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Since my last report, I have engaged widely among Syrians from all parts of the country, who have been keen to communicate with the United Nations at this time when all of us are finding new ways to be in touch. I have been struck by how deep their concerns are about the current state and future of their beloved country, Syria.

Last month, you, the members of the Security Council, “called on all parties to ensure a sustained period of calm throughout the country and reaffirmed the need for the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254”. This signal from the Council was timely, following the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire, and my appeal for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria and an all-out effort to combat COVID-19.

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

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

23 April 2020

Mister President,

Members of the Security Council,

I brief you today as the Middle East continues to confront the monumental challenge of containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 23 March, the Secretary-General launched an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire. On 11 April, my fellow Envoys to the Middle East and I echoed the Secretary-General’s call and restated our firm commitment to preventive diplomacy, to assisting all efforts to respond to the health and socio-economic consequences of the crisis, to supporting cooperation in the interest of peace, and to facilitating humanitarian access for the most vulnerable.

The past month has seen inspiring examples of cooperation across conflict lines in the common battle against the virus. But it has also witnessed continued confrontation and fighting, as the human toll of war continues to rise.

Mister President,

The dangerous prospect of annexation by Israel of parts of the occupied West Bank is a growing threat. If such a move were implemented, it would constitute a serious violation of international law, deal a devastating blow to the two-state solution, close the door to a renewal of negotiations, and threaten efforts to advance regional peace.

On 20 April, the two leading political parties in Israel signed a coalition agreement to form a government. While the two sides reiterated a committed to advance peace agreements and cooperate with Israel's neighbors, they also agreed on advancing annexation of parts of the West Bank, starting 1 July 2020. The Palestinian Authority has threatened that if this move takes place, it will cancel the implementation of all bilateral agreements.

Mister President,

Despite these worrying developments, I am encouraged that the COVID-19 crisis has also created some opportunities for cooperation. I hope that these opportunities will not be undermined or destroyed if the political context between Israel and the Palestinian Authority deteriorates. With support from the United Nations, both sides are coordinating their efforts on tackling the common threat posed by the pandemic. Much more can - and must - be done.

The recognition of this interdependence could, if there is political will, can translate into tangible progress towards resolving the conflict.

I strongly urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to seize this moment to take steps towards peace, to reject unilateral moves that will only deepen the wedge between the two peoples and undermine the chances for peace.

Mister President,

Developments on the ground continue to be dominated by the COVID-19 crisis and efforts to respond to its medical, social and economic consequences.

The UN has put together a Response Plan, requesting USD 34 million to respond to the public health needs and immediate humanitarian consequences of the pandemic in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The response plan, led by Deputy Special Coordinator McGoldrick, was developed in coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Health. It will provide an important bridge to the Palestinian Government’s broader socio-economic recovery plan.

I thank all Member States who have contributed and encourage others to urgently support these critical efforts.

Since the start of the crisis, the UN has delivered more than a million items such as essential drugs and equipment for the management of COVID-19, including personal protective equipment, laboratory materials, thousands of tests, oxygen therapy devices and advanced analysis machines. These items have reached hospitals and clinics directly and also through the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The UN and its partners have provided training for Gaza health workers to build capacity on the ground, while the World Health Organization and UNICEF continue efforts to procure essential ICU and ventilator equipment.

On 15 April, the Palestinian Ministry of Health sent a shipment of drugs and supplies to Gaza. This included laboratory and testing materials, dialysis materials and some critical medications.

Israel also continues its efforts to provide and facilitate assistance to the Palestinians related to COVID-19.

UNRWA is also engaged in response efforts, having opened its health services to non-refugees in Gaza. In this context, I welcome the efforts of Jordan and Sweden in hosting the second Ministerial Strategic Dialogue on UNRWA on 22 April and the important focus placed on the need to continue supporting the Agency.

Mister President,

I take this opportunity to commend once again Palestinian and Israeli authorities for their continued efforts and sustained coordination to contain the virus and mitigate its economic fallout.

Despite the positive steps, significant challenges remain.

Palestinian health services continue to report an acute shortage of medical equipment and personnel due to insufficient funding.

In Gaza, the Ministry of Health reported that in March it ran out of 44 per cent of essential medical supplies. This, in addition to the urgent need for laboratory materials needed to conduct testing, as well as ICU equipment.

Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers have remained in Israel, providing for their families during a difficult time. If they return home, they must be properly quarantined and screened. The UN Country Team is working with the Palestinian authorities to ensure that the necessary facilities are in place for such an eventuality.

In East Jerusalem, where the health network is chronically underfunded, only two of six hospitals are prepared to deal with cases of COVID-19 that require clinical care. The Israeli closure of a COVID-19 testing clinic in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem on 14 April has also raised concerns.

Although to date no COVID-19 cases have been reported among prisoners, the Palestinian leadership has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the crisis on detainees in Israeli prisons.

I encourage all authorities to consider the release of or alternatives for those in various forms of detention who are particularly vulnerable – such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions – as well as children and women.

Mister President,

The impact of the virus on women and girls is particularly concerning. Evidence is emerging that gender-based violence, including domestic violence, has increased since the onset of the pandemic.

