United Nations S/PV.

9687
Security Council Provisional
Seventy-ninth year

9687th meeting
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 10 a.m.
New York

President: Mr. Lavrov/Mr. Nebenzia/Mr. Vershinin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Russian Federation)

Members: Algeria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Gaouaoui

China. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Fu Cong
Ecuador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. De La Gasca
France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. De Rivière
Guyana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Rodrigues-Birkett
Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Yamazaki
Malta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Frazier
Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Afonso
Republic of Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Hwang
Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Kanu
Slovenia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Žbogar
Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Brülhart
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . Dame Barbara Woodward
United States of America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield

Agenda
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered
in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council.
Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy
of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the
Verbatim Reporting Service, room AB-0928 ([email protected]). Corrected records will be
reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).

24-21152 (E)
Accessible document Please recycle
*2421152*
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m. The Security Council will now begin its
consideration of the item on its agenda.
Adoption of the agenda
I give the floor to Mr. Rattray.
The agenda was adopted.
Mr. Rattray: I am pleased to deliver the Secretary-
General’s briefing on the situation in the Middle East,
The situation in the Middle East, including the
including the Palestinian question. His remarks are
Palestinian question
as follows.
The President (spoke in Russian): I would like
“Last December, the hostilities in Gaza
to warmly welcome the Ministers and other high-
and Israel, which have created appalling human
level representatives present in the Security Council
suffering, physical destruction and collective
Chamber. Their participation here today underscores
trauma, led to my exceptional invocation of Article
the continuing relevance of the subject under discussion.
99 of the Charter of the United Nations. Seven
In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s months later, the war rages on. According to the
provisional rules of procedure, I invite the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 38,000
representatives of Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Palestinians have been reported killed, with some
Belgium, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, 87,000 injured and thousands missing, many of
Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, them women and children. According to Israeli
the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, sources, more than 1,500 Israelis and foreign
Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, nationals have been reported killed, with more
Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, than 7,000 injured and 125 hostages still held in
Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Gaza. The humanitarian support system in Gaza is
Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi close to total collapse. There has been a complete
Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, the Syrian Arab breakdown of public order. And the spectre of
Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, further regional spillover is increasing by the day,
Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the Bolivarian as exchanges of fire across the Blue Line between
Republic of Venezuela and Viet Nam to participate in Hizbullah and Israel continue. Nothing can justify
this meeting. the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas
and other armed groups in Israel on 7 October and
I propose that the Council invite the Permanent nothing can justify the collective punishment of the
Observer of the Observer State of Palestine to the United Palestinian people.
Nations to participate in this meeting, in accordance
with the provisional rules of procedure and the previous “In recent weeks, Israeli military operations
practice in this regard. and fighting have intensified across Gaza.
Palestinian armed groups continue to launch
There being no objection, it is so decided. rockets from Gaza towards Israeli population
In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s centres. Rafah is in ruins and the Rafah crossing
provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Earle remains closed, further hampering humanitarian
Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary- operations. Almost 2 million people — nearly the
General, to participate in this meeting. entire population of Gaza — have been displaced,
many of them multiple times. Nowhere in Gaza
In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s is safe. Meanwhile, the Integrated Food Security
provisional rules of procedure, I also invite the following Phase Classification partnership reports that
to participate in this meeting: His Excellency Mr. Maged almost half a million people are facing catastrophic
Abdelaziz, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab levels of food insecurity. Communicable diseases
States to the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. Sven are on the rise. The chokeholds on the fuel supply
Koopmans, European Union Special Representative have severely reduced access to water, sanitation,
for the Middle East Peace Process; and His Excellency hygiene and health services. The United Nations
Mr. Cheikh Niang, Chair of the Committee on the Exercise remains committed to delivering life-saving aid
of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. in Gaza, but we face severe challenges and deadly

