on accountability for crimes by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh, in Syria; be briefed on the conflict in Syria; and discuss the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the peacekeeping mission maintaining the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian troops in the Golan and supervising the areas of separation and limitation. 

Non-proliferation and combating the illicit trafficking of weapons is one of the Ecuadorian presidency’s priorities for the month, alongside protection of civilians as the best way to commemorate next year’s 75^th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, sustaining peace through preventing conflict and emerging threats, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the women, peace and security agenda, he said.  It also aims to strengthen the participation of civil society, particularly that of women, and incorporate the gender approach in debates.

There will be votes on three draft resolutions on Al-Shabaab, Somalia and the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) on 1 December, with two more on 14 December on sanctions concerning Afghanistan and on 19 December on the orderly withdrawal of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). 

Discussions will take place on the situations in Haiti, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Central Africa, Libya and the Secretary-General’s report on Iran’s nuclear plan, he said.  On 20 December, the latest report on Afghanistan will be presented to the Council, focusing on restrictions of fundamental rights and freedoms for girls.

Speaking on his country’s presidency this month, he said it is “important to move from words to deeds, and in this context we will seek to strengthen the youth, peace and security agenda”.

In response to journalists’ questions on the Israel-Hamas war, he said Ecuador as president will be working “as much as we can to address the situation” and “there will be consultations, as soon as possible”.  He said his country’s position regarding accountability for violations of human rights in Gaza fall under the principles of international law, humanitarian law and therefore the Council’s resolutions. He hoped that the Council would be able to vote on a new resolution on the situation this month, saying in its role as president his country will work to channel this type of dialogue.

Responding to a question on navigating tensions in the Council, for instance between the United States and the Russian Federation, he said that it would be an open-door presidency.  He understood that such tensions exist, but that Ecuador would try to find solutions, build bridges and maintain good relations with all countries, without exception.

Questioned on what his country would do to make progress in Haiti, considering that it had been 14 months since that country requested a multinational force, he said while it was always desired that things move as fast as possible, first some domestic elements have to be resolved by Haiti. He expected to see soon a response from Kenya, that is leading the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti.

Asked whether the Council will take measures to deal with consequences of the withdrawal of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), he said the Council’s decisions must always be respected and this must be no exception, and that the matter is not on the Council’s schedule at present.

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9491ST MEETING (PM)

SC/15511

1 DECEMBER 2023

Security Council Lifts Arms Embargo on Federal Government of Somalia, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2714 (2023)

Recognizing the benchmarks reached on implementing the security transition, the Somalia Transition Plan and the national security architecture, the Security Council today unanimously adopted a resolution lifting the arms embargo on the Federal Government of Somalia.

Unanimously adopting draft resolution 2714 (2023) (to be issued as document S/RES/2714(2023)), the 15-nation Council — acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations — decided to lift the arms embargo established in resolution 733 (1992), as amended.  The organ further called on the Federal Government of Somalia to, inter alia, implement the national weapons-and-ammunition-management strategy and promote further professionalization, training and capacity-building for all Somali security and police institutions.

Further, by the text, the Council called on the Federal Government to take all measures necessary to ensure that weapons, ammunition and military equipment imported for use by certain national forces, as well as by licensed private security companies, are not resold, transferred or made available for use to any individual or entity not in their service.  Among other things, the Council also requested the Mine Action Service of the United Nations to provide technical advice and capacity-building support to assist Somalia with implementing the national strategy and associated action plan.

Harold Adlai Agyeman of Ghana, also speaking for Gabon and Mozambique and noting their votes in favour of resolutions 2713 (2023) and 2714 (2023), said:  “We recognize the significant role that Somalia plays for the peace and stability of the African continent and the challenges it faces particularly from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.”  The resolution, affirming Somalia’s sovereignty and its right to equip its own military, is essential, especially as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) prepares to leave the country.

“Furthermore, we commend Somalia for the progress made in weapons and ammunition management, which has been recognized in the resolution,” he added.  Somalia must continue such efforts, as effective weapons management will reduce the ability of Al-Shabaab and other actors to obtain illicit weapons and ammunition.  Such efforts will also enhance the Somali security forces’ capability to analyse captured weapons, thus reducing the threat posed by terrorists not only in Somalia, but in the wider region.  The consensual adoption of the two resolutions, even if one was not unanimous, is a strong testament to the power of collaboration, he said.

However, Anna M. Evstigneeva of the Russian Federation, while welcoming the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, reiterated her country’s longstanding call for a review of temporary sanctions regimes in African States as they impede the development of their national law enforcement and security agencies.  Expressing satisfaction that the resolution does not mention the dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea, she said that is a matter of bilateral diplomacy and does not imply that the Council is not ready to pay attention to the issues.  Nonetheless, some of her delegation’s proposals were not considered, including the impact of unilateral coercive measures, particularly for least developed countries, and the text’s wording on automatic exemptions on private security companies.  While it stipulates that licenses must be issued by the Federal Government of Somalia, the Council has no list of such companies.  “We expect that Mogadishu will approach this responsibly and will not allow growing militarization,” she said.

Shino Mitsuko of Japan, noting that her country voted in favour of the resolution, said that a renewed sanctions regime will enhance greater regional cooperation to degrade Al-Shabaab in the region.  Welcoming the extension of the broad mandate of the Panel of Experts, she also commended the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to fulfil the benchmarks of the sanctions regime.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates said the resolution is an opportunity to reassess sanctions regimes in line with the reality on the ground.  It sets a precedent in that regard and sends an important message that the Council stands with the Somali people.  The resolution is also vital to continuing multilateral work and supporting Somalia to consolidate peace gains, as “there is still a distance to go”.  She called on the international community and the Organization to create conditions for economic recovery and growth and underlined her country’s steadfast support for the Somali people.

