Document Library

TOR WENNESLAND

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

26 February 2021

(As delivered)

Madam President,

Members of the Security Council,

Greetings to the young guests with us today, Oren and Malak,

Your voices are important and what I will say to the Council now will illustrate that point.

Significant developments in the coming weeks and months will influence the dynamics and the prospects for advancing peace going forward.

Palestinians and Israelis are fully engaged in their respective electoral processes. The COVID-19 crisis remains a persistent health threat that has triggered a massive economic fallout. Meanwhile unilateral steps on the ground are eroding the prospect of establishing a viable and contiguous Palestinian state, and are moving the parties further from constructive dialogue and compromise.

The United Nations is continuing its engagement to meet these challenges.

We are working actively with the parties, and with our partners in the international community, to address the pressing socio-economic needs of the Palestinian people, including in the context of the pandemic. We are also advancing the goal of ending the occupation and realizing a negotiated two-State solution based on UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements.

Madam President,

Palestinian factions are making progress towards holding legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections. Earlier this month they met in Cairo, reaching agreement on several outstanding issues and advancing the election process. The factions also emphasized that elections must be held throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, without exception. I welcome the positive steps to date and appreciate the leadership of Egypt in helping move this process forward.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian public is doing its part. On 17 February, the Central Elections Commission closed voter registration and announced 421,000 new registrants during the period, raising the total registered voters to over 2.6 million, 93 per cent of all eligible voters according to population estimates from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. An estimated 40 per cent of registered voters are under the age of 30 years old. It is encouraging to see such strong public participation in the democratic process.

The UN will continue to work collectively to support the Palestinian people, including through facilitating and supporting preparatory processes towards these important elections.

Madam President,

In a number of recent meetings, the international community has demonstrated that it is focused on helping the parties return to the path of negotiations and signaled its continued support to the Palestinian people and institutions, including in Covid-19 response.

On 8 February the League of Arab States issued a statement reiterating its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On 15 February, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet, from Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations, met virtually to discuss the latest political developments and the situation on the ground. All agreed to meet on a regular basis to continue their engagement.

On 23 February, members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee met virtually in a meeting chaired by the Foreign Minister of Norway and the EU High Representative. The Chair’s Summary highlighted that the parties expressed renewed commitment to enhance cooperation. The donor community called on the parties to take specific steps to improve their relations on the economic front, to facilitate critical infrastructure and assistance projects on the ground. They were also called to avoid unilateral actions that could undermine the resumption of negotiations. The donor community also pledged increased assistance to the Palestinians in a variety of areas including to support the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

In the UN’s report to the AHLC meeting, it was clearly underlined that the Palestinian economy contracted - mostly due to the negative effects on the economy of the COVID-19 pandemic and to the Palestinian Authority’s suspension of coordination with Israel. Let me be clear, it may take years for the economy of Palestine to recover.

The AHLC Chair also noted the critical importance of rolling out a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine program as rapidly as possible, both in the West Bank and Gaza.

In this respect, the UN welcomes the announcement of the Palestinian vaccination strategy and the initial allocation to the Palestinian Ministry of Health of at least 37,440 doses of vaccines by the COVAX-AMC facility. In addition, in February, 30,000 doses of vaccines were delivered to Palestinians, including in Gaza, by Russia and the United Arab Emirates. This is in addition to the Israeli’s earlier transfer of 5,200 vaccines to the Palestinian Authority, the vaccination of 5,000 Palestinian educational and health workers working in Israel and efforts to vaccinate the population in East Jerusalem, which is 50 per cent completed.

The Palestinian Government’s efforts to prepare and plan this vaccination efforts are to be commended, as is the dedication of UN agencies, in particular WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and their partners. Israeli facilitation of vaccine deliveries has also been essential and I appreciate efforts by the Israeli Government to support the Palestinian response to COVID-19. It is critically important that this cooperation continues and is enhanced to ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza receive a fair and timely share in the distribution of vaccines.

Turning to Gaza, I welcome Egypt’s reopening of the Rafah Crossing on 9 February in both directions until further notice. The Rafah crossing is the main gateway to the world for 2 million residents of Gaza.

I also commend the decision of the Government of Qatar to significantly increase its financial contribution for Gaza, including the agreement signed with UNOPS to provide fuel to the Gaza Power Plant to the end of this year. This arrangement will generate over twelve hours of electricity – stable - per day. The UN stands ready to play its part, and will continue to work closely with donors to ensure the continuity of existing commitments.

Madam President,

Unfortunately, concerning developments on the ground continued throughout the reporting period.

Overall, Israeli authorities demolished or seized 170 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and 10 in East Jerusalem, displacing some 314 Palestinians, including 67 women and 177 children. The demolitions were carried out due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

In a particularly concerning series of incidents, on 1, 3, 8, 16 and 22 February, the ISF demolished or confiscated 80 structures in the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa al-Bqai’a in an Israeli declared firing zone in the Jordan Valley. The actions displaced reportedly 63 people, including 36 children multiple times, and followed a similar demolition in November 2020. On 23 February, my Deputy and the Humanitarian Coordinator visited the site and called on Israeli authorities to cease further demolitions in accordance with international law and allow the humanitarian community to provide shelter, food and water to this most vulnerable community.

I reiterate this message from the Humanitarian Coordinator and urge Israel to cease the demolition and seizure of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to allow Palestinians to develop their communities.

Madam President,

Daily violence also continued throughout the OPT during the reporting period.

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations, and other incidents resulted in the death of two Palestinians, including one child, reportedly while they were attempting to stab Israeli soldiers, as well as injuries to 34 Palestinians, including 6 children. Ten Israelis, including two women and three children, were injured by Palestinians during the reporting period.

On 26 January, a 17-year-old Palestinian boy tried to stab a female Israeli soldier near the settlement of Ariel and was subsequently shot and killed by Israeli Security Forces (ISF).

On 31 January, a 36-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by the ISF as he ran towards officers stationed at the Gush Etzyon junction south of Bethlehem while reportedly holding an improvised weapon.

Meanwhile, Israeli settlers and other civilians perpetrated some 25 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in five injuries and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated 59 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in eight injuries and damage to property.

On 5 February, a Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli settlers in the Sadeh Ephraim Farm outpost near the village of Ras Karkar, after reportedly attempting to break into a house. The ISF, who stated the incident was a terrorist attack, also stated that the man was unarmed, and no weapons were found in his possession. I call on Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

On 15 February, Israeli civilians vandalized nine vehicles belonging to Palestinian workers near the West Bank settlement of Shiloh. The Israeli police opened an investigation into the incident noting that it occurred following the removal of an unauthorized structure from a nearby outpost by the ISF.

On the same day, Israeli police announced that they had arrested several Israelis in the West Bank on suspicion of stone throwing that injured Palestinians, illegal possession of weapons, and membership in a terrorist organization.

On 23 February, Israeli authorities filed an indictment against a 17-year-old Israeli boy accused of throwing stun grenades into Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Sarta and causing damage to property. Israeli police also arrested four additional individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.

I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice. Particular care should be taken to protect children from any sort of violence.