2/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

risks. Humanitarian convoys are frequently unable Authority, reportedly including the legalization
to collect and distribute life-saving goods in safety, under Israeli law of five Israeli outposts in the
including from the crucial Karem Abu Salem/ occupied West Bank, the advancement of thousands
Kerem Shalom crossing. Attacks on humanitarian of settlement housing units and demolitions in
aid workers and shelters, as well as strikes on or parts of Area B in the occupied West Bank. At
near health and humanitarian facilities, continue. the same time, however, Israel’s Finance Minister
Lawlessness and criminality are rampant. lifted a suspension of the transfer to the Palestinian
Authority of partial clearance revenues, which
“The parties must fundamentally and urgently
Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians. He also
change their conduct to address those challenges.
renewed, for four months, the letter of indemnity
The humanitarian notification system and other
for Israeli banks that have correspondent banking
coordination mechanisms are not effective,
arrangements with Palestinian banks. Both
resulting in delayed and aborted aid missions and
measures are critical to Palestinian fiscal stability.
the exposure of humanitarians to mortal risk. The
But once again, much more is required.
United Nations still does not have the necessary
security equipment in Gaza to manage the extreme “Recent developments are driving a stake
risks that our personnel face. Despite an ongoing through the heart of any prospects for a two-State
dialogue with the Israeli authorities and some solution. The geography of the occupied West
improvements, much more is needed. The entry of Bank is steadily being altered through Israel’s
humanitarian aid at scale and its delivery to all parts administrative and legal steps. The seizure of
of Gaza are essential to the survival and welfare large land parcels in strategic areas and changes
of civilians. We need consistent access through all to planning, land management and governance
crossing points and better access to those in need, are expected to significantly accelerate settlement
wherever they are. It is long past time for a safe, expansion. Those developments include the
enabling environment for effective humanitarian issuance at the end of May of two military orders
operations in Gaza, in line with international that transferred powers to, and appointed, a civilian
humanitarian law. deputy in Israel’s civil Administration. That
alarming move is another significant step in the
“While much of the world’s attention is focused
ongoing transfer of authority over many aspects of
on Gaza, the occupied West Bank, including East
daily life in the occupied West Bank and a further
Jerusalem, is facing perilous conditions. High
step towards extending Israeli sovereignty over
levels of violence persist, including among Israeli
that occupied territory. If left unaddressed, those
security forces, settlers and Palestinian armed
measures risk causing irreparable damage.
groups. Between 7 October 2023 and 17 July 2024,
557 Palestinians, including 138 children, were “We must change course. All settlement
killed in the occupied West Bank, including East activity must cease immediately. Israeli settlements
Jerusalem. The vast majority of them were killed in are a flagrant violation of international law and a
the context of Israeli security operations, including key obstacle to peace. The violence must end and
during subsequent exchanges with Palestinian its perpetrators must be swiftly brought to justice.
armed groups. They included 540 killed by Israeli Israel must ensure the safety and security of the
forces and 10 by Israeli settlers, and in seven cases Palestinian population.
it remains unknown whether the perpetrators were
“The United Nations is sparing no effort to
Israeli forces or settlers. During the same period,
deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians
22 Israelis, including nine members of Israeli
in Gaza and to secure the release of all hostages
forces, were killed by Palestinians in Israel and the
held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed
occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
groups. Those being held hostage have been
“Meanwhile, measures taken by Israel are suffering, as have their families, for far too long.
undermining the Palestinian Authority, crippling We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire
the Palestinian economy and driving instability. and the immediate and unconditional release of all
This month, Israel’s security cabinet approved hostages. With the tireless efforts of Egypt, Qatar
a series of punitive steps against the Palestinian and the United States, negotiations to formulate a

