PRESS RELEASE : Meaningful dialogue must end the cycle of violence across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories [December 2022]

Thank you, President, and I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.

Six years ago, the Security Council agreed Resolution 2334. The UK re-affirms its commitment to the core tenets of that text:

First, the status quo is not sustainable, and urgent action is required to maintain the viability of the Two-State Solution;

Second, all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, provocation and destruction, must be prevented; and

Third, Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem.

President,

Meaningful dialogue must end the cycle of violence that continues to have a devastating effect on the civilian population across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The death of 16 year-old Jana Zakaran on 12 December in Jenin during an Israeli arrest operation is another tragic reminder of the human cost of this ongoing conflict. We urge Israel to exercise maximum restraint in its use of live fire. Israel and the Palestinian Authority must work together to de-escalate, continue the crucial security cooperation and bring to an end appalling violence we have seen in 2022.

President,

The past month also saw the demolition of a donor-funded school in the South Hebron Hills. A second school funded in part by the UK is also threatened with demolition. The UK condemns all demolitions by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including in Area C.

The Oslo Accords are clear – Area C should be gradually transferred to Palestinian jurisdiction. I call on Israel to avoid unilateral actions and to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law by providing a clear, transparent route to construction in Area C.

I urge donors to provide urgent support to UNRWA in closing the agency’s critical funding gap this month. UNRWA is a critical role to regional stability.

President,

The UK remains a firm supporter of a two-state solution, based on 1967 lines and Jerusalem as a shared capital, as the only way to ensure a lasting peace between the parties. I encourage all parties, and the international community, to take actions that are helpful in bringing the parties back to a productive dialogue.

Thank you.