Madame President, in November of last year, this Council ratified Resolution 2803, conveying a significant message of global backing for President Trump’s comprehensive 20-point initiative concerning Gaza.
As articulated by High Representative Mladenov, we acknowledge the notable progress that has been achieved, which is indeed commendable. However, the success of this initiative hinges upon the actions taken by the involved parties themselves.
Commitments and Responsibilities of All Parties
First and foremost, it is imperative that all parties uphold the commitments they have made. The ceasefire must be observed without fail.
Israel is expected to honour its obligations outlined in the 20-point plan, which includes a phased withdrawal of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) from Gaza. Concurrently, Hamas must adhere to its pledge to dismantle its weaponry and terrorist infrastructure.
Additionally, there must be a credible Palestinian-led transition towards governance and security across the entirety of the Gaza Strip. We urge the Palestinian Authority to implement the necessary reforms that will enable it to fulfil its responsibilities.
The plans to conduct legislative elections in November, followed by national elections next year in Palestine, represent a crucial step forward. It is vital that these elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and inclusive.
Humanitarian Aid and Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Secondly, Resolution 2803 mandates the complete resumption of aid into Gaza and the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure. Nevertheless, the humanitarian conditions remain dire.
Preventing starvation cannot serve as the sole benchmark for success. Currently, 59% of Gaza’s population faces crisis levels of food insecurity or worse; 1.9 million Palestinians continue to be displaced, and fuel shortages are critically impacting hospitals as well as water and sanitation facilities.
The Government of Israel must lift excessive restrictions on aid, ensuring that all forms of assistance, including fuel and engine oil, can enter Gaza reliably and in sufficient quantities. All crossings should be opened, and the dual-use list reviewed to permit the flow of essential supplies.
Additionally, Hamas must cease obstructing humanitarian operations, as witnessed in July at a UN warehouse and food distribution point, which disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance and resulted in reported assaults on two truck drivers.
The increasing pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction that endangers humanitarian workers must come to an end. The inviolability of UN premises must be upheld, and we are deeply troubled by the forcible entry and reported seizure of the UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in Jerusalem.
Both the UN, including UNRWA, and non-governmental organisations must be allowed to operate safely and effectively, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Accountability is crucial where these standards are not upheld.
Calls for Accountability and Addressing Violence
It is appropriate that the Israeli military has initiated a criminal investigation regarding the deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, six of her family members, and two paramedics in Gaza in 2024. However, the decision to take no criminal action concerning the fatal strikes on a World Central Kitchen convoy in April 2024, which resulted in the deaths of seven staff members, including three British nationals, is wholly unacceptable.
The families of those affected deserve justice, accountability, and answers from the Government of Israel.
Turning to the West Bank, UNSC Resolution 2334 clearly states that Israeli settlements in this region are illegal. We urge the Government of Israel to immediately retract construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, as these unilateral actions only serve to further distance us from peace.
The Situation in the West Bank and Settler Violence
These plans will create divisions within the West Bank, isolating East Jerusalem and exacerbating instability. As Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has articulated, “we will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution.”
This year has witnessed tragic consequences from unprecedented levels of violence, with the UN reporting that eighty Palestinians and three Israelis have lost their lives in the West Bank.
We are horrified by recent settler assaults in Taybeh, the ongoing siege of homes in Qusra, and the killing of a 17-year-old in Sa’ir. The Government of Israel has stated that addressing extremist violence is a priority; however, as evidenced by the situation in Qusra, the current measures are ineffective.
More decisive action is required to combat settler violence, end activities that facilitate it, and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Furthermore, restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy are pushing it to a critical brink, with over $6 billion in revenues withheld since May 2025, and $5.8 billion remaining trapped in banks, threatening vital correspondent banking services.
This situation jeopardises public services, the banking system, and the overall viability of the Palestinian Authority.
International Support for Peace and the Path Forward
Madame President, there exists robust international support for the comprehensive implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803. However, it is crucial that the parties involved fulfil their commitments and abstain from actions that jeopardise the peace process.
They must strive to provide both Palestinians and Israelis with the future they deserve, where a safe and secure Israel exists harmoniously alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
More Stories
Households Set to Benefit from New Plug-in Solar Panels for Significant Savings
Government’s Jobs Guarantee: Transforming Promises into Paycheques for Young People in the UK
Professor David Strain Takes the Helm as Chief Medical Advisor at the DWP