“We’re confident,” said Dai Bing of China, “that Somalia will seize this opportunity to strengthen security capacity-building, improve the management of weapons and ammunition, actively conduct counter-terrorism operations and inject new impetus to the maintenance of national security and stability.”  However, the resolution still requires the Federal Government to submit to the Council a list of imported weapons, a measure that is restrictive and will unnecessarily pose obstacles to efforts to enhance security capacity-building.  On the other hand, the resolution continues to grant special exemptions to certain Western countries for arms import.  Such a double standard is not in line with principles of fairness and non-discrimination, he pointed out.

Taking the floor, Abukar Dahir Osman of Somalia stated:  “The adoption of the current resolution on Somalia, which lifts longstanding arms embargo on the Federal Government, enables us to confront security threats, including those posed by Al-Shabaab.”  Sustainable peace and security can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach that integrates security measures with initiatives aimed at fostering long-term stability and prosperity, he said.

“I am pleased to report that phase two drawdown of 3,000 ATMIS troops will conclude as scheduled on December 31st,” he reported, adding that the Federal Government is committed to fully implement the transitioning of the security responsibility from ATMIS to the Somali National Army within the agreed timelines.  This represents a significant opportunity for his country to strengthen its ability to address security challenges, he said, declaring:  “We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding human rights, promoting peace and ensuring the well-being of all our citizens as we move forward in this critical endeavour.”

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Science points to ‘climate collapse’ as UN chief calls COP28 to action

© UNICEF/Ulet Ifansasti

 

A man crosses parched farmland in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

30 November 2023

Climate and Environment

The world is heating up at an unprecedented pace, new climate data shows, and leaders gathered for the COP28 conference which opened in Dubai on Thursday must get us out of “deep trouble”, UN chief António Guterres said.

While 2023 is not yet over, a provisional report from the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that it is set to be the warmest on record, with global temperatures rising 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Mr. Guterres said that the race is on to keep alive the 1.5-degree limit agreed by world leaders in Paris in 2015.

“We are living through climate collapse in real time – and the impact is devastating,” he warned in a video statement accompanying the launch of the report on the first day of this year’s annual UN climate talks. 

UN News/Nargiz Shekinskaya

Melting glaciers, rising seas

The UN Secretary-General recently visited two global warming hotspots, Antarctica and Nepal, where he bore witness to record low sea ice and was “shocked at the speed of receding glaciers”.

According to WMO’s report, the maximum Antarctic Sea ice extent for the year was a staggering one million square kilometres less than the previous record low, at the end of southern hemisphere winter.  

Glaciers in western North America and the European Alps also experienced an “extreme melt season”.

Because of continued ocean warming and melting of glaciers and ice sheets, record sea level rise was also observed, WMO said.  

Greenhouse gas levels keep climbing

Meanwhile, concentrations in the atmosphere of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide reached a record high last year and continued to increase in 2023.  

WMO stressed that carbon dioxide levels are 50 per cent above the pre-industrial era and that the gas’s long lifetime “means that temperatures will continue to rise for many years to come”.

“These are more than just statistics,” said WMO chief Petteri Taalas, calling for action to “limit the risks of an increasingly inhospitable climate in this and the coming centuries”.

Dire consequences

From deadly Cyclone Daniel in Libya in September to devastating floods in the Horn of Africa following five consecutive seasons of drought and severe smoke pollution from Canada’s forest blazes, WMO’s report highlights the grim effects of climate upheaval on lives, health and livelihoods.  

Throughout the year, communities suffering from extreme weather around the world faced food insecurity and displacement.  

“Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” Mr. Guterres said. “And it should trigger them to act”.

Follow the roadmap

The UN chief reiterated his call on countries to “triple renewables, double energy efficiency… and phase out fossil fuels”.

According to WMO, last year renewable energy capacity grew by some 10 per cent worldwide, led by solar and wind power.

Mr. Guterres pointed to the existing roadmap to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Eight years on, he urged governments to set “clear expectations” for the next round of climate action plans and invest in their implementation.

Protect people

The COP 28 conference will see the first-ever “global stocktake” to assess collective progress on cutting emissions and ramping up adaptation efforts and support to developing countries hard hit by a warming climate.

The UN Secretary-General said that countries must “go further and faster in protecting people from climate chaos”.

This includes ensuring that every person on Earth is covered by early warnings against extreme weather by 2027 and operationalizing a “loss and damage fund” to assist vulnerable hit hard by floods, droughts and other climate disasters with “generous, early contributions” from richer nations, he said. 

Developed countries must honour the promise to deliver $100 billion per year in climate finance, which was first made at COP15 in 2009, and double the amount of funding going towards adaptation efforts, he insisted.

© UNFCCC

COP28

The UN climate conference taking place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai is the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which entered into force in 1994.  

Over 60,000 delegates are expected to attend, including the member states of the UNFCCC, industry leaders, youth activists and representatives of indigenous communities.  

All eyes will be on the conclusions of the first global stocktake – referred to as a ‘temperature check’ on where the world stands in meeting commitments under the Paris Agreement – and countries’ willingness to use them as a springboard towards more ambitious, accelerated climate action. 

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https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1144147

COP28 talks open in Dubai with breakthrough deal on loss and damage fund

COP28/Neville Hopwood

 

View of the iconic Al Wasl Dome at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the UN climate conference COP28.

30 November 2023

Climate and Environment

Delegates meeting in Dubai agreed Thursday on the operationalization of a fund that would help compensate vulnerable countries coping with loss and damage caused by climate change, a major breakthrough on the first day of this year’s UN climate conference.

“Today’s news on loss and damage gives this UN climate conference a running start. All governments and negotiators must use this momentum to deliver ambitious outcomes here in Dubai,” said UN climate chief Simon Stiell during a press conference at which the announcement was made. 

The fund has been a long-standing demand of developing nations on the frontlines of climate change coping with the cost of the devastation caused by ever-increasing extreme weather events such as drought, floods, and rising seas.

Following several years of intense negotiations at annual UN climate meetings, developed nations extended their support for the need to set up the fund last year during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Reportedly, Sultan al-Jaber, the President of the COP28 climate conference, has said that his country, the United Arab Emirates, would commit $100 million to the fund.  