The crisis is also impacting women’s engagement in economic activities and exacerbating pre-existing gender inequalities. According to a recent survey by UN-Women, 27 per cent of women's businesses have been shut down, and 73 per cent of women surveyed indicated that they can only sustain their businesses under the current conditions for a maximum of four months. I encourage the Palestinian Government to work with the UN and take all necessary measures to ensure protection of women and girls.

Mister President,

Aside from the immediate health concerns, COVID-19 will also take a severe toll on the broader socio-economic situation.

If current trends continue, the damage to the economy risks the very existence of the Palestinian Authority. Revenues from trade, tourism and transfers have declined to their lowest levels in the last two decades. The PA fiscal gap for 2020 will likely exceed USD 1 billion.

Israel has a critical responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of people under its control.

As a result of the occupation, the Palestinian Authority has limited sway over its economy and does not have access to the conventional monetary and fiscal tools necessary to remedy the crisis.

Following a series of consultations recently held with the Israeli and Palestinian Ministers of Finance, I can report today that measures are being discussed that will ensure, for the coming four months, that clearance revenue transferred by Israel to the Palestinian Authority do not fall below USD 137 million per month. This is the minimum amount necessary to ensure the Palestinian Authority’s fiscal viability and critical service delivery to the Palestinian people.

In this context, I also welcome the Palestinian Prime Minister’s announcement of an emergency budget aimed at keeping public spending to a minimum. This budget should re-orient all spending towards health-related expenditures, income support to vulnerable people, support for affected firms, and continuity of government, including salaries and security-related expenditures. Gaza’s specific needs must also be addressed in this budget.

Mister President,

Turning briefly to Gaza, a relative calm has prevailed in and around the Strip. Two rockets were launched towards Israel on 27 March, and in response the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired three missiles at targets it identified as militant facilities.

Earlier this month, however, Hamas security forces detained eight civil society activists on the grounds of “establishing a normalization activity with the Israeli occupation.” Three have been released. The UN Human Rights Office has raised serious concerns over the legality of the detentions, fair trial standards and the risk of ill-treatment in and outside detention. I reiterate their call for the civil society activists to be released.

Meanwhile, the Erez crossing has been largely shut down since 12 March, except for the exit of emergency medical cases and cancer patients. Severe movement restrictions have been put in place inside Gaza as well.

Exit via the Rafah crossing was also halted on 15 March. Since 13 April, however, the crossing has reopened in one direction. Egypt has allowed some 1600 Palestinians to return to Gaza. Local health authorities there have organised isolation facilities, placing all who return in a mandatory three-week quarantine. The UN is working with all stakeholders to ensure that these facilities are properly maintained, and appropriate screening mechanisms are put in place.

Mister President,

Despite a notable decline in clashes due to COVID-19 related movement restrictions, sporadic violent incidents continued in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Overall, three Palestinians were killed and 25 injured, including four children, in various incidents. Two Israelis were injured, including one civilian and one member of the security forces.

On 22 March, Israeli Security Forces shot and killed a 32-year-old Palestinian man and injured his relative, while they were traveling on a main road in the central West Bank. The Israeli military reported that the two were throwing stones at vehicles, an account that has been disputed by family members.

On 22 April, a Palestinian man carried out a car ramming and stabbing attack against an Israeli border police officer and was subsequently shot and killed.

In East Jerusalem, the situation in the Issawiya neighborhood remained tense, with clashes and arrests taking place during the reporting period.

On 3 April, Israeli police detained the Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs for several hours and interrogated him over allegations of violating an Israeli law prohibiting the Palestinian Authority activities in Jerusalem without coordination. The minister was released on the condition that he abstain from such activities and was banned from movement within East Jerusalem for 14 days. Later on 5 April, Palestinians Authority’s Governor of Jerusalem was arrested over similar allegations and released on the following day.

During the reporting period, OCHA recorded an increase in settler-related violence as compared to January and February, with some 38 incidents of Israeli settlers injuring Palestinians or damaging their property.

OCHA also recorded some 11 Palestinian attacks against Israeli civilians in the West Bank resulting in 1 injury and damage to 11 vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities demolished 34 Palestinian-owned structures in Area C due to lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which remain very difficult for Palestinians to obtain. No structures were demolished in East Jerusalem during the reporting period or in Area C of the West Bank since 26 March. While the temporary halt in home demolitions is a positive measure, the continued targeting of other structures, in particular water and hygiene-related structures, remains of concern.

Mister President,

Turning briefly to the region, on the Golan, where the ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been generally maintained, the overall security situation remains stable despite some continued violations by both parties including the presence of unauthorized personnel and equipment in the areas of separation and limitation.

On 13 April, UNDOF observed 15 drones flying from the Alpha side to the Bravo side over the area of separation with five of these drones heading towards the area of limitation on the Bravo side. On 17 April, UNDOF observed an aircraft from the Alpha side flying across the ceasefire line and over the area of separation. Around the same time, UNDOF saw the Syrian armed forces at a position in the area of separation fire shots across the ceasefire line towards an aircraft flying on the Alpha side. These developments have a potential to escalate the situation between the two sides. The parties have an obligation to respect the terms of the Disengagement Agreement.

