Middle East and the Palestinian Question: Statement During Monthly Briefing

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for the briefing particularly regarding the aftermath of the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.

The briefings from the Commission-General of UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency) -Mr. Philippe Lazzarini and Mr. Daniel Levy- President of the US/Middle East Project once again remind us that as long as the underlying political, social and development factors of this protracted conflict remain unaddressed, the cyclic trends including eruption and resurgence of conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem will persist.

We welcome the fact that the 8th of August ceasefire agreement in Gaza continues to hold. We commend all parties that have been instrumental in ensuring this including the efforts of the neighboring countries.

By the same token, we note that in already delicate economic conditions as depicted in Gaza, every escalation worsens the humanitarian situation, heightens existing tensions, and makes full recovery ever more elusive.

As such, it is critical that this Council strongly condemns terrorist attacks of such groups as Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and their affiliates against civilians.

Mr. President, addressing the economic isolation of Gaza from the wider regional and global economy will be critical in the peace, security and stability of the broader Middle East region, and beyond.

In this regard, the Government of Israel's recent assessment and decision to increase the work permit quota for Palestinians in Gaza; and to re-open the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings are welcome.

Such steps contribute to the implementation of resolution 1860 (2009), which among other things, emphasizes the safety and well-being of all civilians as well as the need to ensure sustained and regular flow of goods and people through the Gaza crossings.

Kenya reiterates that peace efforts – both at the official and grassroot levels- that comprehensively integrate the socio-economic development of all sectors of society, are, and will also be critical in the stability and peace of the region in the interim and for the long-term. In particular, a grassroots approach will contribute to harmonious co-existence and conducive conditions for official negotiations.

UNRWA plays a key role in facilitating critical health, education, social protection, microfinance and other services to the Palestinian population in the Middle East region. But we note that its fiscal situation remains dire.

In this regard, and in addition to fulfilling pledges to ensure adequate, and predictable funding for URWA, we urge strengthened efforts to identify areas of cooperation and collaboration between UNRWA and other peacebuilding and development entities for sustainable impact on the ground.

We believe that these, alongside confidence-building measures in the area of commerce and security between Israeli and Palestinian authorities speak to what is immediately practical in the context of an elusive peace process.

That said, these are not a substitute to the resumption of the political process, and dialogue between both parties for the long-term stability and peace of the region.

My delegation underscores that the actualisation of the long-held goal- of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace, and within secure and recognised borders based on the 1967 lines, will require a meaningful commitment to the peace process by all parties in alignment with international law; the UN Charter; this Council's resolutions including the comprehensive pillars of resolution 2334; and the existing regional Peace Initiatives and frameworks.

We remain concerned by the increasing incidents of violence in the West Bank between settlers, Palestinians and the Israeli Security Forces.

Mr. President, a commitment to an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian State also means the immediate and complete cessation of Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem as demanded by resolution 2334 (OP2).

My delegation once again calls for real commitment, actual movement; and tangible outcomes; that are in keeping with the principles of the UN Charter and this Council's resolutions.

I thank you.