Delivered by: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
Let me start by thanking H.E. Sergey Lavrov for chairing this important discussion. I also thank Mr. Courtenay Rattray for his briefing on behalf of the Secretary-General, and I also wish to associate with the statement delivered by the representative of the Republic of Iraq on behalf of the Arab Group.
Mr. President,
The killing and destruction witnessed in Gaza during the past ten months violate all legal boundaries and constitute a very dangerous humanitarian disaster.
With the continued Israeli bombings across Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Gazans were forced to repeatedly flee to areas claimed to be safe. However, these areas were also bombed. This happened recently when Israel targeted the tents of displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, committing blatant violations, which are strongly condemned by my country.
Furthermore, Israel’s attacks, and restrictions on the movement of humanitarian aid, have brought the health system to “almost complete paralysis” with severe shortages in fuel and medical supplies. Most of the population in Gaza are exposed to extreme hunger amid increasing warnings of looming famine crisis.
The psychological effects of this war are no less severe than its physical effects. The horrific scenes of this war will remain in the conscience of the peoples in this region and around the world for many decades.
At the same time, the situation in the West Bank is escalating due to the violence committed by Israeli forces and settlers against the Palestinians. We see an acceleration in the legalization of settlement outposts, and confiscation of vast areas in the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley, in flagrant violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. My country condemns in the strongest terms these practices, which undermine the prospects of achieving the two-state solution.
In this regard, we stress the importance for the international community, particularly the Security Council, to uphold its responsibilities in pushing towards the implementation of the following four points:
First, intensifying pressure to reach an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring urgent and safe access to humanitarian aid at large-scale, and reopening the Rafah crossing and all other crossings.
In this context, we commend the mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States towards reaching a comprehensive agreement to avoid further escalation in the region. We call upon the parties to prioritize the interests of civilians, reach an urgent ceasefire agreement, release the hostages and detainees, and implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2720 and Resolution 2735.
Secondly, halting settlement activities all over the Palestinian Territory, and revoking all decisions related to settlement outposts and land confiscation.
Third, with regard to developments along the Blue Line, diplomatic channels must be activated and positive messages must be issued to spare the people of Lebanon and the region the implications of a broader war.
Fourth, reviving a peace process that is based on the two-state solution and relevant United Nations resolutions, with a clear timeframe leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel, in security, peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, we affirm our commitment to continue providing all forms of support to the Palestinian people, which included the establishment of a field hospital in Gaza and a floating hospital in Al-Arish, in addition to the installation of water desalination plants and providing financial support through United Nations’ agencies, including UNRWA.
We emphasize the need to stop this war, put an end to the bloodshed, and take serious steps towards achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
Thank you, Mr. President.