In Lebanon, since the Government declared a state of general mobilization because of the public health emergency on 15 March state security forces have enforced lockdown measures and distributed aid to vulnerable Lebanese households. In parallel, the deteriorating socio-economic situation has led to renewed demonstrations in parts of the country. The Palestine refugee camps are increasingly volatile as the population has been severely impacted by the economic crisis and is now facing the mounting threat of the COVID-19 virus, with the first case in a refugee camp confirmed this week. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s promised economic rescue plan remains under Cabinet discussion.

Mr. President,

As we continue our collective efforts to contain COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the critical decisions that lay ahead for Israeli political leaders, decisions that may impact the trajectory of this conflict for years to come.

Moves to annex land and to accelerate settlement expansion, combined with the devastating impact of COVID-19 can ignite the situation and destroy any hope of peace.

The path of unilateral action will only lead to more conflict and suffering.

However, there is a different path— one of working together to modernize and expand existing agreements, of solidifying the current relative calm in Gaza. A path of implementing the recommendations of the 2016 Middle East Quartet report and actively taking steps towards a negotiated two-state solution that is based on relevant UN resolutions, bilateral agreements and international law.

Mr. President,

Today however I would like to end my briefing today by conveying my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire United Nations family, particularly to the World Health Organization team and Deputy Special Coordinator McGoldrick, who have been working tirelessly on the ground since the onset of COVID-19. They continue to demonstrate, on a daily basis, their unwavering commitment to support efforts to contain this deadly pandemic, protect the most vulnerable and uphold the values of the United Nations, never losing sight of our common path to sustainable peace.

Thank you.

We have arrived at another critical point in the Syrian conflict. After terrible violence, an uneasy calm prevails on the ground – and now, Syrians face a new potentially devastating threat in COVID-19.

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)

30 March 2020

Mister President,

Members of the Security Council,

On behalf of the Secretary-General, I will devote this briefing to presenting the thirteenth report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334, covering the period from 18 December 2019 to 20 March of this year.

Let me begin however by praising the far-reaching measures that both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have taken to try and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The coordination that has been put in place and the joint commitment to tackle the threat to both populations is exemplary. Their efforts have been supported by the UN. The UN Country Team, led by the Deputy Special Coordinator and the World Health Organization, is working closely with all partners and the authorities to ensure coordinated assistance to the health networks dealing with the spread of the virus in the West Bank and to support preparedness in Gaza.

I am grateful to all those who have pledged assistance to our efforts as well.

Returning to the report, let me reiterate that developments during this reporting period cannot be divorced from the broader context: Israel’s continued military occupation of Palestinian territory, illegal settlement activity and the threat of annexation; Hamas’ continuing hold over Gaza and its militant activity; Israeli closures on Gaza; unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts; severe challenges to the fiscal viability of the Palestinian Authority; and the persistent risk of military escalation. All of these developments collectively erode the prospects of achieving a viable two-State solution.

In today’s briefing, I will focus on developments on the ground in accordance with the provisions of the resolution, including on regional and international efforts to advance peace.

Mister President,

Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem” and to “fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard”. No steps have been taken to this effect during the reporting period.

Israeli authorities advanced or approved plans for some 3,800 housing units in West Bank settlements, including about 100 in East Jerusalem. Tenders for a total of some 3,200 housing units were announced, including 1,077 in Givat Hamatos, an area strategically located between the East Jerusalem Palestinian neighborhood of Beit Safafa and Bethlehem. About thirty per cent of the units advanced, approved or tendered are to be built in outlying locations, deep inside the occupied West Bank.

On 25 February, the Israeli government announced it would advance two plans for a total of 3,500 units in the E1 area in the West Bank. If constructed, these units would expand the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim towards Jerusalem, severing the connection between the northern and southern West Bank, thereby further undermining the possibility of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state.

On 9 March, Israel's Defense Minister advanced a plan for a so-called “sovereignty road” between the southern and northern West Bank, bypassing the Ma'ale Adumim settlement and areas around it, and stated that its construction would enable settlement construction in E1. Settlement expansion in E1 has long been considered controversial due to the area's importance for the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state

On 15 January, following a ruling by Israel’s High Court of Justice, Israeli authorities demolished two houses in the outpost of Kumi Ori, in Area B of the West Bank. Structures were reportedly also demolished during the reporting period in the outposts of Ma'ale Shlomo and Ma'ale Pinhas. In all of these cases, clashes were reported between settlers and security forces.

Mister President,

Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures by Israeli authorities continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Citing the absence of Israeli-issued building permits, which remain very difficult for Palestinians to obtain, the Israeli authorities demolished or seized 96 Palestinian-owned structures, including 50 in East Jerusalem, in addition to 29 structures self-demolished by their owners, resulting in the displacement of 227 people, including 53 women and 122 children.

During the reporting period, the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court ordered the eviction of several Palestinian families from their homes in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, pursuant to lawsuits brought by an Israeli settler-related organization citing pre-1948 ownership of the properties. The families intend to appeal the cases. However, if upheld, the rulings could put hundreds of Palestinians living in the area at risk of forced eviction.