On 5 February, the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber decided that the Court’s jurisdiction extends to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Madam President,

Turning to the region, on the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained. However, the security situation continues to be volatile, with continued violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties, leading to heightened tension between Israel and Syria. Late on 3 February, UNDOF observed kinetic activity in its area of operation. The next day, the IDF informed that they had “carried out a precision strike against infrastructures [in Damascus International Airport] that are utilized by proxies for transfers of weaponry and mobilization against the State of Israel.” UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligations to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and prevent escalation of the situation across the ceasefire line.

In Lebanon, the population faces increasing hardship, as a result of the steadily deteriorating economic situation and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 26 and 27 January in Tripoli, two protestors died following clashes with security forces.

In the UNIFIL area of operations, incidents of weapons pointing between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces across the Blue Line contributed to heightened tensions. UNIFIL remains engaged with the parties to defuse tensions, including through its liaison and coordination efforts.

Madam President, in closing allow me to underline the following,

It is critical to begin the process of restoring hope to Palestinians and Israelis that the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace can be realized. Given the reality of developments on the ground, the depth of the task is daunting, but not insurmountable. We must seize emerging opportunities.

The upcoming elections in Palestine may be one such opportunity. The extraordinarily high registration rate among the Palestinians is a resoundingly positive response from the people of Palestine in support of President Abbas’ call for elections. The holding of free and fair elections across the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a crucial step towards reestablishing Palestinian national unity, one that can renew the legitimacy of national institutions, including a democratically elected Legislative Council and Government in Palestine.

The democratic right to vote, particularly for young people, is the right to decide one’s own political future and should be carefully guarded. The UN and the international community will continue to play an active part in supporting the election process.

Elections will also help to clear the path toward restoring a legitimate political horizon to realize a two-State solution. The United Nations, alongside its partners in the Middle East Quartet, will continue to support Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to achieve this goal.

Thank you.

TOR WENNESLAND

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

26 January 2021

Mister President, State Minister Nafti of Tunisia,

Foreign Minister Coveney of Ireland,

Foreign Minister Lavrov of Russia,

Foreign Minister Ebrard of Mexico,

Foreign Minister Eriksen Søreide of Norway,

Deputy Foreign Minister Tammsaar of Estonia,

Foreign Minister Malki of the State of Palestine,

Secretary-General Aboul Gheit of the League of Arab States,

Members of the Security Council,

I am honored to address this Council for the first time in my capacity as the Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and by the trust bestowed upon me in this role by the Secretary-General, the parties and you, Members of this Council.

I thank the Palestinian and Israeli Governments for their warm welcome and look forward to our initial meetings in the coming days and weeks.

I wish to join the Secretary-General in welcoming the Presidential decree issued by President Mahmoud Abbas to hold legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections this year. The holding of elections in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza will be a crucial step towards Palestinian unity, giving renewed legitimacy to national institutions, including a democratically elected Parliament and Government in Palestine. The United Nations stands ready to support efforts for the Palestinian people to exercise their democratic rights. Elections are a crucial part of building a democratic Palestinian State built on the rule of law with equal rights for all. The forthcoming talks in Cairo to resolve outstanding issues related to the holding of elections will be important for the planned preparatory process to move forward.

Mister President,

The COVID-19 crisis continues to take a staggering toll across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Israel. Concerted efforts to contain and halt the spread of the virus have succeeded in lowering the overall number of active cases in the West Bank and Gaza, but the cost in lives and livelihoods remains high, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

As a result of the ongoing spread of the pandemic, Israeli and Palestinian authorities extended or tightened movement restrictions in most areas during the reporting period, significantly impacting daily life and limiting access to basic services.

The UN and its partners continue to support the Palestinian Government’s effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic through the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE), oxygen therapy machines, testing materials and other critical equipment.

Through the efforts of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, the UN is also supporting the Government’s preparedness to receive and eventually administer vaccines. The Palestinian Government is working to procure a supply of vaccines and anticipates support through the global COVAX-AMC facility. The initial allocations of vaccines to cover priority groups are expected in the first half of 2021.

At the same time, Israel has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign for its citizens and residents. In this context, the UN continues to encourage Israel to help address the priority needs of Palestinians in the OPT and to support COVID-19 vaccine availability more generally. This will be critical for the broader efforts of both Governments to control the pandemic and is also in line with Israel’s obligations under international law.

Israel has worked closely with the UN and its partners throughout the course of the pandemic to ensure that equipment and supplies have been delivered throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It is important that the same level of engagement and cooperation be sustained with regard to the delivery of vaccines.

Mister President,

As noted in my opening remarks here today, President Abbas issued a long-anticipated presidential decree on 15 January stating that legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections would be held later in the year. According to the decree, legislative elections will take place on 22 May, followed by presidential elections on 31 July and PNC elections on 31 August.

I also note the amendment of the elections law raising the quota for female representation from 20 to 26 percent. I welcome this step and join the Secretary-General’s call on Palestinian authorities to take further steps to facilitate, strengthen and support women’s political participation, including as voters and candidates, throughout the electoral cycle.

The UN has continued its engagement with the Palestinian Central Elections Committee in support of free and fair elections and stands ready to support the Committee and the Palestinian people as plans for elections progress.

In a separate development in Israel, on 23 December 2020, the Israeli Knesset dissolved after failing to pass a budget and general elections were scheduled for 23 March.

Mister President,

In a concerning development, on 17 January, Israeli authorities advanced plans for some 800 housing units in Area C settlements. The following day, on 18 January, Israeli authorities published tenders for some 1,900 units in Area C and an additional 210 units in East Jerusalem. Of the units advanced and tendered, the majority are in settlements in outlying locations, deep inside the occupied West Bank. Over 200 units are located in illegal outposts that Israeli authorities are retroactively regularizing under Israeli law.

On 19 January, the Jerusalem District Court denied a request for an interim injunction to freeze the tendering process for some 1200 units in Givat Hamatos. The bidding period for the tender closed on 18 January and winning bids were announced on 20 January.

I reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and are a major obstacle to peace. They undermine the prospect of achieving a two-State solution. I urge the Government of Israel to cease all settlement activity in the occupied territory, including in East Jerusalem.

During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished, seized or forced owners to demolish 71 Palestinian-owned structures, including 19 residential structures, displacing 73 Palestinians, including 17 women and 37 children. The demolitions and seizures were executed due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. Israeli forces also bulldozed agricultural land and uprooted over 2,000 Palestinian-owned trees claiming they were planted on state land.

On 23 December, the Magistrate Court in Jerusalem ruled in favour of a settler organization, upholding an eviction order against four Palestinian families in the Batan al-Hawa section of the Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem.

I urge Israel to cease demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and to allow Palestinians in Area C and East Jerusalem to develop their communities.

Mister President,

Violent incidents unfortunately continued throughout the reporting period.

On 25 December, Palestinian militants in Gaza fired two rockets towards Israel, which were both intercepted by the Iron Dome system. On 26 December, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliated against what it said were Hamas targets in Gaza. As a result, three Palestinian civilians were injured, including a six-year-old girl, and damage was caused to civilian structures.

