The “dangerous paralysis” that prevails in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fuelling extremism and exacerbating tensions, leading to a “loss of hope” that peace can ever be achieved through negotiation, the UN’s Political and Peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Tuesday.
The heads of the two key UN agencies championing refugees and migrants have called for an end to their “arbitrary detention” across Libya, following an agreement on Tuesday by European Union countries to offer those fleeing across the Mediterranean a safe berth through a new distribution mechanism.
Thank you Mr. President,
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be locked in a dangerous paralysis that is fueling extremism and exacerbating tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Тhere is a growing risk of more unilateral actions and the loss of hope that peace can be achieved through negotiations.
This outcome is not inevitable. We need to support creating an environment conducive to advancing peace and paving the way for negotiations on all final status issues, including Jerusalem. In order to get there, we need leadership, political will, and a determination to make tangible progress, despite the difficulties.
We must work together to bring Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table in order to resolve the conflict on the basis of international law, relevant UN resolutions and previous agreements.
Mr. President,
Without the prospect of viable negotiations on the horizon, facts on the ground continue to undermine the possibility of achieving a two-State solution.
In June, the District Court in Jerusalem ruled that four houses in the Alei Zahav settlement could be retroactively regularized under Israeli law, despite having been built on private Palestinian land. This decision is the first implementation in practice of the so-called “market regularization” principle, according to which up to 2,000 housing units in settlements could be legalized.
Further, on 8 July, the Jerusalem District Planning Committee approved for deposit a plan for the addition of 48 housing units in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem.
I reiterate that settlements remain a substantial obstacle to peace and are a violation of international law.
Mr. President,
Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures by Israeli authorities also continued. 66 structures were demolished or seized, mostly on the grounds of lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. This practice must stop.
According to OCHA, this resulted in the displacement of 90 Palestinians, including 58 children.
On 11 June, Israel’s High Court dismissed a petition by the Palestinian residents of the Wadi Hummus/Sur Bahir neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, giving them until 18 July 2019 to demolish nine buildings due to their proximity to the separation barrier. The structures were demolished by Israeli authorities on 22 July, resulting in the displacement of 24 Palestinians, including 14 children. As Deputy Special Coordinator McGoldrick stated yesterday, Israel’s policy of destroying Palestinian property is not compatible with its obligations under international humanitarian law and contributes to the risk of forcible transfer facing many Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
On 27 June, six Palestinian-owned structures in the Bethlehem community of Zatara al Kurshan were demolished, displacing some 46 people.
On 10 July, a Palestinian family was evicted from a property in the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. This was done after the Court ruled in favour of an Israeli organization, which had obtained ownership of the majority of the property.
Mr. President,
Members of the Security Council,
The past month has again seen a reduction of violence in Gaza, while protests at the perimeter fence have continued. One Palestinian was killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and another 736 were injured, including 234 children and 39 women.
There were also fewer launchings of incendiary balloons and kites by Hamas and other Palestinian militants from Gaza. Despite this, some 130 fires were started by some 100 devices in Israel during the reporting period.
Similarly, there has been a reduction in the number of rockets launched by militants towards Israel since the last dangerous escalation in May. Two rockets were fired during the reporting period, causing no injuries or damage.
The launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli civilian populations is prohibited by international humanitarian law – Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad must cease this practice immediately.
Sadly, the reporting period also saw continued violent incidents in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
On 27 June, a 21-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed by an Israeli policeman after he allegedly shot fireworks towards Israeli forces during clashes in East Jerusalem. Clashes ensued in the area for several days, during which 88 Palestinians were injured.
On 12 July, a 9-year old Palestinian boy was shot and severely injured during clashes with ISF in the West Bank village of Kafr Qaddum. I call on Israel to promptly launch a thorough investigation and reiterate that children’s lives and rights must come ahead of any other consideration. They must be protected from all forms of violence.
In addition, Israeli security forces injured 154 Palestinians, including 14 children, in clashes that erupted across the West Bank.
On 6 July, a vehicle driven by a Palestinian reportedly rammed into a group of IDF personnel near the entrance of Hizma village, north of Jerusalem, injuring five soldiers.