Mister President,

Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) calls for “immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including all acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction.” Unfortunately, sporadic violence continued during the reporting period.

Between 18 December and 20 March in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians, including 2 children were killed and some 30 injured, while some 30 Israelis, including 4 children and 19 security personnel, were injured in various incidents.

On 5 February, during clashes in Hebron, ISF shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian boy, as he was allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails.

On 6 February, a Palestinian man was shot and killed during clashes in Jenin, while in a separate incident, a Palestinian Authority policeman was killed after being hit by a live bullet shot by ISF while he was inside a police station. ISF have opened an investigation into the second incident.

On the same day, a Palestinian man shot and wounded a soldier near the entrance of Jerusalem’s Old City. He was killed by ISF. 12 Israeli soldiers were injured in a car ramming attack in Jerusalem, carried out by a Palestinian, who was later arrested.

On 6 January an Israeli girl and a man were reportedly injured, and at least eight vehicles owned by Israelis were damaged, following throwing of stones, and in one case a Molotov cocktail, by Palestinians on West Bank roads.

On 18 January, an Israeli man was wounded in a stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian youth in Hebron. The perpetrator was arrested.

On 7 February, another Palestinian succumbed to his wounds after having been shot during clashes in the village of Qaffin in the northern West Bank.

On 18 February, during clashes between police and local residents, a Palestinian security forces shot and killed a 15-year old Palestinian boy in Qabatia, Jenin.

On 22 February, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man near Lions Gate at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem, reportedly as he attempted to stab them. On 11 March, during clashes with local residents trying to block Israelis from entering a historical site, the ISF shot and killed a 15-year old Palestinian boy in Jabal al-‘Arma in Beita, Nablus.

In March, there have been a number of incursions by settlers in Palestinian towns particularly in Ramallah and Nablus Governorates.

Mister President,

In Gaza, despite several days of renewed hostilities in late February, the understandings brokered by Egypt and the United Nations continue to be largely upheld and a fragile calm currently prevails.

On 26 December, the organizers of the protests along the Gaza perimeter fence announced that they would be put on hold until 30 March, leading to a period of relative calm along the fence, despite occasional violent incidents.

On 21 January, three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old boy, crossed the fence into Israel from Gaza and were were shot by ISF after they threw explosive devices towards them.

On 31 January, a 14-year-old Palestinian boy was pronounced dead from tear gas canister wounds he sustained during demonstrations held on 11 October 2019.

Rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel, the launching of balloons carrying explosive devices, and Israeli retaliatory strikes have also continued. On 23 February, two Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants attempted to place an explosive device along the fence. One of them was killed by the IDF who retrieved his body using a bulldozer inside Gaza in an incident that caused outrage and a serious escalation.

In the following two days, PIJ launched over 100 rockets and mortar shells towards Israel, including one that landed in a playground. Israel responded by firing at PIJ targets in the Strip. Overall, 18 Palestinians and 16 Israelis were injured in the exchanges before UN and Egyptian-led efforts succeeded in restoring calm on 24 February.

Mister President,

Despite the call in Security Council resolution 2334 for the parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement, and inflammatory rhetoric, such statements continued.

Palestinian leaders continued to make inciteful and provocative statements. Fatah’s official social media pages glorified perpetrators of previous terror attacks against Israelis, and displayed content encouraging children to carry out violence against Jews. PA officials also delivered speeches praising perpetrators of attacks, denying Israel’s existence, and denying the Jewish historic connection to Jerusalem. Hamas officials encouraged attacks against Israelis in the West Bank and the launching of explosive devices using balloons from Gaza.

Israeli officials continued to make dangerous and discriminatory statements. Senior officials have repeatedly called for annexation of Israeli settlements and other parts of the occupied West Bank. An Israeli minister called for the toppling of the PA if it did not withdraw its claims against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Some Israeli politicians also made a series of discriminatory statements against Israeli Arabs.

Mister President,

Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated calls by the Middle East Quartet for “affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperiling the two-State solution.”

Over the past months, Israel has removed restrictions and monitoring requirements on a number of materials entering Gaza, including some that previously entered through the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism. These materials included equipment needed for the construction of critical water and sanitation infrastructure as well as tires, and certain types of cement.

During January 2020, the number of people exiting Gaza via Erez Crossing was around 27,000, of whom 78 per cent were businesspersons and merchants. This is the highest number of exits recorded since 2007. In a related development, in mid-February, Israel raised the number of business permits for entry from Gaza into Israel to 7,000, the highest it has been since 2007.

Progress has also continued on the reconstruction of damage incurred during the 2014 escalation. To date, 9,000 out of 11,000 totally destroyed houses have been rebuilt, and work on another 800 houses is underway. There remains a funding gap of some USD 35 million needed to complete the reconstruction of 1,000 destroyed homes and USD75 million for the repair of just over 56,000 partially damaged homes. Over 1,000 families remain internally displaced.

