Middle East (Resolution 2334 Implementation): Statement During Briefing

Thank you, Mr. President.

I also thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for the oral presentation of the Secretary-General's periodic Report.

My delegation takes note of the discussions and outcomes of the high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly including: the 21st of September Munich format Meeting; the 22nd of September Ministerial Committee of NAM on Palestine; the 22nd of September Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) meeting; and, the 23rd of September Ministerial meeting hosted by Jordan and Sweden on sustainability of funding for UNRWA.

All these attest to the continued engagement, commitment, and focus on the Israel-Palestine issue, and rightfully and urgently so. They also reflect efforts to fill the gap of an elusive genuine Israel-Palestine political peace process underpinned by direct dialogue, and a pacific settlement as provided for in the UN Charter.

Unfortunately, the lack of meaningful progress in the implementation of resolution 2334 contributes to widening this gap.

The objectives of Resolution 2334 are comprehensive. They speak to the urgency of stabilising the situation and reversing the negative trends on the ground, which are undermining the prospects of a Two-State solution along the 1967 lines; and the creation of conditions for successful final status negotiations.

As my delegation stated during the last quarterly Council meeting on this agenda, the uniqueness of 2334 lies in the fact that it is propositional not prescriptive. Indeed, its implementation requires beyond rhetoric, the political will of both the Israeli and Palestinian Authorities to operationalise the commitments if it is to succeed.

This is the only way to bring immediate-not futuristic political traction on the ground.

More importantly, while recognising the importance of direct negotiations, and irrespective of the existence or resumption of these negotiations, my delegation, in line with OP 11 of 2334, continues to call for the presentation of clear objectives, timelines, and feasible solutions to resolving pending issues in a way that the Council will be better positioned to "examine practical ways and means to secure the full implementation of its relevant resolutions" on this protracted conflict.

In the meantime, Kenya welcomes progress made through the practical cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities in Gaza in recognition of the positive impact of strengthened economic conditions, and the right of Palestinians to humanitarian relief and economic empowerment and integration.

Mr. President, this morning, we have listened to the Report on the evolving situation on the ground, including the deteriorating security situation, escalation of violence in the Holy Esplanade, and loss of life in the West Bank including the clashes in Nablus in the last couple of weeks.

We urge leaders on all sides to help calm the situation to prevent further escalation and affirm the need for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.

Settlements, demolitions, and evictions continue to increase in the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem in violation of International Law.

Today, we have also heard of the disturbing statistics stemming from violent incidents and fatalities involving children and youth; and acts of violence against civilians that have tragically claimed both Israeli and Palestinian lives.

This is a normalisation that should not be acceptable. It is a normalisation that continues to push ever further the important vision, which resolution 2334 embodies of "a region where democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders."

Mr. President, in line with resolution 2334, Kenya continues to condemn and call for accountability and strengthened efforts to combat terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, the Palestinian Jihad and other militant groups in Israel.

Kenya also reiterates the need for all concerned parties including communal political and religious leaders, in the interest of the promotion of peace and security, to support the daily dividends of constructive grassroots efforts in mitigating against cycles of conflict - practically and consistently.

In conclusion, Kenya once again urges both parties to exert collective efforts and demonstrate a political commitment to the desirable and obtainable objectives of resolution 2334.

I thank you.