On 18 and 19 January, three additional rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, with two landing in the sea off Israel’s southern coast, and one reportedly landing in an open field, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF retaliated by striking what it said were Hamas targets in the Strip, with no injuries reported.

On 23 January, an explosion reportedly caused by materials stored in a house in Beit Hanoun resulted in the injury of 47 people, including 19 children and 15 women.

Turning to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, two Palestinians, including one child were killed after reportedly carrying out attacks against Israelis and 63 Palestinians were injured, including two children and two women, in clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations, and other incidents. Eight Israelis, including two soldiers, two women and one child were injured by Palestinians during the reporting period.

On 21 December, a 52-year-old Israeli woman was found killed in a forest near the settlement of Tal Menashe in the occupied West Bank, having been attacked with a stone. On 24 December, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian man in the village of Tura, near Jenin, on suspicion of the killing in a premeditated attack. According to Israeli authorities, he subsequently confessed to the killing. Four other Palestinian men were also arrested in connection with the killing.

On 21 December, a 17-year-old Palestinian opened fire at an Israeli police post in the Old City of Jerusalem and was subsequently shot and killed by Israeli Security Forces.

On 1 January, a Palestinian man was left paralyzed after being shot by live ammunition by Israeli forces in the al-Rakeez community in the southern West Bank, during a dispute between Palestinians and the Israeli forces over the seizure of an electricity generator. An initial Israel Defense Forces internal probe found that the shooting was accidental and happened in circumstances where the soldiers feared for their lives, an account disputed by Palestinian eyewitnesses. The IDF opened a further enquiry into the incident.

On 5 January, a Palestinian man was shot dead by ISF at the Gush Etzyon junction in the West Bank after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack. The man’s body is being withheld by Israeli authorities.

Mister President,

I reiterate that Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and may use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Particular care should be taken to protect children from any form of violence. Furthermore, the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centers violates international law and must stop immediately. There can be no justification for attacks against civilians.

Mister President,

There was an increase in settler-related violence throughout the reporting period. This increase took place in the aftermath of the death of a 16-year-old boy from the settlement of Bat Ayin while being chased by Israeli police on suspicion of throwing stones at Palestinians.

During the reporting period, OCHA recorded 45 incidents where Israeli settlers and others injured Palestinians or reportedly damaged their property, resulting in 22 injuries and damage to property. In two separate incidents in East Jerusalem and Al Lubban ash Sharqiya, near Nablus, a boy and a man were physically assaulted and injured.

Meanwhile, Palestinians perpetrated some 55 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in 6 injuries and damage to property. On 3 January, a woman was critically injured by a thrown rock while driving near Deir Nidham, close to Qalqilya.

All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable.

Mister President,

On 23 December, the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet met virtually to discuss the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian peace and the latest developments on the ground. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts very soon to identify concrete steps to bring the parties back to the path of meaningful negotiations.

On 11 January, the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan met in Cairo to discuss ways to advance the Middle East Peace Process. In their joint statement following the meeting, the ministers emphasized their support for the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, UN resolutions and international law, rejected unilateral steps, and urged all parties, including the Quartet, to take steps towards launching negotiations.

Mr. President,

Briefly turning to the region, on the Golan, the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained despite the continued violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement by the parties leading to increased tensions.

There were also reports of airstrikes attributed to Israel on locations in Syria on 25 and 30 December and 6, 13 and 22 January resulting in casualties. On 6 January, UNDOF personnel observed kinetic activity in the UNDOF area of operation involving the firing of anti-aircraft tracer rounds from the northeast across the area of separation, with two of them exploding mid-air. UNDOF personnel heard aircraft activity on the Alpha side and explosions on the Bravo side.

UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligation to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and prevent escalation of the situation across the ceasefire line.

In Lebanon, consultations to form a Government continue. Participants of the 2 December Paris Conference co-chaired by the UN and France, expressed support for the Lebanese people and took stock of the response to the 4 August Beirut Port explosion. Participants expressed concern about the political deadlock and worsening socio-economic situation.

While the situation in the UNIFIL area of operations was generally stable, tensions remained high. There were increased violations of Lebanese airspace by Israel and incidents of weapons pointing between the Israel Defense Forces and Lebanese Armed Forces across the Blue Line.

Mister President,

As we contend with one urgent crisis after another, we must not lose sight of our overarching goal: supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict, end the occupation and achieve the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security, based on the 1967 lines, UN resolutions and international law.

A solution that reflects that both peoples have an undeniable historic bond with this place, that its Holy Sites are deeply important to three world religions, and that both peoples have a right to live on it independently and as a free people.

Despite the significant challenges, achieving this outcome remains possible and there are opportunities unique to this moment that should not be missed. I join the Secretary-General in welcoming the agreement signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. I hope that the promise of the recent agreements made between Israel and Arab countries will lead to a situation where a more peaceful Middle East can be realized. However, it requires leaders on all sides to re-engage meaningfully and return to the path of negotiations. I look forward to working with Palestinians, Israelis and Quartet partners, along with Egypt, Jordan and other regional and international stakeholders to ensure that we create and preserve the necessary conditions for progress.

In this context, allow me to reiterate that the financial situation of UNRWA remains a serious concern. The Agency is not only a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees but is also critical for regional stability. I renew the Secretary-General’s appeal for support.

Mister President,

I assume this role with deep appreciation for the crucial work that is being carried out every day by United Nations personnel on the ground and I look forward to working with Deputy Special Coordinator Lynn Hastings and together with the entire UN family to support the peace process and redouble our collective efforts to support strengthening the institutions of the Palestinian Authority in line with our respective mandates.

I wish to acknowledge and thank my predecessor for his perseverance in his role and his friendship to me personally, both now and in my previous capacity. Nickolay Mladenov’s performance as Special Coordinator is a hard act to follow.

I intend to continue Nickolay’s efforts to speak openly and frankly with all sides. I will support and encourage Israelis and Palestinians in pursuit of peace, urge them to refrain from damaging unilateral steps, and help to create an environment conducive to dialogue. I humbly request your support in these efforts.

Thank you.

As the Syrian people face the year 2021, a decade of conflict has seen them experience death, injury, displacement, destructions, detention, torture, terror, violations, indignities, instability, intervention, occupation, division, de-development and destitution on a massive scale.

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

REPORTING ON UNSCR 2334 (2016)

21 December 2020

[As delivered]

Mister President,

Members of the Security Council,

I am devoting my regular briefing on the situation in the Middle East to the sixteenth report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016). The written report you have already received covers the period between 21 September and 10 December 2020. I will begin by providing an update on developments since the submission of the report to this Council.

On 15 December, the Palestinian Prime Minister and the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) launched the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The plan includes an appeal for USD 417 million, to help 1.8 million vulnerable people over the coming year. The latest humanitarian needs assessment found that 2.5 million Palestinians — some 47 per cent of the population — currently need aid.

Settlement-related developments continued after the submission of the written report.

On 13 December, the Israeli authorities announced a tender for 290 housing units in the settlement of Gilo in East Jerusalem.

On 16 December, the Israeli Knesset advanced, in a preliminary vote, a bill that sets a two-year timeframe for the legalization of 65 outposts and mandates that they should be treated as authorized settlements in the interim, with their residents receiving all municipal services.

