UK Champions Two-State Solution for Lasting Peace and Security for Israelis and Palestinians

The United Kingdom has unequivocally condemned the ongoing reckless attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside their escalating actions in Yemen and the wider region. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband expressed profound dismay over the recent assaults on King Khalid Airport, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones and those who have sustained injuries.

In a significant development, the council has reached an agreement on a presidential statement, which is set to be adopted later today. This statement reaffirms the Council’s condemnation of Houthi strikes and reinforces our solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on the Tragic Events of October 2023

Last week marked three years since the horrific attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which resulted in appalling acts against the people of Israel and other nations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the senseless loss of life and offered deep condolences to all those affected, including families of the deceased, the injured, and those taken hostage.

Many in this chamber, including myself, had the honour of participating in a memorial event organised by our Israeli colleagues last week, where we heard the harrowing testimonies of survivors. Among them were Eliya Cohen, who endured 505 days in captivity, and his wife Ziv Abud. Their experiences, along with those of countless Israelis and Palestinians, serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need to end the cycle of violence and achieve lasting peace for both peoples.

Urgent Need for a Two-State Solution

The two-state solution remains the only viable path to this objective, yet today, this goal faces significant challenges. A year ago, the United Kingdom welcomed President Trump’s 20-point plan, the ceasefire in Gaza, and the subsequent adoption of resolution 2803. We continue to endorse this plan, recognising the progress made thus far, while acknowledging that it is insufficient.

Since the ceasefire, an alarming average of four individuals have been killed each day, including over 300 children. Humanitarian conditions in the region are dire, with civilians braving a fourth winter in tents and makeshift shelters amidst plummeting temperatures, flooding, open sewage, and mounting waste. The risk of disease is escalating, as Gaza’s health system has been severely compromised and restrictions on essential supplies persist. Over 8,000 emergency shelter kits, pre-positioned outside Gaza, remain denied entry.

Call to Action on Humanitarian Access

During the UN’s High-Level Week, Foreign Secretary Miliband, alongside the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Qatar, launched a Call to Action focused on humanitarian access and healthcare in Gaza. This initiative outlines the necessary actions required from the Government of Israel, including the facilitation of large-scale aid and the removal of unnecessary restrictions on items classified as dual-use.

The Government of Israel must adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law and lift the current restrictions on critical aid. Simultaneously, in line with Resolution 2803, Hamas must dismantle its weapons, eliminate its terrorist infrastructure, and transition governance and security control.

Political Progress and Palestinian Authority Reforms

It is imperative that these actions are accompanied by political advancements aimed at reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. The United Kingdom strongly supports the reform agenda of the Palestinian Authority, viewing it as essential for improving service delivery to Palestinian citizens.

We express deep regret over the Palestinian Authority’s decision to postpone legislative and presidential elections to September 2027, as this will once again deny Palestinians the opportunity to vote and further undermine confidence in democratic institutions. We urge the Palestinian Authority to reconsider this decision and conduct elections without further delay.

A viable Palestinian state requires recovery in Gaza, political progress, and an end to violence, displacement, and settlement expansion in the West Bank, all of which threaten prospects for peace.

Addressing Settler Violence and Settlement Expansion

Settler violence and settlement expansion continue at alarming rates. In just one week in September, the United Nations recorded 51 attacks by settlers, resulting in casualties and extensive property damage, including the destruction of hundreds of olive and fruit trees. As the olive harvest approaches, we call upon Israeli authorities to ensure that Palestinian communities can harvest safely, without intimidation, violence, or restrictions on access to their land.

We remain profoundly concerned about the E1 development plans. The Government of Israel must cease these plans immediately, retract the tender, and halt all settlement expansion.

Madame President, the United Kingdom is committed to defending the two-state solution and will continue collaborating with partners to uphold the viability of a Palestinian state, ensuring lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.