Foreign Secretary Addresses High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Two-State Solution at UN

As the son of two Jewish refugees, I address this gathering with immense gratitude towards the state of Israel for the support it extended to my grandmother following the Second World War, after she tragically lost her husband at the hands of the Nazis.

I stand here as someone who, I believe, everyone in this room would agree was horrified by the attacks carried out by Hamas on October the seventh and the brutality that ensued. However, I must also express my deep concern for the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Advocating for a Two-State Solution

There exists only one path to security, freedom, and dignity for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, and that is the two-state solution. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that while many of us still believe in this solution, it is being undermined by the current situation on the ground. A recent example of this is the E1 tender issued in August of this year.

This is precisely why the UK government, alongside France and Canada, has chosen to follow the commendable leadership of nations such as Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway. We have taken the significant step of declaring the occupation of these territories illegal and have moved to act on the basis of our economic relationships with the illegal settlements. This includes measures to ban the import of goods from these settlements and efforts to disrupt the financial and construction support for their expansion.

While these actions are necessary, they are not enough on their own.

Supporting Palestinian Authority and Addressing Hamas

It is encouraging that we are collaborating with others in this endeavour. It is also imperative to acknowledge the significance of the Palestinian Authority in providing a unified and legitimate Palestinian framework. Moreover, it is crucial to state unequivocally that Hamas must not be part of any future governance in Gaza unless it decommissions its weapons and actively works to eliminate terrorism.

Additionally, we must lend our support to the U.S.-led 20-point plan, recognising that such initiatives are vital for progress.

Facing the Challenges Ahead

However, let us be candid about the challenges we face. If we find ourselves in the same position a year from now, discussing the importance of the two-state solution while the situation on the ground deteriorates further, we will have failed.

So, what steps must we take? I believe there are two critical actions that will significantly influence our future, and I urge all countries present, as well as those absent, to consider these.

Firstly, we must achieve moral clarity regarding the realities of the situation. Silence or avoidance of the truth will hinder any hope for progress.

Secondly, we must apply political pressure on the Israeli government. This is essential for effecting change. This morning, I chaired a meeting with Jordan concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The dire conditions, including the blockage of essential medical supplies and the tragic deaths of children awaiting treatment, should evoke a sense of shame in us all. This shame should extend to the entire international community and, importantly, to members of the Israeli government who are complicit in allowing this to occur.

A Call to Action

Therefore, I implore everyone present to reflect deeply on what actions we can take in the coming weeks and months. It is imperative that we do not reconvene in a year’s time to discuss further suffering and tragedy for the people of Gaza and the West Bank. Thank you, Council.