Mister President,

Since the submission of the written report, violent incidents continued throughout the OPT.

On 11 December, a Palestinian man from Nablus, who was deaf and mute, reportedly died from complications resulting from an injury sustained from live ammunition. The man was shot by private security guards on 17 August at Qalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem. ISF previously stated that an investigation was opened into the incident.

On 13 December, in the context of clashes, the ISF injured two Palestinians, including a 15-year-old, in Al Shawabka north of Tulkarm. The boy was reportedly shot in the knee with live ammunition.

On 14 December, Israeli forces at the Gaza perimeter fence fired one shell that landed near the Al Bureij refugee camp, causing damage to a house. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the incident was accidental and have also opened an investigation.

Mister President,

I would like to focus on some observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 during the reporting period.

I remain deeply troubled by continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Over the past year, Israeli authorities advanced controversial settlement plans that had been frozen for years. The total number of units advanced in 2020 are on par with 2019 numbers, despite an eight-month hiatus this year. Some 50 per cent of them are deep in the West Bank, in areas crucial for the contiguity and viability of a future Palestinian State. In the strategic location of E1, plans for some 3,500 units were advanced after an eight-year delay. If implemented, the E1 plan would sever the connection between the northern and southern West Bank. Similarly, a tender was issued for some 1,200 units establishing a new settlement in Givat Hamatos threatening to further disconnect East Jerusalem from Bethlehem and the southern West Bank. If either project moves forward it would significantly undermine the establishment of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State as part of a negotiated two-State solution. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions and international law. Settlements entrench Israel’s occupation and undermine the prospect of achieving a two-State solution. The advancement of all settlement activity must cease immediately.

The continued demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures, notably humanitarian projects and schools, is deeply concerning. I call on Israeli authorities to end the demolition of Palestinian property and the displacement and eviction of Palestinians and to approve plans that would enable these communities to build legally and address their development needs.

The continuing violence, attacks against civilians, and incitement to violence are unacceptable. All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable. I am appalled that children continue to be victims – with a particularly troubling series of incidents over the past month in the OPT. Children should not be the target of violence or put in harm’s way.

I reiterate that security forces must exercise maximum restraint and may use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Israeli and Palestinian authorities must carry out thorough, independent, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force.

The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli civilian population centers by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and others is prohibited by international humanitarian law, and Palestinian militants must cease this practice immediately.

I am deeply concerned at the continued settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I call on Israeli authorities to abide by international law and protect Palestinians from violence by Israeli settlers and to ensure that farmers can access their land freely and safely.

Regrettably, the fate of two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza remains an important humanitarian concern. I call upon Hamas to release them immediately.

I also remain concerned at the continued Israeli practice of holding the bodies of killed Palestinians and call for the return withheld bodies to their families, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Human rights defenders and peace activists continue to be subject to pressure and arrest; authorities have an obligation to respect freedom of expression, association and assembly, and to facilitate and promote an enabling environment for civil society to function in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In view of Gaza courts’ continued handing down of death sentences in violation of Palestinian law and of the State of Palestine’s international obligations, I call upon Hamas in Gaza to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and cease the use of military tribunals to try civilians.

Mister President,

The financial situation of UNRWA remains a serious concern. With support from partners and a loan from the CERF, a disruption of vital services was averted last month. Unfortunately, despite this support, there is a December funding gap of USD 88 million. This includes some USD 22 million to pay salaries to nearly 30,000 frontline education, health, social and other workers directly assisting Palestine refugees. In January 2021 the income forecast for UNRWA is worse and may well require more drastic measures to prevent a financial collapse of the Agency in the months to come. The Agency is not only a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, and fully engaged in the fight against COVID19, but is also critical for regional stability. Sufficient funding is essential for the Agency’s continuity, and I renew my appeal for support.

Mister President,

The situation in Gaza remains fragile amidst the immense suffering of the people. The risk of a major escalation remains. Taking into consideration its legitimate security concerns, I urge Israel to ease the restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza. Only by fully lifting the closures, in line with Security Council resolution 1860 (2009), can we hope to sustainably resolve the humanitarian crisis.

It is deeply regrettable that agreement has not been reached on the holding of long-overdue Palestinian presidential and legislative elections. I continue to encourage the parties to overcome outstanding differences in line with Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts.

With regard to the wider peace process, Mister President,

I join the Secretary-General in urging Israelis, Palestinians, regional States and the broader international community to take practical steps to enable the parties to re-engage. Such steps must also be accompanied by concrete actions to restore a legitimate political horizon to end the conflict. The Middle East Quartet – alongside Arab partners – and Israeli and Palestinian leaders, must work together to return to the path of meaningful negotiations.

I hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-start meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, and will create opportunities for regional cooperation. As we have seen in statements from around the world, the commitment to the two-State solution, in line with UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements, continues to be affirmed by broad regional and international consensus.

Mister President,

I would like to highlight some progress and opportunities following the Palestinian Authority’s decision to restart civil and security coordination with Israel that I briefed to you on last month.

The Palestinian Government has received some 900 million USD in back-revenues vital to the fight against the COVID19 pandemic and deteriorating financial situation.

In meetings with leaders on both sides, I have strongly encouraged them to seize this moment to begin a process of updating their economic and administrative relationship. I am encouraged by recent technical-level exchanges between the Ministries of Health and encourage high-level discussions between the Ministries of Finance. An agreement on relevant reforms would not only have notable humanitarian, economic and development benefits, but also represent an important first step on the path back to meaningful negotiations. I again encourage Israel to maintain its commitment to backstopping the PA’s finances up to a minimum monthly transfer of revenues for the duration of the emergency and to take concrete steps such as granting permits to Palestinians from Gaza to work in Israel and the West Bank when adequate health precautions are in place. It remains vital to also ease dual-use restrictions for imports into the Gaza Strip, and grant construction permits in Area C of the occupied West Bank.

Similarly, I reiterate, my call on the Palestinian Authority to take important steps toward mitigating future risk to its banking sector and revenues by aligning its expenditures to recommendations made by the World Bank and UNSCO in June, including for the introduction of a single basic income support scheme. I note President Abbas’ decision to form a committee on this issue. Reforming the system of payments to Palestinian prisoners, their families, or the families of those killed or injured in the context of attacks would not only mitigate risk, but could remove a significant obstacle to some donor support and talks on more substantive steps to modernize the economic relationship.

All sides can take immediate steps to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of Gaza and to allow trade to increase between the Gaza Strip, Israel and the West Bank.

Our support as the international community is vital. In addition, it is important to ensure support to the inter-agency humanitarian response plan and the UN Country Teams’ and the Palestinian Authority’s socioeconomic response plans. I have also encouraged donors to support a few critical initiatives that could be implemented immediately. They would create some 20,000 jobs in Gaza for at least 12 months, accelerate critical infrastructure initiatives in the water, sanitation, energy and health sectors, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Mister President,

Daily violence has continued throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory; settlement expansion and the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures continue unabated, raising tensions on the ground and further undermining the viability of a two-State solution; intra-Palestinian division remains unresolved; a humanitarian, economic and health crisis in Gaza has grown increasingly dire amidst debilitating closures, political division and militant activity.