Settler-related violence also continued. According to OCHA, six Palestinians were injured in six attacks by Israelis. At the same time, two Israelis were injured by stones thrown by Palestinians.
I condemn all attacks on Palestinian and Israeli civilians alike and call on all sides to refrain from violence. All perpetrators must be held accountable for their acts.
Mr. President,
Allow me to return to the situation in Gaza.
The UN continues to work closely with Egypt to mediate and de-escalate tensions. While our joint efforts are beginning to bear fruit, I remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian, economic and political situation there.
The shortage of medicines, equipment and personnel continue to impede the ability of health providers to meet the needs of patients, including those severely injured during the weekly protests at the perimeter fence.
Since the last round of UN and Egyptian-led mediation, the Gaza fishing zone has been expanded from 10 to 15 nautical miles. Israel has also returned 44 confiscated fishing boats to the Gaza Strip and eased some of the conditions for travel of Gaza-based businessmen.
I welcome these developments and urge the continuation and expansion of such actions.
Mr. President,
In line with agreed understandings, the UN is accelerating the implementation of the September 2018 and April 2019 Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee packages, which include interventions that have already started to improve the situation in Gaza.
In this context, the UN’s efforts on job creation through UNDP and UNRWA, have thus far created some 9,000 job opportunities including around 3,000 for women. UN Women has also initiated a smaller programme targeting some 250 vulnerable women in Gaza. A recent assessment of the programme revealed that 91% of the beneficiaries had not earned any income prior to this programme. About 83% of the women said that the opportunities improved their livelihoods, 71% said their interhousehold tension has decreased due to the availability of income, and 55% of them reported that the earned income allowed them to participate in decision making at a household level.
The current calm must be sustained in order to gradually introduce longer-term interventions that will support Gaza’s sustainable development. I take this opportunity to thank the Member States that have contributed to date and strongly urge others to support these vital efforts, particularly in the areas of job creation, healthcare, water and sanitation, and energy.
Yet, the root of Gaza’s problems remains political. I call on all Palestinian factions to take concrete steps to ensure the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single, democratic, and legitimate national government. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state as part of the two-State solution.
Mr. President,
Discussions aimed at resolving the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) financial crisis are ongoing, but no solution has yet been found. For the fifth consecutive month, the Palestinian Government has refused to receive Israel’s partial transfer of tax revenues owed to it. Despite the PA’s announced austerity measures and the support package committed by Qatar, the PA remains under tremendous strain and may soon reach the breaking point.
The economy is increasingly showing signs of decline, with a noticeable reduction of purchasing power contributing to an overall reduction in economic activities.
I call on both sides to engage in a constructive manner to ensure compliance with the Paris Protocol on Economic Relations.
In the meantime, it is critical to adopt temporary measures to address the PA’s fiscal crisis and I encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to work together to find such solutions.
The recent decision by the League of Arab States to support with up to USD 100 million per month the Palestinian Authority should provide a welcome respite until a viable solution is found.
The recent Memoranda of Understanding between the Government of the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, in the areas of energy, health and transportation are also welcome.
During the reporting period we have seen additional international support for Palestine’s economic development. I note the 3rd High-Level Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, under the co-chairpersonship of Japan and Palestine.
I also note the “Peace to Prosperity” economic workshop that took place in Bahrain on 25-26 June, which was attended by government officials, business leaders, representatives of international organizations and religious leaders, among others.
Humanitarian and economic support for the Palestinian population is crucial to creating an environment conducive to viable negotiation. Such measures should be followed by a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses all final status issues.
Mr. President,
In closing, I would like to emphasize the severity of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the urgent need for tangible steps to reverse the negative trajectory.
The circumstances will hardly ever be ideal for advancing peace. But let us do our utmost with conviction, hope and creativity to support the creation of those circumstances. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to end the conflict and to realizing the vision of two States, living side by side in peace and security.
Thank you.
Our main stories today: UN condemns Israel’s destruction of Palestinian property; the head of the IAEA dies at 72; UK troops will bolster Mali mission; UNESCO chief condemns Afghan journalist’s murder; Somalia commits to ending conflict-related sexual violence.
