PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between Israelis and the Palestinians – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [February 2023]

Thank you, President. I join others in thanking Special Coordinator Wennesland and Deputy Commissioner-General Stenseth not only for your briefings, but also for the work of your teams on the ground.

I would like to thank members of this Council for our work to come to a consensus on a Presidential statement. This statement sets out the international community’s continued commitment to a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, and urges an end to Israeli settlement activities, and the prevention of terrorism. All parties must desist from unilateral measures that further undermine peace, stability and the two-state solution.

President, violence and instability in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to further loss of life. Ten Israelis have been killed in two abhorrent terror attacks in 2023. The UK condemns all forms of terror, for which there is no justification. Since the start of the year, 44 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces. This includes 11 children. Israel must exercise maximum restraint in the use of live fire, and the Palestinian Authority must urgently resume full security cooperation, and renounce and confront terror. We also condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza on 11 and 12 February towards civilian populations. This escalating cycle of violence must be brought to an end as swiftly as possible, particularly ahead of upcoming religious festivals.

Second, the UK condemns Israel’s announcement to legalise ten outposts and advance up to 10,000 units in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As set out by the British Foreign Secretary and our partners in the quint statement, the UK strongly opposes these unilateral actions which exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Settlements and outposts are not only contrary to international law, but they also undermine the prospects for peace. The UK calls on Israel to reverse these decisions. I also condemn increasing settler violence, including the killing of Mithqal Rayyan on 11 February. Perpetrators of violence must face justice.

Thirdly, the UK urges Israel to avoid measures that could amount to collective punishment against Palestinians, particularly punitive demolitions. These cause unnecessary suffering and contribute to the cycle of violence; four Palestinians have been killed during punitive demolition operations so far this year.

In conclusion, President, restoring stability and securing peace is still possible but will require effort from all sides. The UK stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, and remains firm in its belief that a negotiated two state solution, based on 1967 lines with Jerusalem as a shared capital, is the only way to ensure a lasting peace, security and prosperity between the parties.

Thank you.