Germany has also reportedly pledged a contribution of $100 million to the fund. The United States and Japan have also announced contributions to the fund. 

The 28^th annual meeting known as ‘COP’ after the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Cli​mate Change (UNFCCC), opened today and is scheduled to run through to 12 December. 

The action is taking place at the sprawling campus of Expo City, which has been decorated with trees and foliage. It is located on the outskirts of Dubai and is expected to host over 70,000 delegates, climate negotiators and other participants coming together to shape a better future for the planet. 

‘Bold action, now’

Speaking earlier on Thursday at the opening of the conference, Mr. Stiell, who is the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, issued a warning that the world is taking “baby steps” in the face of a terrifying planetary climate crisis that requires bold action now. 

“We are taking baby steps and stepping far too slowly to work out the best responses to the complex climate impacts we are faced with,” he told delegates gathered for COP28. 

The UN climate chief’s warning came just hours after the UN weather agency, known as WMO, issued a provisional report saying that this has “shattered” climate records accompanied by extreme weather which has left a trail of devastation and despair.

What’s at stake

Mr Stiell then outlined what’s at stake. “This has been the hottest year ever for humanity. So many terrifying records were broken,” he said, adding: We are paying with people’s lives and livelihoods.” 
 
“Science tells us we have around six years before we exhaust the planet’s ability to cope with our emissions. Before we blow through the 1.5-degree limit,” he warned, referring to one of the keystone targets under the landmark Paris Agreement. 
 
Ominously, a steady stream of reports published in the lead up to COP28 have shown that the world is way off-track in achieving climate goals. and in the absence of ambitious action, we are heading towards a temperature increase of 3 degrees by the end of this century. 
 
Against this backdrop, Mr. Stiell called on countries to deliver ambitious new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or national climate action plans where every single commitment in 2025 – on finance, adaptation, and mitigation – must be in line with a 1.5-degree world.

Progress on Paris Goals

The Dubai COP will mark the culmination of a process known as the ‘Global Stocktake’ – an evaluation of the progress so far on achieving key provisions of the Paris accord: namely curbing greenhouse gas emissions, building climate resilience and mobilizing financial support for vulnerable countries. 

As such, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary said delegations at COP28 face two options: The first would be to note the lack of progress, tweak current best practices “and encourage ourselves to do more ‘at some other point in time’.”

Or the conference could decide at what point it will have made everyone on the planet safe and resilient; to fund this transition properly including the response to loss and damage; and decide to commit to a new energy system.  
  
Indeed, he warned: “If we do not signal the terminal decline of the fossil fuel era as we know it, we welcome our own terminal decline. And we choose to pay with people’s lives. If this transition isn’t just, we won’t transition at all. That means justice within and between countries.” 

He also emphasized his focus on ensuring accountability for climate promises. 
 
“Yes, this is the biggest COP yet – but attending a COP does not tick the climate box for the year. The badges around your necks make you responsible for delivering climate action here and at home.” 
 
“I am committing the UNFCCC to track all announcements made and initiatives launched. So that long after the cameras have gone, we can ensure our promises continue to serve the planet,” Mr. Stiell added. 

Thursday’s events marked the meeting’s procedural opening, but the conference will begin in earnest on Friday with a ‘climate action summit’ featuring the UN Secretary General alongside world leaders who will present national statements on what their governments are doing to address the global climate crisis. 

COP27: A call we heeded together

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of COP27 Sameh Shoukry reminded delegates that despite global challenges such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, COP27 turned out to be a moment for effective and global climate action, and succeeded in delivering a number of long-awaited elements of the global climate action agenda. 

He recalled that the ‘loss and damage’ funding arrangement had been established, the so-named ‘Just Transition’ work programme had been launched, and parties had also agreed on a pathway to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, providing a boost to climate action during this critical decade.

He underscored that Together for Implementation had not just been a slogan for COP27, but rather a timely call to move from setting rules, frameworks and commitments to a clear focus on the tangible implementation these commitments on the ground.

World at a crossroads:

Addressing the opening plenary, Sultan al-Jaber, the President of the COP28 said: “We feel, as you feel, the urgency of the work, and we see, as you see, that the world has reached a crossroads.” 

“The science has spoken. It has confirmed that the moment is now to find a new road, wide enough for all of us. That new road starts with a decision on the global stocktake.” 

He expressed his commitment to ensuring an inclusive and transparent process, one that encourages free and open discussion between all parties.

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Россия после голосования не вошла в исполнительный совет ОЗХО

29.11.2023 16:17

Россия лишилась места в исполнительном совете Организации по запрещению химического оружия (ОЗХО) по результатам голосования. Об этом в среду сообщает ТАСС.

Страна получила 65 голосов при 66 минимально необходимых, поэтому не войдет в структуру в 2024 году. От Восточноевропейской группы места в исполнительном совете ОЗХО достались Украине, Польше и Литве.

Конференция государств — участников организации стартовала 27 ноября в Гааге. Российскую делегацию возглавляет замглавы Минпромторга Кирилл Лысогорский. Как писала «Парламентская газета», в понедельник он заявил об имеющихся у Москвы доказательствах причастности США к поставке химикатов Киеву. Токсичные средства, по его словам, получают украинские военные и иностранные наемники.

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 https://www.pnp.ru/politics/rossiya-posle-golosovaniya-ne-voshla-v-ispolnitelnyy-sovet-ozkho.html

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SC/15508

29 NOVEMBER 2023

Security Council 1970 Sanctions Committee Amends Five Entries on Its Sanctions List

On 29 November 2023, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya enacted the amendments, specified with strikethrough and/or underline, in the entries below on its Sanctions List of individuals and entities......

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15508.doc.htm

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29 NOVEMBER 2023

Reporting on Resolution 2712 (2023) Implementation, Secretary-General Warns Security Council People of Gaza in Midst of Epic Humanitarian Catastrophe

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), in New York today:

I welcome this opportunity to brief the Security Council on implementation of resolution 2712 (2023).  My Special Coordinator for the Middle East process, Tor Wennesland, will follow with his regular monthly briefing.