The United Kingdom is to send a contingent of 250 troops to Mali next year, to support the UN’s peacekeeping operation in the country, MINUSMA.
The head of the UN body that oversees nuclear activities across the world has died aged 72, it was announced on Monday. In a statement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the passing of Director General Yukiya Amano, with “deepest sadness”.
The UN deputy chief issued an impassioned plea on Sunday for Afghans to reconcile with the past and put “women at the centre” of all efforts to forge a durable peace, and a truly inclusive political process where women’s voices are truly heard.
The Colombian peace process is an outstanding example of how much support the United Nations can provide when the Security Council is ‘firmly united’, a senior UN envoy said on Friday, calling for the 15-member body’s continued commitment as the country works to overcome secure lasting peace.
In today’s Daily Brief: UN stands in solidarity with Japan; avoid panic over DR Congo Ebola emergency; ‘transformative shift’ needed towards family-friendly work policies; hottest June EVER; Venezuelan migrant dangers; stop targeting Afghanistan civilians call.
The “deliberate targeting of educational facilities” during armed conflict is “a war crime”, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Friday after a bomb detonated near the entrance to Kabul University, in the country’s capital.
This Week in DPPA aims to keep you abreast of developments and events on the agenda of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, at UN HQ and in the field, and especially those that sometimes "fly under the radar".
New YorkJoint Programme’s contribution to conflict prevention and peacebuilding: High-Level Partner Event
Workshop on Digital Technologies and Conflict Prevention
Security CouncilOpportunity for resolution of conflict in eastern Ukraine chance to achieve greater peace and security in Europe
"Young people care about peace"
Special Envoy encouraged by signs of progress
UN mission transition is moment of hope, potential and promise, Security Council told
Mixed assessment of Colombian peace process
Great LakesSpecial Envoy chairs meeting on DRC
Guinea-BissauCitizens visit capital on Nelson Mandela Day
LibyaSRSG visits Abu Dhabi
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SomaliaUN Envoy visits Jubaland, Hirshabelle and South West State, calls for good relations between Federal Member States and the Federal Government In Jowhar, Hirshabelle, on 17 July, he met with President Mohamed Abdi Ware. “We had encouraging and fruitful talks with President [Mohamed Abdi] Ware and his cabinet on a wide range of issues, including the need to strengthen the state-building process in Somalia,” Special Representative for Somalia James Swan told local media after meeting with the state’s leadership. Continuing to Baidoa, the capital of South West State, on 18 July, Special Representative Swan met with President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’. "Part of the reason I’m here is to help strengthen our collaboration regarding political, capacity-building and humanitarian activities, in addition to economic development and state-building efforts,” Mr. Swan said.
UN Peackeepers awarded medals for distinguished service
YemenNew agreements reached in Hudaydah
IraqYouth workshop in Najaf
Short film festival on minorities and human rights
AfghanistanContinued partnership with Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission
ColombiaPeace process in Colombia an example for the international community
Ex-combatants inaugurate project to transform the wood
Former FARC-EP combatants participate in agricultural fair for the first time
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Ebola virus is just one challenge among many facing communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, reiterating an appeal for the international community to show support and solidarity for its people.
UN chief António Guterres said on Friday he was “deeply saddened” at the death of at least 33 people inside a popular Japanese animation studio, in the city of Kyoto, following an arson attack that constitutes one of the worst mass-killings in the nation’s history.
The members of the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon welcome the adoption of the 2019 budget as an urgently needed first step by Lebanon in fiscal management and towards reducing its deficit, as part of Lebanon’s economic vision and its commitments at the Conférence économique pour le développement par les réformes et avec les entreprises (CEDRE).
The ISG also recognizes the adoption and initial implementation of the electricity sector reform plan and...
After 80 days of intensifying attacks, many on health facilities, “the carnage must stop” in northwest Syria, said the UN relief chief on Thursday, noting that more than 70 civilians had been killed this month alone across the last rebel-held enclave of the country.
In today’s Daily Brief: World celebrates Nelson Mandela; Security Council hears end of Yemen war may be in sight; South Asia children turned ‘upside down’ by monsoon rains; world ‘off track’ to meet zero hunger target; Italy urged to stop ‘criminalising’ migrant rescues
As UN missions are drawn down and eventually closed, stronger partnerships are needed to ensure that countries recovering from conflict can transition successfully to a phase of durable peace and development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.