It is in this context that we must persevere in our efforts to prevent violent escalation and encourage leaders on both sides to takes steps toward enabling a return to negotiations, not a retrenchment of the conflict. We remain guided by the clear and unwavering UN position that only a two-State solution that realizes the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis, in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements, can lead to sustainable peace between the two peoples.

In addition, over this past year, the pandemic that has upended life around the globe has exacerbated many of these negative trends, bringing crucial economic and humanitarian systems to the brink of collapse. I wish to thank and commend the frontline health workers on the ground and my United Nations colleagues for their tireless commitment to helping the Palestinian people weather yet another storm. While the cost in lives and livelihoods has already been too great, I am certain that without the swift and robust interventions by health authorities, civil society organizations, donors and UN agencies the crisis would have proved deeper still.

I remain hopeful that next year we will not only turn the corner on the pandemic, but that, by facing this challenge together, we will find renewed confidence in the path towards a sustainable solution to this conflict.

Mr. President,

As this will be my last briefing to the Council, I would like to share a few parting thoughts.

Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs have lived with conflict for too long. The painful reality of their struggle has affected every single family for generations. Loss and displacement is part of the personal history of every single household. Palestinians have been upended from their homes, forced to seek refuge across the region. Jews have been upended from across the region, forced to seek refuge in Israel. This conflict is not just a conflict over land, for both peoples have the right to call Israel and Palestine their home. It is not only a conflict over history – personal and collective. It is a conflict over the very right of two nations to co-exist.

In 1994, the leaders of Israel and the PLO agreed on something that has rarely been done in the troubled history of the Middle East – they agreed to end the conflict not through war, not by declaring one side a winner and the other side a loser, but through peaceful negotiations. Surely that was not an easy decision. It was a decision that faced opposition from all sides. Yet it was a decision that was so bold, so visionary, so fragile that the international community came together immediately to protect it, to nurture it and to help them advance it.

Sadly, today that vision remains unachieved. It is a vision that has been marred by intifadas, continuing occupation and rapidly diminishing will to reach an agreement that is just and sustainable. Over the course of the past five years, I have met almost no Palestinian who doesn’t believe that negotiations are only a façade for the loss of more land. Neither have I met an Israeli who does not believe that every round of negotiations will lead to more violence and terror.

You know the realities of the conflict only too well -- our monthly Security Council briefings serve as a testament to the situation on the ground.

As I depart from this office, I remain firmly convinced that the world cannot leave the situation unattended. The UN Security Council has over the years passed a set of resolutions speaking to key aspects of how the conflict can be resolved. Bilateral agreements have been signed and ratified. The Middle East Quartet has been created. In the last two years, the U.S. has put forward a vision, albeit different from the broad consensus in this Council. Despite the differences, no one in the international community has questioned the foundation that any resolution of the conflict must be based on two-States, with the appropriate security and economic arrangements, achieved through direct negotiations and facilitated by the international community.

For all our collective efforts, the only way forward out of the one-State reality that we increasingly face on the ground is through engagement between the parties and not through violence.

Perhaps today is not the time for big international initiatives, but the time for steps – maybe small, sometimes maybe bold -- that protect that goal of two-States, side by side in peace and security, and create the conditions for agreement.

Perhaps today is not the time for grandstanding or symbolic victories.

Perhaps today is the time to admit that both Israelis and Palestinians must look inwards and see what they can do, both in coordination and independently of one another, to protect the goal of sustainable peace. In 2016, the UN, together with its partners in the Middle East Quartet, produced a joint report on what some of these steps may be. I encourage you to look at that report again as its recommendations remain valid.

Perhaps today is the time to admit that there are real opportunities for agreement, ones that come from the fact that we face a global COVID-19 pandemic, that we all need to work together to protect our societies from radicalization, religious extremism and economic implosion and to build on the new opportunities created by the Abraham Accords in the region.

It is not going to be easy, in fact it will be very, very hard, painstaking work to stitch back together what is necessary to allow the leaders on both sides to engage in a meaningful process.

Yet for all the goodwill in the world that the Palestinian and Israeli people can count on, rekindling the hope that the conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiation cannot be imposed from the outside. It must come from within, from both peoples and from their freely elected leaders.

Mr. President,

In the absence of meaningful negotiations, I have worked on upholding the international consensus that the goal is of a two-State solution, I have warned of the dangers of the eroding status quo, supported intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts, and, most of all, focused on preventive diplomacy. Together with Egypt, and with critical support from Qatar and others in the international community, the United Nations has played a pivotal role in preventing another devastating war in Gaza.

I have spoken out against injustices. I have condemned terror.

I firmly believe that the goal of a just and lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples remains achievable through negotiations that can be mediated by the Middle East Quartet and critical Arab partners.

I would like to thank, Mr. President, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas, their Governments, their civil servants and all interlocutors in Israel and Palestine for their open engagement with the United Nations. Surely on many occasions we have not seen eye-to-eye, however, their openness and willingness to engage has helped put the UN, in a unique position to mediate and talk to all sides of the conflict.

I want to thank the Security Council for your relentless engagement and support to our work and to the Secretary-General and the services of the Secretariat for your steadfast guidance.

Finally, I want to thank my colleagues at UNSCO for their outstanding professionalism and friendship.

UNSCO is in an excellent position to deal with the challenges of the future and to use the opportunities presented to advance the goal of a just and lasting peace on the basis of two States, in line with UN resolutions. In January, my successor Tor Wennesland should take over this mission. He is one of the most capable diplomats I have ever worked with. I wish him every success in the years ahead and hope that you will extend to him your full support, as you have done to me.

Thank you.

[END]

Let me brief you today on the Constitutional Committee, the situation on the ground, and the search for a wider process towards a political solution that implements resolution 2254.

It is an honor for me to address this Council today. The Special Envoy is continuing a set of engagements – he is, in fact, today in Riyadh – in support of the UN-facilitated political process.

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

18 November 2020

Madame President,

Members of the Security Council,

Allow me first to extend my deepest condolences for their profound loss to the family of former Palestinian Chief Negotiator and Secretary General of the PLO, Dr. Saeb Erekat, to the Palestinian Government and to the Palestinian people.

Saeb, as we all know, dedicated his life to the peaceful pursuit of justice, dignity and the legitimate rights of Palestinians. He never gave up on negotiations as the only means of ending the occupation and establishing an independent, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State. He stood proudly and firmly for his people.

Sadly, I must also extend my condolences to the families and colleagues of the seven peacekeepers of the Multinational Force and Observers who lost their lives in service last week.

May they all rest in peace.

Madame President,

We meet today as Palestinians and Israelis continue their efforts to prevent and control the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. After weeks of declining numbers, however, active cases are again on the rise.

Gaza remains the most immediate and pressing concern. Its crumbling infrastructure, poor living conditions and fragile healthcare system make it ill-equipped to face a major spike in cases.

Already affected by severe movement and access restrictions, cycles of violent escalation and years of humanitarian and socio-economic calamity, the two million Palestinians living within Gaza’s confines would face catastrophic consequences from a major outbreak.