Mister President,

Despite continued progress on the implementation of critical interventions in support of the economy, and Gaza’s water, energy and health sectors, the humanitarian and socio-economic situations remain dire. Gaza’s health system continues to be on the brink of collapse, overstretched and burdened by chronic shortages of drugs and supplies. In January and February 2020, the percentage of medical-related exit permit requests that were delayed or denied by Israeli authorities was 30 and 31 per cent, respectively. As of February 2020, stock levels for 39 per cent of essential medicines have been completely depleted.

Gaza’s failing healthcare system is particularly worrying in the context of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the region. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world – this coupled with its already fragile health care system makes it a particularly high-risk case for the COVID-19 outbreak. In early March, the phased introduction of measures to stem COVID-19 led UNRWA to close down schools throughout the oPt indefinitely, though essential medical and other operations continue.

We were informed today by UNRWA that in Gaza they will provide primary health services also to Palestinians who do not have a refugee status in order to assist with the efforts to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in Gaza.

The UN is working to increase its support for Gaza’s health system, including in the context of the COVID-19 response.

On the positive side, according to data compiled by OCHA in January, the increased energy supply since October 2018 has contributed to significantly reduced amounts of pollution into the sea alongside increased availability of piped and desalinated water for Gaza’s population. It is imperative that sustainable solutions are found to Gaza’s energy deficit.

There has been no progress during the reporting period towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation or Palestinian presidential and legislative elections, which have not taken place since 2006. Between 27 February and 17 March, the Russian Federation hosted a series of bilateral discussions with representatives of various Palestinian factions. Discussions focused on the need to advance intra-Palestinian unity and convene an inclusive dialogue to further prospects of reconciliation.

Mister President,

Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) called on Member States “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied in 1967.”

On 12 February, the UN Human Rights Office issued its report on businesses involved in activities related to settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, as requested by the Human Rights Council in its Resolution 31/36, adopted on 24 March 2016. As noted in paragraph 19 of the report it “does not purport to constitute a judicial or quasi-judicial process of any kind or legal characterization of the listed activities or business enterprises involvement therein”.

Resolution 2334 also called upon “all parties to continue, inter alia, to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations”.

On 28 January, the United States released its “Peace to Prosperity” vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. As stated by the Secretary-General in his 11 February briefing to this Council, the position of the United Nations in this regard has been defined, throughout the years, by resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly, by which the Secretariat is bound. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements and realizing the vision of two States –Israel and Palestine –living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines.

Mister President,

In closing, I would like to share some broad observations concerning the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2334 during the reporting period.

1. The expansion of Israeli settlements continues to pose a significant obstacle to achieving a viable two-State solution. Their establishment has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, as stated in Security Council resolution 2334 (2016). They should stop immediately and completely. Potential settlement advancement in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, or in East Jerusalem neighborhoods that are crucial to the contiguity of a future Palestinian state, are particularly concerning. The existence and expansion of settlements further entrench the occupation and systematically erode the possibility of establishing a contiguous and viable Palestinian state, and fuel anger and resentment among the Palestinian population.

1. Unilateral steps are detrimental to peace. In recent months, Israeli officials have repeatedly stated their intention to annex Israeli settlements and other parts of the occupied West Bank. If implemented, such steps would not only constitute a serious violation of international law, but they would also effectively end the prospect of the two-State solution and close the door to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

1. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects must stop. This practice violates international humanitarian law and must cease. Affected populations must be duly compensated for damages.

1. There is no justification for violence against civilians, including children, and I call upon all members of the international community to join the United Nations in condemning it unequivocally and calling for all perpetrators to be held accountable.

1. The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards civilian population centres is prohibited by international humanitarian law and Palestinian militants must cease this practice immediately. Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and only intentionally use lethal force when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life, in accordance with international law. All incidents must be thoroughly investigated.

1. Incitement to violence and provocative rhetoric continue to sow fear and deepen mistrust between both sides, eroding hopes for a peaceful solution. All sides must unequivocally condemn attacks when they occur. All perpetrators must be held accountable. Settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem also remains a serious concern.

1. Despite the fragile calm in Gaza, and the limited improvements the situation remains a major concern. I reiterate that the only sustainable solution to Gaza’s challenges is political and requires concrete steps to ensure that Gaza and the occupied West Bank are reunited under a single legitimate Palestinian national authority, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2016 Middle East Quartet Report. It is critical to end the militant build-up of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the constant threat of rocket fire from the Strip. At the same time, while taking into consideration its legitimate security concerns, Israel must continue to implement additional measures to significantly improve the movement and access of goods and people to and from Gaza, with the goal of ultimately lifting the closures, in line with Security Council resolution 1860 (2009).

1. The reconstruction effort in Gaza continues to make important progress and it is important that the remaining projects receive funding and are completed. The United Nations and its partners continue to support this effort as well as other projects aimed at the revival and strengthening of Gaza’s industrial and agricultural sectors. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority must do much more to support Gaza’s health system, particularly in relation to COVID-19 preparedness, but also in light of systemic difficulties and chronic drug shortages. I encourage the Palestinian Government and donors to work with the UN to this end.

1. Efforts to improve the situation in Gaza are vital to bolstering the ongoing conflict prevention efforts of Egypt and the United Nations.

