Statement by Dr. Wouter Zaayman at the Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question
24 July 2018
Mr President,
We join other Members States in expressing our appreciation to Sweden for convening this Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question. It is our belief that these periodic debates are necessary to maintain the attention of the international community, specifically the Security Council, to assist both Palestine and Israel in finding a lasting solution to the conflict that has seemed intractable for too long.
However, it must be emphasized that these open debates should not be a substitute for the regular consideration and deliberation of the Security Council on the matter, but should rather reinforce the work of the Council in moving the peace process forward.
Mr President,
The escalation in violence typified by the exchanges of mortar and rocket fire between Gaza and Israel and the excessive use of force carried out by the Israeli military on 13 and 14 July, is of serious concern to South Africa. We further lament the recent tightening of restrictions on cargo crossing into Gaza through the Karem Shalom border crossing and the retaliatory limitations placed on Gaza’s fishermen, which we see as an act of collective punishment against the residents of Gaza. Such disproportionate and brutal acts constitute a grave violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, while further exasperating tensions in the region and hindering the possibility of any efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. In this regard, I wish to stress that South Africa remains committed to the belief that there can be no military solution to the conflict and that peaceful negotiation is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, security and stability in the entire region.
Mr President,
We must take note of the stark realities outlined in the most recent Secretary-General’s report on the situation The fact that Gaza experiences power cuts in for up to 22 hours per day, severely undermines the provision of essential services. In addition to this dire situation, water is only available to households for only few hours every four to five days. These severe conditions are exacerbated by the unprecedented USD 250 million budgetary shortfall that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) presently faces. We, therefore, appeal to all Member States to continue and increase their vital humanitarian assistance and support to the Palestinian people and UNRWA, which beyond humanitarian aid, also provides for the preservation of the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people. South Africa remains committed to continue its support for UNRWA through its financial contributions.
Mr President,
My delegation is deeply concerned about the continuation of illegal Israeli settlement activity which, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, continues unabated and undermines the hopes of establishing a viable Palestinian State. The decision by Israel to advance, approve and tender some 3 500 housing units in the occupied West Bank - the largest single batch of advancements during 2017 - only serves to further obstruct the possibility of a two-state solution. Apart from the practical impediment these settlements pose, we also agree with the Secretary-General’s view that the construction of further settlements constitutes a flagrant violation of international law in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).
Mr President,
The Palestinian people continue to look to the United Nations, specifically the Security Council, to assist them in realizing their right to self-determination. The assumption of the Council’s responsibilities under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security, particularly in terms of the long-standing Palestinian/Israeli conflict, is long overdue. The Council has a fundamental role to play in de-escalating tensions and encouraging the resumption of peace talks between the parties in an increasingly difficult political and security context, defined by inflammatory rhetoric, distrust, escalating violence, ongoing settlement activity and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mr President,
In conclusion, we strongly believe that the situation on the ground cannot be allowed to continue unchanged and it remains a blight on the conscious of the international community. South Africa concurs with the international community, that the only way to bring about genuine and everlasting peace between Israel and Palestine is through comprehensive and unconditional negotiations dealing with all final status issues including the unrelenting expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of Palestine, the lifting of the illegal Gaza blockade and the continuing occupation of Palestinian territory. This will contribute immensely towards peace and security throughout the wider Middle East region.
I thank you.
Rev. Thursday, 26-Jul-2018 11:31 AM