Madame President,

For these reasons, I welcome the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) decision to restart civilian and security coordination with Israel. I express my appreciation to Israel for confirming that existing bilateral agreements continue to govern relations between both parties, particularly in the context of economic, security and civilian affairs.

I want to thank all, particularly our Palestinian and Israeli colleagues as well as the entire team at UNSCO and our partners for working hard and putting forward creative and constructive ideas over the past six months so that this significant challenge could be overcome.

I have previously expressed hope that recognition of the interdependence of Israelis and Palestinians could, with political will and leadership, translate into tangible progress towards a resolution of the conflict. Both sides should understand the importance of respecting the validity and continuing force of the framework that they have agreed to govern their relations. Although the existing agreements fall short of meeting the aspirations for peace, security and statehood for the Palestinian people, they provide the basic foundation without which even the beginnings of a return to meaningful negotiations will not be possible.

Madame President,

Eight months into the pandemic, Palestinian unemployment levels are alarmingly high – 121,000 Palestinians lost their jobs in the wake of the first lockdown and employment figures declined by 17 percent in Gaza. Some 40 percent of Palestinian households lost more than half their income in this period and food insecurity rates have soared. The most recent reports suggest any recovery will be slow and partial. Women and children continue to bear the brunt of the combined effect of the pandemic and the socio-economic crisis across the OPT, facing an increased risk of violence within their homes and limited access to support services.

To address the emergency, the United Nations and its partners have continued to provide critical humanitarian and development assistance.

Since the start of the pandemic, close to 85,000 tests and advanced laboratory equipment components have been delivered, as well as over 5.5 million items for infection protection and control. UN agencies and partners have also delivered dozens of ventilators, monitors, beds and other crucial hospital equipment.

In addition, the UN has supported several quarantine facilities in Gaza with non-food items, bolstered public communication efforts and trained healthcare professionals.

Temporary arrangements by the UN and implemented by the World Health Organization continue to facilitate both the transfer of medical patients out of Gaza and the importation of humanitarian supplies for the Palestinian people. I hope that with the restarting of coordination these additional measures will no longer be necessary.

Madame President,

I again highlight the Secretary-General’s call for Israeli and Palestinian authorities to re-examine and improve the nature of their economic relationship. It is as timely as ever and in the interest of both sides to take concrete steps toward addressing this common challenge. The United Nations stands ready to assist in this process.

All sides can take immediate steps to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of Gaza and to allow trade to increase between the Gaza Strip, Israel and the occupied West Bank.

When health conditions allow, Israel can issue a meaningful number of permits for Palestinian workers and traders from Gaza. Israel should also take steps to advance the many outstanding fiscal files and ensure that sufficient revenues are transferred to the Palestinian Government each month – a minimum of 500 million shekels - to maintain its operations and address the COVID-19 crisis.

While its budget is currently reduced to a minimum, the Palestinian Authority should consider steps to reform its own expenditures, in line with World Bank recommendations, so that it can more effectively provide basic income support to all vulnerable households.

I take note of ongoing discussions on the prospect of Palestinian reconciliation and sincerely hope the parties will be able to overcome obstacles to holding long-overdue elections.

Madame President,

In a concerning development, on 3 November Israeli authorities carried out the most extensive demolition in the occupied West Bank in the past decade, destroying over 70 structures, including homes, in the Bedouin village of Humsa Al Bqai’a, in Area C. Seventy-three people were displaced, including 41 children. Their vulnerability is compounded by the onset of winter and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Home demolitions in East Jerusalem also resumed during the reporting period after a pause of several weeks.

In total, 153 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and East Jerusalem were demolished or seized. They displaced 96 Palestinians, including 22 women and 51 children, and affecting some 1,400 others. The demolitions and seizures were executed due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. In addition, three structures were demolished by their owners to avoid the payment of additional fines.

On 28 October, Israeli authorities cut a donor-funded pipe supplying water to 14 herding communities in the Masafer Yatta area of Hebron, home to about 1,400 people. Amid the pandemic, depriving these communities of water could have particularly grave health consequences.

On 2 November, the Israeli Government informed the High Court of Justice that during the next four months it would not demolish the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar. In its explanation, the Government cited COVID-19 restrictions and “additional considerations” as reasons for the delay and said that it would use the additional time to exhaust efforts to reach an agreement with residents.

I reiterate my call on Israeli authorities to cease demolitions, seizures of Palestinian property and efforts to relocate communities in the occupied West Bank. Such actions are contrary to international law and could undermine the chances for the establishment of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state.

Madame President,

In another concerning development, on 15 November, Israeli authorities opened the bidding process for construction of 1,200 housing units in the Givat Hamatos settlement. If built, this project would further consolidate a ring of settlements between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. It would also significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State, and for achieving a negotiated two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. I call for this step to be reversed.

Madame President,

Sporadic violent incidents unfortunately continued in parts of the OPT during the reporting period as well.

In Gaza, militants fired two rockets and released two incendiary balloons towards Israel during the reporting period, with no injuries reported. The IDF fired five shells and missiles into Gaza in retaliation, also no injuries were reported.

Turning to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, one Palestinian was killed and 21 injured, including eight children, in clashes, attacks, search and arrest operations, and other incidents. One Israeli soldier was injured in these incidents.

On 30 October, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle travelling near Jenin, injuring three children. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with the IDF claiming the vehicle posed a threat.

On 4 November, an off-duty officer in the Palestinian Security Forces, who according to the IDF shot towards Israeli soldiers, was shot dead near Huwwara, south of Nablus.

On 8 November, a Palestinian man, who reportedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack near Hebron, was injured and arrested by the ISF.

Meanwhile, settlers perpetrated some 17 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in the injury of one child and damage to property.

Palestinians perpetrated 23 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in four injuries and damage to property.

As the olive harvest season continues, there were incidents of settlers damaging Palestinian olive groves and agricultural fields. Over 190 trees were burnt or otherwise damaged and large amounts of produce were reportedly taken.

On a positive note, as in previous years, hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli volunteers joined Palestinian farmers across the West Bank to assist in the olive harvest and provide protection from harassment and violence.

All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable.

Madame President,

As of today, UNRWA’s funding shortfall stands at a staggering USD 115 million for November and December. For the first time, UNRWA forecasts that it cannot pay salaries and expenses in full, impacting 28,000 staff.

UNRWA plays an essential part as the main provider of direct and often life-saving assistance to many of the 5.7 million Palestinian refugees. To sustain crucial assistance in the region, including food for 1.5 million destitute refugees in Gaza and Syria, frontline medical care vital to the fight against COVID-19 in 58 refugee camps, and education for over half a million students, UNRWA urgently needs USD 70 million to meet immediate obligations.

I take the opportunity to, once again, urge the international community to act swiftly and provide the necessary resources for UNRWA to continue delivering its vital services, helping prevent serious risks to stability that the region simply cannot afford.

Madame President,

Moving briefly to regional developments, let me begin by welcoming the first visit of the Foreign Minister of Bahrain to Israel today to meet with Israeli leaders and visiting U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo and to sign several bilateral agreements. I agree with the statement of the Minister earlier today that the future of peace in the Middle East requires a resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and hope that this development will also contribute to that effect.