1. It is highly regrettable that there has been no progress made towards the holding of long overdue Palestinian presidential and legislative elections. The Palestinian people must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote and elect their leaders and representatives. It is critical that the important Egyptian-led intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts also continue. Palestinian leaders must engage positively with Egypt, reverse the negative trajectory, take concrete steps to end division and schedule elections.

1. On 8 March, the UN Country Team celebrated International Women’s Day and took the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Palestinian women to the development of their communities. This is happening alongside tremendous efforts by UN Agencies and partners to support civil society actors and the Government to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Notwithstanding the continued challenges posed by Israel’s military occupation, Palestinian women remain concerned about safety and security, livelihoods, employment opportunities, lack of political participation, access to education, health care and other services. I will report in greater detail over the coming months on UN efforts to support more gender focused programming as well as to promote greater engagement of women.

1. The Security Council’s 24 February press elements reiterating support for a negotiated two-State solution in accordance with UN resolutions and international law was an encouraging sign. Thank you for that. Now is the time to find a way to move the process forward, and to advance proposals to bring the parties back into a mutually agreed framework that allows for meaningful negotiations to commence. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, multilateral agreements and international law, and realizing the vision of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- with Jerusalem as the shared capital -living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines.

Mr. President,

As the region continues to confront the enormity of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the broader geopolitical tensions, the situation on the ground remains fragile. Credible negotiations have yet to be launched that will end the occupation and realize a negotiated two-State solution. In the absence of a renewed commitment of the parties to pursue concrete measures that will lead to genuine political progress, the situation I’m afraid will continue to deteriorate.

Thank you.

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

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

24 February 2020

Mister President,

Members of the Security Council,

Two weeks ago, I briefed this Council following the release of the US “Peace to Prosperity” vision for Israelis and Palestinians.

Today, I will provide a regular briefing on the situation on the ground. However, let me begin by addressing the developing situation in and around Gaza.

On 23 February, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it had fired at two Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants who were attempting to place an explosive device along the Gaza perimeter fence. PIJ later stated that a member of its military wing had been killed in the incident, and Israeli officials confirmed that IDF had retrieved the body of one of the militants.

Since then more than 60 rockets have been fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants towards Israel. As of now the IDF is responding by conducting multiple airstrikes in the Strip. Five injuries have been reported inside Gaza. Yesterday, the IDF also struck what it said were PIJ targets in Syria, where two fatalities were also confirmed.

The situation is escalating as we speak with continuing projectiles being fired from Gaza and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

The UN team on the ground is in touch with our Egyptian counterparts in an attempt to restore calm.

Mr. President,

I take this opportunity to call for an immediate stop to the firing of rockets and mortars that only risk dragging Gaza into another round of hostilities with no end in sight. The indiscriminate launching of rockets against civilian population centres violates international law and must end.

Overall, during the reporting period over 110 projectiles were fired from Gaza towards Israeli communities, injuring four people, including a woman and a child. More than 100 incendiary balloons were released towards Israel, many carrying explosive devices. In response, the IDF fired 102 missiles against Hamas and PIJ targets in Gaza, injuring seven Palestinians, including two children.

In the same period three Palestinians crossed from Gaza into Israel and threw an explosive device at security forces, who shot and killed them.

On 31 January, a 14-year old Palestinian boy died from tear gas canister wounds he sustained during demonstrations held at the Gaza fence last year.

Mr. President,

On 1 February, Israel restricted the entry of cement into Gaza, suspended some 500 crossing permits, and reduced the permissible fishing area along Gaza’s southern coast from 15 to 10 nautical miles. These decisions came one day after easing of restrictions on certain goods into Gaza was agreed.

By 18 February some of these restrictions were removed and agreement was reached to reverse the suspensions and also to increase business permits to 7,000, the highest since 2007, and the fishing zone back to 15 nautical miles.

Over the past two years I have briefed the Council on the continuing security, humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza and the UN’s response to it on the ground. We have worked hard to provide electricity, ease restrictions and allow development in the Strip, while reducing the risk of a military escalation. Women increasingly bear the brunt of the dire humanitarian conditions in the Strip. They are required to support their families while men are unemployed, many live with extended families and struggle to make an income.

Amongst our many humanitarian concerns, today I must highlight the ongoing health disaster in the Gaza Strip. According to local interlocutors, as of the end of January, stock levels for 46 per cent of essential medicines have been completely depleted. On 18 February the IDF enabled a shipment of medicines worth some NIS 4 million (USD 1.2 million) to enter Gaza. This shipment will somewhat alleviate the dire situation. However, I take this opportunity to encourage the Palestinian Government to work with the UN and to increase its efforts to help resolve Gaza's ongoing health crisis.

Mr. President,

Turning to the West Bank, violence has also continued. During the reporting period, seven Palestinians, including one child were killed by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and another 206 were injured in various incidents. Sixteen Israeli security personnel and seven civilians were injured by Palestinians.