Resolution 2712 (2023) was approved in a context of widespread death and wholesale destruction unleashed by the conflict in Gaza and Israel. According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,200 people were killed — including 33 children — and thousands were injured in the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October.  Some 250 people were also abducted, including 34 children.

There are also numerous accounts of sexual violence during the attacks that must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.  Gender-based violence must be condemned. Anytime.  Anywhere.

According to the de facto authorities, more than 14,000 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli military operations in Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have also been injured, with many more missing.  In Gaza, more than two thirds of those killed are reported to be children and women.

In a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict since I have been Secretary-General — as clearly indicated in the annual reports on Children and Armed Conflict that I have submitted to the Council.

Over the past few days, the people of the Occupied Palestine Territory and Israel have finally seen a glimmer of hope and humanity in so much darkness.  It is deeply moving to see civilians finally having a respite from the bombardments, families reunited, and lifesaving aid increasing.

Resolution 2712 (2023) “demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.”

It is clear that before the pause, we witnessed serious violations.  Beyond the many civilians killed and wounded that I spoke of, 80 per cent of Gaza’s people have now been forced from their homes.  This growing population is being pushed towards an ever-smaller area of southern Gaza.  And, of course, nowhere is safe in Gaza.

Meanwhile, an estimated 45 per cent of all homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.  The nature and scale of death and destruction are characteristic of the use of wide-area explosive weapons in populated areas, with a significant impact on civilians.

At the same time, rocket attacks on population centres in Israel by Hamas and other groups have continued — along with allegations of the use of human shields.  This is also inconsistent with international humanitarian law obligations.

I want to stress the inviolability of United Nations facilities which today are sheltering more than one million civilians seeking protection under the UN flag.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shares the coordinates of all its facilities across the Gaza Strip with all parties to the conflict.

The agency has verified 104 incidents that have impacted 82 UNRWA installations — 24 of which happened since the adoption of the resolution. A total of 218 internally displaced people sheltering in UNRWA schools have reportedly been killed and at least 894 injured.

In addition, it is with immense sadness and pain that I report that since the beginning of the hostilities, 111 members of our UN family have been killed in Gaza.  This represents the largest loss of personnel in the history of our organization.

Let me put it plainly:  Civilians — including United Nations personnel — must be protected.  Civilian objects — including hospitals — must be protected.  UN facilities must not be hit.  International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties to the conflict at all times.

Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) calls “for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip …to enable …full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.”

I welcome the arrangement reached by Israel and Hamas — with the assistance of the Governments of Qatar, Egypt and the United States.  We are working to maximize the positive potential of this arrangement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The pause has enabled us to enhance the delivery of aid into and across Gaza.  For example, for the first time since 7 October, an inter-agency convoy delivered food, water, medical supplies, and shelter items to northern Gaza — specifically to four UNRWA shelters in Jabalia camp.  Prior to this, minimal or no assistance had reached these locations — even as tens of thousands of people had crowded there for shelter.

Also, for the first time, supplies of cooking gas entered Gaza where people waited in lines that extended for 2 kilometres.  In the south, where the needs are dire, UN agencies and partners have increased both the amount of aid delivered, and the number of locations reached.  I express my appreciation to the Government of Egypt for their contribution in making this assistance possible.

But the level of aid to Palestinians in Gaza remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs of more than 2 million people. And although the total volume of fuel allowed into Gaza has also increased, it remains utterly insufficient to sustain basic operations.

Civilians in Gaza need a continuous flow of life-saving humanitarian aid and fuel into and across the area.  Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need is critical.

Humanitarian partners carried out several medical evacuations from north to south Gaza, including to transport dozens of premature babies as well as spinal and dialysis patients from Shifa and Al-Ahli Anglican hospitals.  Several critically ill patients have also been evacuated for treatment in Egypt.

Hospitals across Gaza lack the basic supplies, staff and fuel to deliver primary health care at the scale needed, let alone safely treat urgent cases.  The medical system has broken down under the heavy caseload, acute shortages, and the impact of hostilities.

Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) calls for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.” The arrangement announced on 22 November has so far led to the release, over five days, of 60 hostages — 29 women, 31 children — held by Hamas and other groups since 7 October.  Outside the arrangement during the same period, another 21 hostages were released.

This is a welcome start.  But as I have been saying from day one, all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.  Until then, they must be treated humanely and the International Committee of the Red Cross must be allowed to visit them.

The arrangement also saw the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails, mostly women and children.

Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) “calls on all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in the Gaza Strip of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival, consistent with international humanitarian law.”

Much, much more is required to begin to address human needs in Gaza.  Water and electricity services must be fully restored.  Food systems have collapsed and hunger is spreading, particularly in the north.  Sanitary conditions in shelters are appalling, with few toilets and sewage flooding, posing a serious threat to public health.  Children, pregnant women, older people and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

Gaza needs an immediate and sustained increase in humanitarian aid including food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and healthcare supplies.  It is important to recognize that the Rafah border crossing does not have enough capacity, especially taking into account the slow pace of security procedures.

That is why we have been urging the opening of other crossings, including Kerem Shalom, and the streamlining of inspection mechanisms to allow for the necessary increase of life-saving aid.  But humanitarian aid alone will not be sufficient.  We also need the private sector to bring in critical basic commodities to replenish completely depleted shops in Gaza.

Finally, Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) “underscores the importance of coordination, humanitarian notification, and deconfliction mechanisms, to protect all medical and humanitarian staff, vehicles, including ambulances, humanitarian sites, and critical infrastructure, including UN facilities.”

A humanitarian notification system is now in place, and is being constantly reviewed and enhanced, including through plans for additional civil-military experts to support coordination.

I welcome the adoption of resolution 2712 (2023), but its implementation by the parties matters most.  In accordance with the resolution, I will revert to the President of the Security Council with a set of options on effectively monitoring the implementation of the resolution.

