President, the death of Hamas’ leader, who had the blood of innocent Israelis and Palestinians on his hand, must be a turning point in this dreadful conflict, which has now claimed over 43,000 lives in Gaza.
This is the time to urgently seize a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages who have suffered in inhumane conditions for over a year.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific. Acute malnutrition is now a reality for many. This month, the least aid has entered Gaza since the beginning of the conflict.
And the situation in northern Gaza is especially alarming. Gazans have been asked to evacuate the north in their hundreds of thousands. But there is nowhere safe to go. In recent weeks, just as we have seen throughout the conflict, Israeli strikes have hit designated humanitarian zones.
On Thursday, we saw again profoundly distressing scenes after an Israeli strike on Al-Shuhada – a school-turned shelter in Nuseirat refugee camp, which killed at least 17 people, including nine children.
We remain very concerned too about the severe impacts of these strikes on civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, which face critical shortages in medical supplies, food and water. Israel must comply fully with international humanitarian law. As my Prime Minister has said, the world will not tolerate any more excuses from Israel on humanitarian assistance.
There is no justification for denying civilians access to essential supplies. The Government of Israel must do more to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, and allow aid to be delivered safely and at scale. Related to this, reports that UN agencies have had to postpone the rollout of the polio vaccine campaign in northern Gaza are deeply disturbing. Israeli authorities must allow aid workers to carry out this work safely and securely.
We also unequivocally reject attempts to undermine or degrade UNRWA, which is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of civilians there, and in the wider region. The allegations against UNRWA staff earlier this year were fully investigated. There is no justification for cutting off ties with UNRWA. Israel must abide by its obligations and ensure UNRWA can continue its lifesaving work.
President, we reiterate that northern Gaza must not be cut off from the south. Palestinian civilians, including those evacuated from northern Gaza must be permitted to return. There must be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. Civilians must be protected.
In the West Bank, the level of llegal settlement expansion and settler violence is unprecedented. Israel must take action now to address this.
President, a sustainable solution to this crisis cannot and will not be achieved through unilateral action. The international community and this Council have been clear and unified in our commitment to the two state solution, which is the only viable path to a long term peaceful solution.
The Palestinian and Israeli people alike have a right to self-determination, safety and security, and we must all work together to provide a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.