On 5 February, a Palestinian teenager was killed by ISF after he reportedly threw a Molotov cocktail during clashes in Hebron. The following day, a Palestinian man was shot during clashes in Jenin, while in a separate incident, a Palestinian Authority policeman died after reportedly being hit by a live bullet while he was inside a police station. The ISF have opened an investigation into the second incident.

On 6 February in Jerusalem, 12 Israeli off-duty soldiers were injured, including one critically, in a car ramming attack by a Palestinian, who was later arrested.

Another Palestinian succumbed to his wounds after having been shot on 7 February during protests in the village of Qaffin in the northern West Bank.

On 19 February, a 14-year old Palestinian youth was killed by Palestinian Security Forces (PSF) in Qabatia, Jenin during clashes with residents.

I reiterate that violence against civilians, and particularly against children, is unacceptable, and must be condemned by all. Israeli security forces must also exercise maximum restraint and only use lethal force when strictly necessary. All incidents must be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, the situation around the Holy Sites in Jerusalem remained tense throughout the reporting period. Amidst calls by religious and political leaders for Palestinians to pray en masse at the Muslim sites, there were limited clashes and arrests reported, including after Friday prayers. The Israeli police also issued orders temporarily restricting access to the site for several Palestinians, including a religious leader and former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, citing incitement and disturbance of the peace as reasons for the suspension The police also arrested a former Israeli Knesset Member for ignoring police directives while visiting the site.

Mr. President,

With no meaningful bilateral negotiations on the horizon, developments on the ground continued to undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Israeli authorities demolished or seized 28 Palestinian-owned structures, and 11 others were demolished by their owners following the receipt of demolition orders, displacing 47 people, including 12 women and 19 children. Of the structures demolished 18 were in East Jerusalem. Most of them were targeted due to the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

During the reporting period, the Jerusalem Magistrate Court ordered the eviction of two Palestinian families from their homes in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, pursuant to a lawsuit brought by an Israeli settler-related organization. Some 80 other families in the area could be affected by similar eviction proceedings.

On 5 February, Israeli authorities demolished two structures at the settlement outpost Ma’ale Shlomo, near Kokhav Hashakhar settlement, and clashed with dozens of settlers who protested the move, leading to three arrests.

On 20 February, the Prime Minister announced that he had approved the construction of some 3,000 housing units in the settlement of Giv’at Hamatos, as well as some 1,000 units in Beit Safafa for its Palestinian residents. He also declared that he would also allow the commencement of planning processes for 2,200 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Har Homa. These projects, if implemented, would consolidate a ring of settlements cutting between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, significantly constraining the possibility of a future contiguous Palestinian state.

I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace.

Meanwhile, the threat of annexation remains. Israeli and U.S. officials have said that such a step would only be advanced after a joint committee completes a process of producing detailed maps of relevant areas of the occupied West Bank. On 15 February, the U.S. confirmed the formation of the joint committee.

The Secretary-General has consistently spoken out against unilateral steps and plans for annexation. Such steps, including the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank or similar moves, would have a devastating impact on the prospect for a two-state solution. They would close the door to negotiations, have negative repercussions across the region, and severely undermine opportunities for normalization and regional peace.

Mr. President,

I also take this opportunity to remind the Council that UNRWA continues to face major financial challenges. Without further financial support, critical services in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, will be suspended as of late April. This would result in serious humanitarian repercussions, particularly for some of the most acutely vulnerable communities, among them female-headed households below the poverty line.

I urge member states to continue supporting UNRWA’s core programs in order ensure the Agency remains operational beyond April.

Turning briefly to intra-Palestinian developments, I regret to note that the prospects of reconciliation and elections remain stalled. Renewing the legitimacy of Palestinian national institutions by holding legislative and presidential elections, which have not taken place since 2006, is critical indeed. Palestinians must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote and elect their leaders and representatives.

While the United Nations continues to support the Egyptian-led Palestinian reconciliation efforts, the Palestinian national movement continues to be weakened by the lack of progress on unity. It is time for leaders to engage positively with Egypt, reverse this negative trajectory and take concrete steps to end division.

Mr. President,

Turning to the region, in Lebanon, Prime Minister Hassan Diab formed a Government on 21 January, which subsequently secured the required vote of confidence from Parliament on 11 February. The new Government’s stated priority is to address the socio-economic situation. Popular protests, however, continue throughout the country.

In the UNIFIL area of operations, a serious incident occurred on 10 February in which about 15 individuals blocked a UNIFIL patrol in Bar’ashit (Sector West). The individuals seized items, including one portable radio and one Global Positioning System device, from inside a patrol vehicle. One peacekeeper sustained minor injuries. Attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable. UNIFIL has requested a prompt investigation of the incident, return of UNIFIL’s property, and prosecution of the perpetrators by the Lebanese judicial authorities.