I have already established a working group composed of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Department of Peace Operations, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of Legal Affairs to urgently prepare proposals in this regard.

So far it is clear that implementation has been only partial at best and is woefully insufficient.  Ultimately, we know that the measure of success will not be the number of trucks dispatched or the tons of supplies delivered — as important as these are.  Success will be measured in lives that are saved, suffering that is ended, and hope and dignity that is restored.

The people of Gaza are in the midst of an epic humanitarian catastrophe before the eyes of the world.  We must not look away.  Intense negotiations are taking place to prolong the truce — which we strongly welcome — but we believe we need a true humanitarian ceasefire.

And we must ensure the people of the region finally have a horizon of hope — by moving in a determined and irreversible way toward establishing a two-State solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.

Failure will condemn Palestinians, Israelis, the region and the world to a never-ending cycle of death and destruction.  Thank you.

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https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm22055.doc.htm

• SECURITY COUNCIL

SC/15509

29 NOVEMBER 2023

Security Council Sanctions Committee concerning South Sudan Discusses Interim Report of Panel of Experts

On 17 November 2023, the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan briefed the members of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) in connection with the Panel’s interim report, which was submitted in pursuance of paragraph 19 of resolution 2683 (2023).

During the briefing, the Coordinator provided an overview of the findings and recommendations contained in the Panel’s report, noting inter alia that the Panel had observed that the conflict in Sudan has had serious consequences for South Sudan, stressing humanitarian and economic crises particularly in Upper Nile State and Jonglei State, while also reporting on progress and challenges in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Following the Coordinator’s briefing, members of the Committee asked questions and exchanged views regarding the findings and recommendations contained in the interim report.

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15509.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

9489TH MEETING* (AM)

SC/15506

29 NOVEMBER 2023

Security Council Hears Fresh Calls for Ceasefire, Two-State Solution During Ministerial Meeting on Israel-Gaza War

Warring Parties Must Abide by International Law, Secretary-General Asserts

Fifty-three days since the Israel-Gaza war began, speakers called today for the current humanitarian pause to become a sustained ceasefire — and for renewed efforts to be made for a two-State solution in the Middle East — during a ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council that coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, recalled that through resolution 2712 (2023), adopted on 15 November, the Council demanded that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably regarding the protection of civilians, especially children.  “In a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict, since I have been Secretary-General,” he said. 

Noting that United Nations facilities are sheltering more than 1 million civilians seeking protection, he said that the 111 UN employees killed in Gaza represented the largest loss of personnel in the Organization’s history.  Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies, he said, underscoring the importance of a true humanitarian ceasefire as well as the two-State solution. 

Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, emphasized that a political and security framework is needed to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas.  Welcoming the agreement to secure the release of Israeli hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners, he said that “such respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue”.

He pointed to heightened tensions across the occupied West Bank where settler violence has continued at high levels.  Also highlighted in his briefing was Israel’s decision to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority, which has further weakened that body in the wake of the economic collapse of Gaza.

Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that the Prime Minister of Israel’s selling point for retaining his position is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood.  “The man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres,” he said.  Accountability will not come from a Government whose agenda reflects the agenda of West Bank settlers, he said, emphasizing that the current truce must become a ceasefire.

Israel’s delegate — noting that today marked 76 years since the General Assembly decided to partition Palestine into two States, one Arab and one Jewish — said that it was paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace because “every call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day”.  The war could end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre.  He added that the leaders of Hamas, as well as the Houthis in Yemen and the Ayatollahs in Iran, are all driven by the same goal — Israel’s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews.  While Israel strives for peace, the Palestinians strive for war, he stated.

“Where is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?” asked Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, as he detailed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by his country, Egypt and the United States in the last few weeks.  Palestinians have gone through hell since the conflict erupted on 7 October, he said, noting that the agreement has so far led to the release of more than 90 hostages in Gaza and more than 210 women and children held in Israeli prisons. 

Sameh Hassan Shoukry Selim, Egypt’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank.  Rejecting any plans to transfer Palestinians away from their land, he said that unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed — and unless the Israeli occupation ends — new cycles of violence will unfold. 

Along similar lines, Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, said that if this problem is not fixed, the world will be haunted again by aggravated radicalism.  Noting that millions of people worldwide have rallied in support of Palestine, he said Member States must actively engage in a peace process based on a two-State solution. He also highlighted Türkiye’s proposal for a guarantorship mechanism that would prevent breaches by either party.

Several delegates, including Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Council President for November, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire.  The current pause in the fighting in Gaza proves the value of dialogue, and it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire, he said. 

The representative of the United States said that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza will deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better.  She envisioned a two-State solution, in which Gaza and the West Bank would be reunited under a single Governance structure under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

Briefings

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said that more than 1,200 people were killed and thousands were injured in the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October, and more than 14,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the start of the Israeli military operations. “In a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict since I have been Secretary-General.”  Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.  It is clear that before the pause, there were serious violations, he said, adding that beyond the many civilians killed and wounded, 80 per cent of Gaza’s people have been forced from their homes.  This growing population is being pushed towards an ever-smaller area of southern Gaza, but of course, “nowhere is safe in Gaza,” he said.

United Nations facilities are sheltering more than one million civilians seeking protection, he said, adding that 218 internally displaced people sheltering in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools have been killed.  Moreover, 111 members of the UN family have been killed in Gaza — “the largest loss of personnel in the history of the Organization”. Underscoring the importance of protecting civilians, he said that the pause has enabled the Organization to enhance the delivery of aid into and across Gaza.  For the first time since 7 October, an inter-agency convoy delivered food, water, medical supplies and shelter items to northern Gaza — specifically to four UNRWA shelters in the Jabalia camp.  Expressing appreciation to Egypt for making this assistance possible, he said that the level of aid to Palestinians in Gaza remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs of more than two million people.   

