UK Voices Concerns at UN Security Council Over Alarming Situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem

In November of last year, the Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. This resolution continues to represent a historic opportunity for achieving enduring peace in the region. However, eight months later, the implementation of this plan is at risk of stagnation.

It is imperative that all parties involved fulfil their commitments under the agreement without delay. In this regard, I would like to emphasise three key priorities that could help reinvigorate the implementation process.

Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The first priority is to take further action to ameliorate the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Civilians continue to endure appalling conditions, surrounded by waste and debris. While we acknowledge the progress made in alleviating the levels of famine observed last year, the current reality remains dire.

Recent findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicate that 1.2 million individuals are still facing significant food shortages. Projections suggest that 90% of the population will continue to rely on humanitarian aid for survival. Although food may be available in certain private markets, it is often unaffordable or inaccessible for many Palestinians, particularly those most in need.

Averting famine should not be seen as a benchmark for success, nor can improvements in the humanitarian situation be contingent upon progress in other areas. Israel must uphold its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan by facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access. This entails the opening of additional crossings into Gaza, streamlining the dual-use approvals process, and ensuring that life-saving and essential recovery items are allowed entry.

We are also troubled by reports indicating that Hamas has been obstructing humanitarian operations, as highlighted by Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov. Such actions, including the recent incident at a World Food Programme distribution centre, are wholly unacceptable. The UN, including UNRWA, and non-governmental organisations must be permitted to operate safely and on a large scale to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

Renewed Focus on Security and Governance

The second priority is to generate renewed momentum regarding security, governance, and recovery efforts in Gaza. We reiterate that Hamas must honour its commitments to decommission its weapons and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure. This process should be phased and verified in conjunction with a strengthened Palestinian security presence, the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, and a sequenced withdrawal of Israeli forces.

At the recent meeting of the Palestinian Donor Group, the UK joined the Team Gaza Initiative, announcing over 13 million dollars for the UN Horizon Fund. These financial commitments should bolster Palestinian-led initiatives across all areas of Gaza. There can be no enduring arrangements that solidify the division of Gaza or leave millions of individuals under Hamas control.

Concerns Over Violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem

Lastly, the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains deeply concerning. We express our dismay at the violence that erupted in the West Bank on 24 July, resulting in the deaths of four Palestinians and two Israelis. We condemn violence from all parties and urge for de-escalation.

We call upon the Israeli government to exercise restraint, uphold stability, respect international law, and ensure accountability for any crimes committed. Additionally, we are alarmed by the mass incursion at the Haram al-Sharif Temple Mount on 23 July by thousands of Jewish worshippers. It is essential that the Status Quo regarding Jerusalem’s holy sites is respected.

Further, we are troubled by reports of an incursion by Israeli forces at a UNRWA training centre near the Kalandia refugee camp. These incidents are indicative of a broader decline in stability and security in the West Bank, exacerbated by settler violence and Israeli government policies. In the past four years, 104 Israeli settlements have been approved, with billions of dollars allocated to expedite construction efforts. Collectively, these actions represent a deliberate attempt to undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution.

Madam President, the path to peace necessitates that the parties involved demonstrate the political will required to fulfil the promise of the Comprehensive Peace Plan. We must now renew momentum across all avenues and effect positive change on the ground. This is the only viable route towards a future founded on a two-state solution that guarantees peace, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.