On the Golan, while the security situation remained generally stable, developments that occurred early today continue to show the volatility of the environment. The IDF struck targets in Syria in response to IEDs that they found in the vicinity of the ceasefire line. IDF informed UNDOF that in response to attempts to harm its forces, “Israel carried out a retaliatory operation against targets in Syria used by the Iranians and its proxies.” The Syrian authorities informed UNDOF that two Syrian armed forces soldiers were killed by the IDF strike. UNDOF continues to engage both parties to exercise utmost restraint and remind them of their obligations to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and to avoid any activities that might lead to an escalation of the situation between Israel and Syria.

During the consultations on resolution 1701 held yesterday, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific briefed the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon in detail.

The situation in the UNIFIL area of operations also remains calm.

Madame President,

In closing, I wish to emphasize that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility to explore every opening that can restore hope in the two-State solution. We, in the international community must help them resolve the conflict in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and prior agreements.

As I have outlined, with the necessary political will, there are practical steps that can be taken by all. Steps that can begin to fundamentally change the dynamics between the two sides and set the stage for an eventual return to dialogue.

This work must begin in earnest and be accompanied by concrete actions to create a legitimate political horizon.

It is imperative that the Middle East Quartet, key Arab partners, and Israeli and Palestinian leaders build upon recent developments in the region and urgently re-engage on returning to the path of meaningful negotiations.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Israelis and Palestinians in their efforts to return to a legitimate political process that will deliver the long-overdue peace both sides require and deserve.

Thank you.

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

26 October 2020

(As delivered)

Mister President, Deputy Minister Vershinin of the Russian Federation,

Foreign Minister Malki of the State of Palestine,

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Nafti of Tunisia,

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang of Vietnam,

Members of the Security Council,

We meet this month as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the Middle East threatening local health systems and fraying the social and economic fabric of societies as we struggle to meet the challenges ahead.

As the pandemic stretches on and its consequences accumulate, Palestinians and Israelis alike are feeling the effects. I remain particularly concerned about the spread of the virus in Gaza and the long-term damage to the Palestinian economy and social cohesion, including the effects on education, for the next generation.

Last month at the UN General Assembly, the Secretary-General renewed his appeal for a global ceasefire in response to COVID-19, calling for a major push to make this happen by the end of the year.

In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this means focusing on preventive diplomacy to avoid escalation and war in Gaza, working with all to alleviate the health and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, modernising the economic relationship between both sides and working towards re-establishing credible negotiations with the goal of a two-State solution in line with relevant UN resolutions. The commitment of the international community to support both sides in this process remains unwavering. What is required, however, is leadership from both Israelis and Palestinians to work together and advance the cause of peace.

Mister President,

During the reporting period, the resurgence of COVID-19 has seriously compounded the humanitarian and economic challenges on the ground, with a significant tightening of restrictions in Israel and Gaza, and an extension of the state of emergency throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) for 30 days from 2 October.

The humanitarian community has continued its efforts to address the pandemic, including by addressing critical gaps in medical supplies and equipment.

Responding to a severe shortage of equipment, including COVID-19 testing kits, across the OPT, UN Agencies, NGOs and international organizations have delivered materials for more than 100,000 tests, dozens of ventilators and oxygen therapy machines. These new supplies, along with millions of Personal Protective Equipment items, are crucial to efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Arrangements brokered by the UN continue to allow the transfer of patients from Gaza for medical treatment outside the Strip and for importing humanitarian supplies into the Occupied Palestinian Territory, even as the PA’s decision to halt coordination with Israel remains in place.

I wish to reiterate, however, that the UN cannot replace the roles and responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority or the Government of Israel. Any increased responsibilities for the UN in this regard should be limited and timebound.

I welcome the ongoing support from the donor community to the UN COVID-19 response efforts and urge increased assistance as this crisis extends into the foreseeable future.

Mister President,

As we remain focused on urgent health concerns, the viability of the Palestinian Authority (PA) is being severely undermined by an economic and fiscal crisis that has been exacerbated by the Palestinian decision to end civilian and security coordination with Israel.

The fiscal crisis derives primarily from a collapse in domestic tax revenues during the COVID-19 emergency and from the Government’s refusal to receive its clearance revenues.

The United Nations stands ready to mediate solutions to the fiscal crisis and to get the Palestinian economy on better footing. I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for both sides to re-examine the nature of their economic relationship and improve it for the benefit of both peoples.

In this context, I appeal to the Palestinian leadership to resume its coordination with Israel and accept its clearance revenues – money that belongs to the Palestinian people and cannot be replaced by donor funding. When public health conditions permit, Israel should facilitate freer movement of Palestinian workers and goods into Israel and between the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. For its part, the international community should accelerate humanitarian and development initiatives in the OPT, including those outlined in the Humanitarian Response Plan and the United Nations COVID-19 response plan.

Mister President,

On 14 and 15 October, Israeli authorities advanced some 5,000 settlement housing units. This resumption of major settlement activity, which follows an eight-month break in Area C housing advancements, is of great concern.

The move by the High Planning Committee is one of the largest collective advancements to date. Approximately 85 per cent of these units are in settlements in outlying locations, deep inside the West Bank, all in areas impeding the contiguity of a future Palestinian state.

While the location of these units is particularly worrying, I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace. Settlement-related activities should cease as they undermine the prospect of achieving a viable two-State solution in line with UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements.

During the reporting period, Israeli authorities also demolished or seized 59 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C and three in East Jerusalem, displacing 82 Palestinians, including 23 women and 40 children, and affecting 200 others. The demolitions were performed due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

A donor-funded school in the Bedouin community of Ras Al-Tin in the Ramallah Governorate, faces an imminent threat of demolition due to the lack of a building permit. If demolished it would affect nearly 50 children. An Israeli court has issued an interim injunction halting the demolition pending further legal proceedings. There have been no demolitions of residential structures in East Jerusalem in the reporting period.

I urge Israel to cease demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, and to allow Palestinians to develop their communities.

Mister President,

Over the past months, Israel has not responded to visa renewal requests for international staff members from the UN Human Rights Office. While the Office continues to deliver on its mandate, most international OHCHR staff members are now working from outside the mission area. After the release of the report to the Human Rights Council on business activities in Israeli settlements in February 2020, Israel has frozen its relations with OHCHR. I am deeply concerned that critical mandated work on human rights by the United Nations is obstructed in this manner. I urge Israel to facilitate the return of international staff members to the OPT.

Mister President,

On 24 September, Fatah announced that it had reached a series of understandings with Hamas, including an agreement to hold legislative and presidential elections under a proportional representation system.

These discussions are a welcome development and represent yet another effort at organizing long overdue and much needed Palestinian leadership elections, on the basis of the PLO platform. The Palestinian people have not been allowed to elect their leaders for too long. Democracy and elections are critical to enabling people to determine the direction of their national cause. The UN stands ready to support the Palestinian people in exercising their democratic rights.

Mister President,

Violent incidents unfortunately continued throughout the reporting period.