 Recalling that resolution 2712 (2023) calls for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups”, he said that the arrangement that was announced on 22 November has so far led to the release of 60 hostages held by Hamas and other groups, with another 21 hostages released outside the arrangement.  The arrangement also saw the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails, mostly women and children.  Going forward, Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies.  Calling on the international community not to look away from the epic humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he called for a true humanitarian ceasefire.  It is essential to move in a determined and irreversible way toward establishing a two-State solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.  Failure to do that will condemn Palestinians, Israelis, the region and the world to a never-ending cycle of death and destruction, he said.

TOR WENNESLAND, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, via videoconference, acknowledged the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States in facilitating the agreement to secure the release of hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners and detainees. “Such respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue.”  In addition to the fighting in Gaza, there are also heightened tensions, intensive violence and widespread movement restrictions across the occupied West Bank.  “The period has been marked by some of the most intensive Israeli operations in the West Bank since the second intifada”, including armed Palestinians using improvised explosive devises and Israeli security forces’ drone strikes.  Settler violence has continued at high levels, driving mounting intensity, increased violence and Palestinian displacement.  During this reporting period, 154 Palestinians, including 37 children, were killed, nearly all of them in the context of Israeli army operations, many involving armed exchanges with Palestinians.  Israeli settlers have killed two Palestinians, while three Israelis, including two security forces personnel, were killed by Palestinians in attacks, he said.

“Amid the surging violence and extensive Israeli movement restrictions, the Palestinian Authority’s long-standing fiscal crisis has worsened significantly, as economic activity in the West Bank has ground to a halt, and the economy of Gaza has collapsed.”  The 2 November decision by the Israeli security cabinet to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority further weakened that body’s revenues, impacting many critical services and the payment of public sector salaries.  “The situation is boiling and getting worse rapidly,” he said, emphasizing that more must be done to stabilize the situation in the West Bank.

On potential regional escalation, he said that in Israel’s north, tensions along the Blue Line have calmed over the last few days, but the situation remains volatile.  About 100,000 Israelis remain displaced in the north and 50,000 Lebanese are displaced from southern areas near the Blue Line.  On the Golan, he said, firing from Syria towards the Israeli-occupied Golan and strikes by Israel against targets in Syria took place. He said missiles and drones were reportedly launched from Yemen towards Israel, most being intercepted but with a drone strike recorded on a school in Eilat on 9 November claimed by the Houthis.  An Israeli-affiliated ship was seized by Houthi forces in the Red Sea on 19 November.

Without an effective political and security framework for when the fighting ends, it will be impossible to sustainably end the violence and shape a new reality, he continued.  Over the coming weeks and months, the international community must engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and regional partners on constructive and practical political solutions.  Terror attacks must not happen again, Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State and there must be an end to the occupation and the realization of a two-State solution.  Our past efforts have certainly not been enough, he said, adding that a new and different approach is needed now.

Statements

RIYAD AL-MALIKI, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that the current truce must become a ceasefire and the massacres cannot be allowed to resume.  Recalling that over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, he said that no one and nowhere is safe in Gaza.  “How many times can the world afford to fail the test of humanity in Gaza, in Palestine?” he wondered, adding that a solvable political conflict has been turned into a never-ending religious confrontation.  In the General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Israel presented his vision for the new Middle East that wiped Palestine off the map — and now 1.7 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are displaced. Israel has turned Gaza into hell on Earth and the lives of Palestinian communities in the West Bank into a living hell.  “The Palestinian people are here to stay, they are from this land and of this land and their destiny is to live in freedom and dignity on this land.  Isn’t it time we found a way to live side by side?”

Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, he said that while the entire world rejects Israel’s colonial policies and violence, accountability cannot come from a Government whose agenda is the settlers’ agenda.  “We need international protection and international action to end impunity so as to prevent the recurrence of these crimes that occur daily and in broad daylight,” he said, adding that what the Palestinians are now enduring is the result of the international community’s failure to provide such protection and accountability. The current Government in Israel, more than any other, considers Palestinian statehood to be a strategic threat, and its Prime Minister’s selling point to keep his post is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  “The man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres and continuing to deny Palestinian rights,” he said.  “His interests do not only conflict with our inalienable rights but with all those who seek peace and security for all.”

GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel) recalled that on 29 November 1947, the United Nations adopted a partition plan and the establishment of the Jewish State.  However, the Arab States rejected that resolution and tried to annihilate Israel. Today, 76 years later, history is repeating itself.  A century ago, more than one million Jews lived in Arab countries, but now there are only a couple of thousands left.  The genocidal ideology of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, continues to poison many Arab minds and Israel is defending itself from this ideology.  Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, the Houthis and the Ayatollahs in Iran are all driven by the same goal of Israel’s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews.  “It’s time for the Security Council to address this evil, before another atrocity is committed,” he said.

Anyone who supports a ceasefire supports Hamas’ continued reign of terror in Gaza, he said, adding that it is paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace.  “Every call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day.” Iran, which publicly supports the 7 October massacre, armed, funded and trained Hamas, he said, adding: “This Council must also not remain silent about the Shiite elephant in the room.”  Meanwhile, the United Nations has been co-opted by those that have no real interest in a solution.  “Every UN body has been weaponized against Israel.”  Reiterating that Israel strives for peace while the Palestinians strive for war, he said that his country has facilitated the establishment of field offices, opened humanitarian corridors and approved the entry of fuel.  The only way to dramatically improve the situation is to support Israel’s mission to eradicate Hamas’ terror capabilities, he stated, adding that the war can end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre.  “Demand this from Hamas.  This is the solution,” he said.

WANG YI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Council President for November, speaking in his national capacity, reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire.  While the current pause in fighting did not come at the earliest, it nevertheless shows that dialogue is the best way to save lives.  Calling on the international community to work for a comprehensive ceasefire, he warned that the resumption of fighting will likely turn into a calamity that will devour the whole region.  The past days of pause should not just be a hiatus before a new round of violence; rather, it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire.  The protection of civilians is a red line in international law that cannot be crossed, he added, expressing concern about the collective punishment of people in Gaza and the forced transfer of Palestinian civilians.  Stressing the importance of humanitarian access, he drew attention to China’s contributions to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.  Justice demands the establishment of two States, he said, welcoming those Ministers attending today’s meeting as well as their mediation efforts.