Turning to the Golan, recent developments involving the breach of the ceasefire line and military activities in the area of separation have shown the continued volatility of the situation in that area. On 6 February, UNDOF observed missiles fired from the Alpha side towards the Bravo side, as well as anti-aircraft fire launched from positions on the Bravo side. UNDOF also observed drones flying from the Alpha side across the ceasefire line with one drone being shot down on the Bravo side. On two occasions, the 13 and 23 February, UNDOF personnel observed two aircrafts from the Alpha side flying over the area of separation and anti-aircraft fire launched from the Bravo side. On all occasions, the Israel Defense Forces had carried out strikes on targets in Syria and not on the Syrian armed forces. UNDOF engaged both parties in order to prevent an escalation of tensions and reminded them of their obligation to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

Mr. President,

As negative trends on the ground continue, I would like to reiterate what I said in front of this Council earlier this month. Today, it is not enough to reaffirm the internationally agreed parameters on how the conflict can be resolved. It is time to find our way back to a mutually agreed mediation framework that ensures meaningful Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can resume. While there may be different interpretations and proposals how to achieve a two-state solution, this remains our shared objective. As stated by the Secretary-General, the UN position on the two-state solution is defined by resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly.

The past 48 hours have once again showed us how fragile the situation in Gaza is. Its population suffers under Hamas’ rule and Israeli closures while militant activity forces Israeli communities to live in constant fear of the next rocket attack. No amount of humanitarian or economic support on its own will resolve either the situation in Gaza or the broader conflict. Gaza ultimately requires a political solution.

In the absence of progress towards resolving all final status issues, our preventive diplomacy efforts continue to play an integral role in helping ensure the Israeli-Palestinian conflict does not escalate further and get pulled into the latest regional escalation.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis as they pursue a peaceful future.

Thank you.

Since my briefing two weeks ago, I cannot report any progress in ending the current violence in the northwest or in reconvening the political process.

SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

NICKOLAY MLADENOV

REMARKS AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN BRIEFING ON THE MIDDLE EAST

New York, 11 February 2020

Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General.

Your Excellency, Foreign Minister Goffin, President of the Security Council,

Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Abbas,

Members of the Security Council,

On 28 January, the United States presented its vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which it proposed as a basis for negotiations between the parties.

The Palestinian Government has rejected the proposal. The League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also released statements rejecting the proposal, saying it did not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. The EU High Representative said that the proposal departs from “internationally agreed parameters.” A number of African Union member states also rejected the proposal during their recent summit.

Senior figures in Israel’s Government have welcomed the proposal, saying that they would be willing to use it as the basis for direct negotiations.

Some Member States have expressed their hope that the release of the vision would be an opportunity to bring the parties back to the negotiating table, in the interest of advancing a two-state solution.

The United Nations policy on the issue is defined by relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Mr. President,

In the days since the proposal was unveiled, we have unfortunately witnessed some sporadic violent incidents throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in and around Gaza.

Further escalation or provocations would be a concerning development. They could complicate the situation on the ground and would serve only those who seek to radicalize people and undermine efforts to achieve peace. Today, all must show restraint and clearly and unequivocally condemn violence wherever it occurs.

Following the release of the U.S. proposal, senior Israeli officials vowed to unilaterally annex large portions of the West Bank, including all Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley.

The United States has announced that it will establish a joint committee with Israel to produce a more detailed version of the conceptual maps included in the proposal, which would in turn allow it to recognize an Israeli decision to apply its laws in specified areas in the West Bank.

The Secretary-General has consistently spoken out against unilateral steps and plans for annexation. Such steps, including the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank or similar moves, would have a devastating impact on the prospect for a two-state solution. They would close the door to negotiations, have negative repercussions across the region, and severely undermine opportunities for normalization and regional peace.

Just as unilateral steps will not resolve the conflict, those who reject the proposal should not turn to violence. That would be the worst possible response at this sensitive moment.

Indeed, what is needed is political leadership and serious reflection on what needs to be done to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

Mr. President,

I hope that this Council will join the Secretary-General’s call for a negotiated solution to the conflict and constructive engagement between the parties. The United Nations has long supported a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements.

Today it is not enough to reaffirm our positions.

Today is the time to hear proposals on how to move the process forward and to find our way back to a mutually agreed mediation framework that ensures meaningful negotiations can restart.

Mr. President,

While it is hard to envision a comprehensive agreement between the parties under the current circumstances, let me deeply underline that we must avoid continued entrenchment in the status quo.

Continuing on the current trajectory, described in the 2016 Middle East Quartet Report, would only push Palestinians and Israelis further apart, deepen the occupation, and imperil the future viability of the two-state solution.

The United Nations remains deeply committed to working with Israelis and Palestinians and with our international and regional partners to realise the objective of a lasting and just peace.

As the Secretary-General has said, this goal can only be achieved through realizing the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

There is no other road to achieve this goal, except through negotiations.

There is no other framework except the one that Israelis and Palestinians together agree on, a framework based on relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements. In the absence of a credible path back to negotiations, we all face a heightened risk of violence. Violence, which will drag both peoples – and the region, into a spiral of escalation with no end in sight.

Thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to brief on the alarming situation in north-west Syria, which has further escalated since last week’s briefings. Heavy strikes from both air and ground are causing massive waves of civilian displacement and major loss of civilian life.

It is an honor for me to brief this Council today. The Special Envoy is in Damascus where he is seeking to de-escalate the situation in the northwest and to renew progress in the UN-facilitated political process. Let me update the Council on where we stand today.