With Yemen once again at a “crucial moment” the UN Special Envoy trying to facilitate peace there told Security Council members on Thursday that despite the dangers of being over optimistic, he could not help thinking the country could finally be “nearing the end of its war.”
New York, 18 July 2019
On this day, we pay tribute to an extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality, and one of the most iconic and inspirational leaders of our time. Nelson Mandela exemplified courage, compassion and commitment to freedom, peace and social justice. He lived by these principles and was prepared to sacrifice his liberty and even his life for them.
Nelson Mandela’s...
In today’s Daily Brief: the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is officially declared a Public Health Emergency; UN Youth Envoy briefs Security Council; an ‘exciting and potentially defining’ moment for Sudan, says UN adviser; more cooperation’s needed to secure arrest of war crimes fugitives; and politicizing the migrant ‘crisis’ in Hungary
In today’s Daily Brief: the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is officially declared an international Public Health Emergency; UN Youth Envoy briefs Security Council; an ‘exciting and potentially defining’ moment for Sudan, says UN adviser; more cooperation’s needed to secure arrest of war crimes fugitives; and politicizing the migrant ‘crisis’ in Hungary
After visiting refugee camps in Jordan, UN-backed schools in Gaza, municipalities in Kosovo and Youth Councils in Denmark, the UN’s Youth Envoy visited the Security Council on Wednesday with a simple message from the field that “young people care about peace”.
The human cost of the conflict in Ukraine is growing, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Tuesday, during a briefing on the current situation in the country.
Mr. President,
I last briefed this Council on Ukraine on 25 April following the election of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on 21 April.
Today, the Council is again meeting only days away from another important election, on 21 July, when Ukrainians will go to the polls to elect their representatives in Parliament, the Verhovna Rada. We hope that the elections will be equally peaceful and democratic, and that they will be inclusive, including to reflect the broadest participation of women.
In his inauguration speech, President Zelenskyi emphasized the need for peace and unity and for rejecting divisive policies. He underlined his readiness to engage in dialogue in order to advance domestic reforms and end the five-year conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
The United Nations is encouraged by such statements emphasizing dialogue, peace and inclusiveness. We welcome efforts at dialogue at all levels, including bilaterally between Heads of State, and hope they can bring greater momentum for resolving the conflict.
Mr. President,
Today’s Council meeting coincides with the coming into force of the law “On ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the State language”. The law, which regulates the use of Ukrainian as the sole State language in a large sphere of Government functions and services, was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on 25 April and signed into law on 15 May.
It was adopted after two readings and consideration of over 2,000 amendments, 800 of which have been included. While many of the law’s provisions commence today, the law also prescribes a transitional period, from six months to up to ten years, for the implementation of other provisions. Also, the law requires the Cabinet of Ministers to submit to Parliament a draft law on the realisation of the rights of national minorities of Ukraine by January 2020.
While the new law has raised concerns both within and outside Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities have described it as consistent with Ukraine’s Constitution, particularly Article 10 dealing with state and minority languages as well as its national legislation, and international commitments.
As part of its regular reporting, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights followed the legislative process and shared with relevant authorities recommendations based on international standards. While many of the controversial points were addressed in its final version, the law still raises concerns.
OHCHR recommends that the Ukrainian Government should elaborate, as established by the language law, a law on the realization of the rights of national minorities of Ukraine, to ensure a fair correlation between the protection of the rights of minorities and the preservation of the State language as a tool for integration within society. This should be done without undue delay.
The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission is also analysing the law. The draft opinion is expected to be discussed by the Commission after the 21 July parliamentary elections.
In this context, we welcome the previous statement from President Zelenskyi that a thorough analysis of the law will be conducted. We hope that this will pave the way for further measures to safeguard the rights of minorities.
The Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities has also advised the Ukrainian authorities regarding language questions in the interest of ensuring balanced legislation that unites Ukraine’s diverse society. I therefore welcome the availability of the OSCE High Commissioner, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, to brief the Council in person on this issue.