MAURO VIEIRA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, underscoring that the Council has to be held accountable to its main obligation to uphold peace and security, observed it did not unite in the past and it does not seem to be ready to do so now.  The violence in Gaza is at unacceptable levels — especially against children — and the plight of pregnant women is disturbing.  The Council and the international community must join forces to end violence and provide humanitarian help to Gaza.  He welcomed the release of hostages and the recent truce deal.  It is a sign that agreement is possible, even when it seems unattainable.  He also welcomed the extension of the truce and urged all parties to “cling to this spark of hope”.  However, the Council must do more and unite for a more decisive course of action that can achieve gains, and sustainably address the crisis on the ground.  Solidarity is the Council’s duty, not just a moral obligation, he stressed. 

TARIQ AHMAD, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and United Nations, stressed every innocent civilian life lost, Palestinian or Israeli, was a tragedy.  Thus, the ceasefire agreement should not be a one-off.  He reported that, last week, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the Foreign Secretary announced another $38 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and underlined the need to find a long-term political solution to this conflict based on the two-State solution.  Turning to the escalation in the West Bank, he called on Israel to hold accountable those responsible for the settler violence.  Underscoring that country’s right to self-defence, he urged it to act in accordance with international law, pointing to the too many innocent civilians, including children, who have lost their lives.  A negotiated settlement in line with Security Council resolutions is a vision that needs to be turned into a reality, he stressed, noting that while peace may seem difficult, it is achievable.

LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States), noting that the humanitarian pause would not have been possible without the leadership of Qatar, Egypt and Washington, D.C., spotlighted direct, personal presidential diplomacy.  Reporting that her country is airlifting UN medical items, food aid and winter necessities, she said that it delivered 54,000 pounds of assistance to the Humanitarian Logistics Hub.  In addition, during the first five days of the pause, 1,000 trucks and regular shipments of fuel were provided to UNRWA.  She further expressed concern over the possible regional spillover of the conflict, condemning violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.  Stressing that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza would deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better, she emphasized:  “We need a two-State solution where Gaza and the West Bank are reunited under a single Governance structure, ultimately under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.”

KHALIFA SHAHEEN AL MARAR, Minister for State of the United Arab Emirates, condemned Israel’s policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, as well as attempts to displace them. Stating that the future and governance of Gaza must remain in the hands of Palestinians, he underscored that any plans that seek to separate the Gaza Strip from the State of Palestine are “unacceptable”.  He also stressed the need for the international community to adopt unified rules condemning violations of international humanitarian law, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, civilian objects and UN facilities. “Applying double standards across these matters causes chaos and undermines our international order,” he observed.  Turning to the truce recently reached by the parties, he underlined the need to build on this measure and, simultaneously, to work towards reaching an immediate, permanent ceasefire.  Also urging persistent efforts to prevent the region from sliding into war, he underscored that ongoing skirmishes in Lebanon, the Syrian Golan and the Red Sea must cease.

THOMAS GÜRBER (Switzerland), while recognizing Israel’s right to ensure its security, underscored that respect for international humanitarian law is imperative.  Civilians have paid the heaviest price since the start of these hostilities, including Israelis killed in the 7 October attacks, hostages taken, and the thousands of civilians killed in Gaza.  Welcoming the release of hostages, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still being held.  Further, calling for an extension to the humanitarian pause and the continuing, full implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), he voiced concern over increased settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  “All violations of international law committed in Israel and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,” he stressed.  Finally urging a political solution to the conflict, he underscored the importance of Palestinian and Israeli women’s participation in the process, as well as the Council’s role in taking steps towards a two-State solution.

MAVIS NKANSAH-BOADU, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, said that the tears, suffering and deaths on both sides must end.  She welcomed the humanitarian pause and appealed to Israel and Hamas to extend it. She also emphasized the need to swiftly deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded that UNRWA facilities be separated from the conflict.  The parties must respect international humanitarian law and renew constructive dialogue.  Warning against a spillover of violence in the region, she said that Ghana sees no alternative to the two-State solution.  The exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, the seizure of Israeli cargo ships in the Red Sea and drone and missile strikes on Israel must stop. Voicing concern that more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, she called on the Council to step up efforts so that Palestinians can enjoy their right to a homeland while ensuring Israel’s security, including by appointing a rapporteur to unify its position on how to proceed with the two-State solution.

UEMURA TSUKASA, Special Envoy of the Middle East Peace of Japan, said that he has been engaged in the region for four decades, with friends in both Israel and Palestine including in the Gaza Strip.  “I am convinced that sadness and hope are shared,” he said, adding that Middle East peace should be built on this common ground. Japan’s approach to a two-State solution is based on three pillars:  political dialogue, confidence-building and economic assistance to the Palestinian people. He also cited Japan’s efforts to promote important policies such as the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development.  Calling for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and without conditions, he said that the humanitarian situation in Palestine must not deteriorate further.  “The current conflict since 7 October must not block the path to peace”, as there is no solution other than the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine, he said.

LILLY STELLA NGYEMA NDONG (Gabon) welcomed the agreement which allowed for the truce that began last Friday and the release of several Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, calling it “a window of hope” that must allow for a return to international humanitarian law in the ruins of Gaza.  The lethal violence unleashed by the barbaric attacks of Hamas on 7 October has reached an unbearable level and it is time to stop the bloodbath.  All parties must exercise restraint and respect their obligations under international law, she said, adding that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be political and diplomatic, and made through good faith negotiations ensuring respect for the legitimate concerns of each party.  She reiterated condemnation of all indiscriminate murderous violence and called for the unconditional release of all the hostages.