On 1 October, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrested two Palestinian men who had crossed into Israel through the Gaza security fence, carrying a homemade bomb. The next day, the IDF opened fire towards a group of Palestinians who approached the security fence in Gaza, injuring one of them.

On 5 October, militants fired one rocket from Gaza towards Israel. The rocket landed in an open area in Israel, with no injuries or damages reported. In response, Israeli Air Force aircraft fired two missiles targeting a military observation post in Gaza; no injuries were reported as well.

On 20 October, the IDF announced that it had located and exposed a Hamas tunnel entering Israeli territory from the southern Gaza Strip. A few hours after the discovery, Palestinian militants fired one rocket from Gaza towards Israel. The rocket was intercepted by the IDF’s Iron Dome air-defense system and no injuries or damages were reported. The Israeli Air Force responded by striking struck an underground structure in an agricultural field in Gaza. No injuries were reported.

In total, five rockets were fired by militants in Gaza towards Israel during the reporting period. IDF fired a total of 13 missiles into Gaza in retaliation.

While the calm understandings in Gaza have largely held, the arrangements and commitments from all parties must be reinforced if they are to be sustained.

Mister President,

Turning to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, two Palestinians, including one child were killed and some 65 were injured in clashes and other incidents. Seven Israelis, including two soldiers, and one woman were injured during the reporting period.

On 4 October, Israeli forces shot and injured a 16-year-old Palestinian with a live bullet during clashes in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. On the same day, a 15-year old Palestinian boy was seriously injured in an incident in Hizma, near East Jerusalem.

On that day also a Palestinian armed with a knife attempted to stab an ISF officer near Hebron. The attacker was arrested and no injuries were reported.

On 5 October, Israeli security forces (ISF) shot and killed a Palestinian man and injured two others at a checkpoint southeast of Tulkarm, while they were reportedly throwing Molotov cocktails at passing vehicles.

On 25 October, a 17-year old Palestinian youth died during an encounter with the ISF near the West Bank village of Turmusaya, near Nablus. There are conflicting claims about the circumstances and cause of death. I urge a prompt and independent investigation into the events that led to the death of the boy.

Mister President,

Settlers perpetrated some 34 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 30 injuries and damage to property. Palestinians perpetrated some 29 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the West Bank, resulting in five injuries and damage to property.

The olive harvest is a key economic, social and cultural event, but, each year, the ability of Palestinians to harvest is compromised due to access restrictions, attacks and intimidation. Since the harvest season began on 7 October, 23 farmers were injured, over 1,000 olive trees were burnt or otherwise damaged, and several tons of produce stolen, in 19 separate incidents. Israeli authorities must ensure smooth access of farmers to their land and to protect all farmers and their property from attacks.

I am also deeply concerned over the deteriorating health condition of Maher Al-Akhras, a Palestinian detainee who has been on a hunger strike for over 90 days in protest of his administrative detention. On 12 October, Al-Akhras rejected an offer by the Israeli authorities whereby he would only be released on 26 November, the original end date of his detention order, in return for immediately ending his hunger strike. To date, there has been no agreement to end the standoff.

Let me reiterate that all held in administrative detention should be promptly charged and tried in a court of law or released without delay.

Mister President,

On the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, I want to acknowledge the efforts made by civil society and the Palestinian Government, in partnership with the UN, on advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda despite the challenging political and humanitarian context. This month, the Palestinian Ministry of Women Affairs completed development of its second-generation National Action Plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325.

Mister President,

On 18 October, at a ceremony in Manama, Israel and Bahrain established formal diplomatic relations signing eight bilateral agreements, including a “Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic, peaceful, and friendly relations.” The document affirms that the two parties will “continue their efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

On 20 October, the first official delegation from the United Arab Emirates visited Israel. The delegation signed four bilateral agreements with Israeli counterparts, including an agreement on mutual visa exemptions for Israeli and Emirati nationals.

On 23 October, the leaders of the United States, Israel and the Republic of the Sudan announced that the Governments of Israel and Sudan had agreed to end the state of belligerence between their countries and to normalize relations. I join the Secretary-General in expressing hope that this agreement will further cooperation, enhance economic and trade relations, and bring about new opportunities to advance peace and economic prosperity in the wider Horn of Africa and Middle East regions.

I am concerned, Mr. President, by statements by senior Palestinian officials saying that Muslims entering the al-Aqsa mosque on the basis of the recent normalization agreements are not welcome and warning of dangerous consequences of such visits. I note the delicate balance of the status quo at the Holy Compound. Any forms of politicization that may increase the risk of an escalation within the sanctity of its grounds must be rejected.

Mister President,

In Lebanon, Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib stepped down from his functions on 26 September, having been unable to form a government. Subsequently, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri was designated by the President to form a government. The one-year anniversary of the 2019 October popular protests was marked by peaceful demonstrations across the country.

On 14 October, representatives from the Governments of Israel, Lebanon and the United States met at United Nations premises in Naqoura, south Lebanon, to launch discussions aimed at reaching consensus on the delineation of the Israel-Lebanon maritime boundary. The negotiations were mediated and facilitated by the United States and hosted by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

In follow-up to the Beirut port explosion of 4 August, on 27 September, UNIFIL deployed an engineering unit to Beirut to assist with clearance of debris and reconstruction, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The situation in the UNIFIL area of operations, including along the Blue Line, remained generally stable.

On the Golan, while generally calm, the situation remained volatile, with continued violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. On 20 October, UNDOF observed heavy explosions in the vicinity of Al Qunaytirah in the area of separation. Subsequently, the Israel Defense Forces informed UNDOF that they had carried out a “precision strike against military infrastructures” in the area. UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties to remind them of their obligation to respect the terms of the Agreement and prevent an escalation of the situation.

Mister President,

In closing, let me say that if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the virus feeds off instability and expands absent a coherent, coordinated approach to contain it.

The United Nations will continue to advocate for increased cooperation in response to the health emergency, including urging the parties to work together to mitigate risks, save lives and avoid unilateral actions that undermine these efforts.

At the same time, the pandemic has heightened the urgency of exploring all avenues to make progress towards resolving the conflict and ending the occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of achieving a vision of two States. The Palestinian President Abbas has called for an international conference to restart the peace process with this specific goal of two states in sight -- Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State – within secure and recognized borders, based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

Often in this Council we have spoken of the need to act, of the urgency to act, to prevent the collapse of the two-State paradigm and to give hope to the Palestinian people – particularly the youth – that, a quarter of century after Oslo, their right to statehood can be achieved through peaceful negotiations. This is something young Israelis want too. No one wants war and conflict. But if leaders are unable to deliver on the hope for peace, this will only feed radicals and extremists.

I sincerely hope that new avenues of cooperation to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace will emerge. The normalization agreements between Israel and three Arab States must help create such opportunities. As we have seen in statements from Amman to Cairo - from international partners and the League of Arab States - the commitment to the two-State solution, in line with UN resolutions and international law, continues to be affirmed by broad regional and international consensus.

Thank you.

As we mark this month twenty years since the passage of Security Council resolution 1325, let me recall the central role that Syrian women must play and are indeed playing in the political process mandated by resolution 2254