Mr. President,
It is the fourth time since the beginning of 2019 that the Security Council is meeting on Ukraine. The current political transition in Ukraine takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Donbas, many of whose residents continue to face serious daily challenges associated with an active conflict.
In recent weeks, we have seen signs that with sufficient political will in the Trilateral Contact Group, concrete steps are possible to improve the security and humanitarian situation along the contact line. We welcome the 26 June disengagement of forces and removal of hardware at the “Stanytsya Luhanska” checkpoint, as reported by the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission. Such steps should be further built on. We hope to see other confidence-building steps, including the restoration of the “Stanytsya Luhanska” pedestrian crossing bridge and the release of detainees.
We note with regret, however, the persistent failure to reach agreement on a ceasefire. We wish to once again echo the call of the OSCE for all concerned to work constructively, including during tomorrow’s Trilateral Contact Group meeting, in order to reach an agreement on this issue without further delay.
The implementation of a lasting ceasefire should be accompanied by the withdrawal of heavy weapons from populated areas, disengagement of forces and protection of civilians and critical civilian infrastructure.
Mr. President,
The situation at the contact line remains unpredictable and volatile. Periodic escalations of hostilities bring about various levels of intensity of military engagement. Despite continuing security incidents and limitations on its activities, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, under the leadership of the new Chief Monitor, Amb. Halit Cevik, continues to carry out its crucial mandate.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the conflict is still growing. Ordinary civilians continue to be targeted and suffer from indiscriminate shelling on a daily basis, as well as from the threat of landmines. This year alone, as of 30 June, OHCHR recorded 91 conflict-related civilian casualties: 13 killed and 78 injured.
Fighting also continues to damage and disrupt civilian infrastructure. In May-June, the Donetsk Filter Station, which supplies clean water to some 380,000 people on both sides of the contact line, came under fire on three separate occasions. So far this year, water facilities have come under attack over 60 times; schools have also come under attack 17 times, already more than in 2018.
We once again reiterate that parties to the conflict must take all precautions to avoid civilian harm. International humanitarian law must be upheld by all to protect civilians and their access to critical services.
Humanitarian organizations are providing relief to the most vulnerable communities on both sides of the contact line. But safe, predictable and sustained access to all those in need is still a challenge. Their work must not be politicized or instrumentalized by any party.
Mr. President,
This Council unanimously endorsed the “Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements” in its resolution 2202 of 17 February 2015. In its Presidential statement of 6 June 2018, the Council again unanimously reaffirmed the centrality of the Minsk Agreements, and on 12 February 2019, the Council held a special session focusing on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
The United Nations expects any concerns related to the Minsk Agreements to be addressed through constructive dialogue and in the existing negotiation formats with full respect for the spirit and letter of the Agreements, and with a view to implementing the Minsk Agreements as a whole.
Ukraine today has the opportunity to build further on its reform record, and to revitalize the diplomatic efforts to resolve the five-year conflict in eastern Ukraine.
This will require, first and foremost, political will by all concerned, in the critical search for peace.
We hope that following the parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government, the recent encouraging statements would be followed by concrete actions by all actors to bring, at long last, a positive dynamic to implement the Minsk Agreements.
Mr. President,
In his congratulatory message to President Zelenskyi, the Secretary-General underscored the full support of the United Nations for the crucial efforts of the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group and the OSCE to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine. He further reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.
In a regional and global environment that is increasingly fragile, the opportunity for the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine is also a chance to achieve greater peace and security in Europe. It should not be missed.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The scale and barbarity of the crimes committed by ISIL have ultimately served not to divide but to unify, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), told the Security Council on Monday.
New York – The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack of 12 July 2019 in Somalia’s port city of Kismayo which killed and injured innocent civilians.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of Somalia. The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The members of...
The UN Secretary-General named Ambassador Mirko Manzoni (Switzerland) as his Personal Envoy for Mozambique on 9 July 2019. In this role, Mr. Manzoni is providing good offices support in mediating dialogue between the Government of Mozambique and opposition RENAMO towards implementation of the peace agreements between the parties, following the signing of the Agreement on the Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities and the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation in August 2019