FERIT HOXHA (Albania), welcoming the pause, said it has been six days without “the deafening noise of war”.  The continued release of hostages is very positive, he said, urging Qatar, Egypt and the United States to continue their efforts until all hostages are united with their families.  Also welcoming the considerable increase of the volume of humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said that the horrific events of 7 October cannot be forgotten. Civilians have paid an unprecedented price in this conflict and their protection must be a primary concern.  While the attention is focused on Gaza, innocent civilians, including children, are also dying in the West Bank, he continued. Israel must commit the same efforts to saving innocent Palestinian lives as it does in its efforts to decimate Hamas. However justified the frustration and fatigue that Palestinians feel, they should not be fooled into believing in Hamas, he added.

VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta) commended the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which have led to the humanitarian truce and release of Israeli hostages and detained Palestinian women and children.  She also welcomed the truce extension.  “We urge the parties to continue to build on these steps,” she said, adding that the truce must continue to be extended.  She called for the release of all remaining hostages, adding that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is untenable. “We cannot afford to lose more lives. We cannot return to further bloodshed and insecurity,” she said, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. She noted violence in the occupied West Bank and underlined Israel’s obligations to ensure the protection of Palestinians against all acts or threats of violence.  Settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.  It is imperative to consider a credible foundation for future peace and Malta remains committed to a two-State solution, she said.

ANDRÉS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador) condemned the unjustifiable terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Israeli people and called for an immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas.  Underscoring Israel’s right to self-defence, he emphasized the need to make every effort to prevent harm and casualties among innocent civilians.  The recent pause in hostilities is a hopeful first step towards peace, he said, urging the parties to seek its extension to give civilians “a breathing space”.  Highlighting the importance of implementing resolution 2712 (2023) to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza, he also called for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire.  Turning to the situation in the West Bank, he warned that any measure which undermines the viability of the two-State solution contributes to perpetuating the conflict.  In this regard, he urged all protagonists to show restraint and prevent expansion of violence to other areas, including the border between Israel and Lebanon. 

DOMINGOS ESTÊVÃO FERNANDES (Mozambique), welcoming the four-day truce, extended for two more days, underscored that the situation remains worrying and urged all parties to persist in discussions.  Both Israelis and Palestinians should assess the humanitarian pause as a starting point to a more consistent and lasting solution which brings the war to an end.  The situation on the ground warrants a long humanitarian pause or agreed compromise to ensure that all those in a dire situation have access to basic needs, such as water, electricity, food, and medicine.  He called for the urgent implementation of resolution 2712 (2023) to facilitate the delivery of critical goods and services necessary for the health, survival, and protection of civilians, especially children.  He also called for the imperative release of hostages and further affirmed that the two-State solution remains relevant and indispensable for a lasting peace and harmony in the region.

NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France) called for the extended truce to be permanent and lead to a ceasefire.  Welcoming the release of three French children taken hostage, as well as all other hostages, he called for the rest held by Hamas and other terrorist groups to be released immediately without condition.  Urging the Council to condemn without delay or ambiguity the terrorist attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7 October, he affirmed that Israel has the right and duty to defend itself in strict compliance with international law.  He noted that France has deployed more than 100 tons of humanitarian freight and provided €100 million since 7 October, including €54 million for UNRWA.  Condemning the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, he further called for the guaranteed safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) peacekeepers.  

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), noting that Western delegations demand that every Council meeting includes the “mantra about women’s participation in decision-making”, stressed that the right to life and security has been taken from the Palestinian women.  For the West, Palestinians are second-class people, he said, emphasizing that those nations have no interest in defending such people’s interests.  Recalling that the Russian Federation proposed two resolutions, he emphasized that the “maximum the Council has been able to bring forth is a toothless resolution”. He further suggested an expanded mandate for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, also spotlighting the meeting of his country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs with the members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh.  Underscoring the importance of relaunching the peace process, he pointed out that an updated mechanism for a two-State solution must include regional stakeholders.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN AL-THANI, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, said that Palestinians have gone through hell in the past seven weeks.  Last week, relentless diplomatic efforts led by his country, Egypt and the United States led to an agreement that extended the humanitarian pause, led to the release of more than 90 hostages in the Gaza Strip and more than 210 women and children who were held in Israeli prisons, and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid.  The Council must take more steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, guarantee the flow of sufficient humanitarian aid and establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the humanitarian aid delivery through all the crossings, he underscored.  Further, the occupying Power must abide by its obligations under international law.  Instead of launching lies against Arab States, Israel must go back to the books, he said, asking:  “Where is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?”  The Gaza Strip is part and parcel of the occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. 

SAMEH HASSAN SHOUKRY SELIM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, said that the destruction of Gaza and targeting of civilians are flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law that cannot be justified under any pretext.  “This tragedy is happening amidst the silence of the international community,” he said, adding that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank.  Egypt totally rejects any plans to transfer Palestinians from their land, he added, calling on the international community to oppose such actions.  He called on the Council to support efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to consider a draft resolution, tabled by Egypt, focused on the humanitarian aspect in Gaza.  Double standards must be avoided and sympathetic statements must be turned into actions.  The only alternative for the day after is to address the root causes of this conflict and end the Israeli occupation.  “If not, new cycles of violence will unfold,” he said, calling for vain statements to be put aside and for international efforts to be directed towards achieving the two-State solution.

PRINCE FAISAL BIN FARHAN AL SAUD, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, whose country is Chair of the Ministerial Committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, said that in an absence of international accountability measures, a summit of leaders was convened in Riyadh resulting in resolutions which reaffirmed the will to stand with the Palestinian people, their demands to take back their occupied territory and to establish an independent State.  An immediate and permanent ceasefire that paves the way for a credible peace process is urgently needed, he said, adding that while a humanitarian pause is a good first step, it is insufficient.  Moreover, the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid is required to match civilian needs.  In that regard, resolution 2712 (2023) must be fully implemented.  Rejecting weak pretences of self-defence in the face of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, he rejected Israel’s assertion that humanitarian aid will not bring peace.  Saudi Arabia is a peace-loving nation and wants it to be Israel’s choice as well, he said, calling for a two-State solution and for the convening of a UN-mediated peace conference.

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