24-211523/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

deal for the release of the hostages and a ceasefire There is an old Greek proverb that says, “A society
have continued with some progress reported. grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they
The parties must reach such a deal now. The know they will never sit in.” Such is the international
humanitarian situation in Gaza is a moral stain law-based order, put in place, tree by tree, by people
on us all. International humanitarian law must be who endured or witnessed the worst possible tragedies,
respected at all times and by all parties. We must in order to provide shade to future generations.
intensify our efforts to increase humanitarian aid
Israel has uprooted every one of those trees in Gaza.
delivery. International support to those efforts
It has breached every rule ever devised, every principle
is critical, particularly for the essential work of
that humankind has ever pledged to uphold. It has killed
the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
those most entitled to protection — civilians, including
for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Amid
children, humanitarians, doctors and journalists. It
continued reports of serious abuses of Palestinians
has defied every nation on earth and every entity ever
in Israeli custody, I reiterate that all detainees must
set up to uphold the most fundamental rules, from the
be treated humanely and those held without lawful
highest political organs to the highest judicial body,
cause must be released.
from the Security Council and the General Assembly
“And this terrible war must end. We must to the International Court of Justice. It is doing
refocus on finding a political solution that will end so unapologetically. It is committing crimes openly,
the occupation and resolve the conflict in line with brazenly and repeatedly. Its own soldiers do not hesitate
international law and the relevant United Nations to share recordings of those crimes with the rest of the
resolutions. Ensuring that governance is restored world. What is happening in Gaza will go down as the
in Gaza under a single, legitimate Palestinian most thoroughly documented genocide in history.
Government is essential to that effort. Support to
How long will the world go on denouncing the
the Palestinian Authority is critical. Its institutions
crimes while tolerating their recurrence? How long
must be strengthened so that it is prepared to govern
will it go on believing that its responsibility is to state
and lead recovery and reconstruction efforts in
the law rather than uphold it? The Palestinians in Gaza
Gaza. Everyone with influence must take the urgent
do not need to hear the world talk about the trees that
steps needed to enable the parties to re-engage on
have been uprooted. They need their protective shade.
the long-delayed political path towards ending the
They could not care less that we all agree on what the
occupation and resolving the conflict. That must
rules say and that we have all observed and recognized
occur in line with international law and the relevant
that they have been broken. What is a rule when it is
United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements
not enforced? What do the rules mean any more when
in pursuit of the vision of two States — Israel and
for nine months Israel has bombed homes, hospitals
an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and
and schools — including those designated as United
sovereign Palestinian State — living side by side in
Nations shelters — and is now bombing people in tents,
peace and security within secure and recognized
as was the case in Al-Mawasi. How cruel can people
borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with
be — and how criminal do they have to be — to bomb
Jerusalem as the capital of both. The United Nations
the same population over and over and over again?
will continue to support all such efforts.”
And since bombs and bullets are not good
That concludes the remarks of the Secretary-General.
enough in this collective punishment and genocide
The President (spoke in Russian): I thank enterprise, Israel has decided to impose the most
Mr. Rattray for his briefing. horrific conditions on those who survive. For months
now we have seen Israel manufacture a humanitarian
I now give the floor to the Permanent Observer of
catastrophe with famine at its core. We have seen it
the Observer State of Palestine.
wield starvation, dehydration and the spread of disease
Mr. Mansour (Palestine): At the outset, Sir, allow as its ultimate weapons. Two million people who had
me to express our appreciation for your decision to take been subjected to a 17-year blockade have now been
part in and preside over this ministerial-level meeting confronted with a hermetic siege, dying of hunger and
and to thank the Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary- disease while food and medicine are available only
General for his briefing. metres away. Until now, Israel considered that it was

4/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

enough to invoke security to get away with the worst permanent cessation of hostilities. It cannot restore the
crimes imaginable, as if its security could legitimize lives of the people who have been killed or the limbs
genocide, colonization, war crimes and crimes against of amputees. It cannot assuage the pain in a mother’s
humanity; as if its security could justify denying the heart or the fear haunting a child’s mind. But it could
most fundamental rights of a nation and the most basic save lives and stop the march of agony. It could lead
rights of millions of Palestinians; and as if its security to the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides.
could be achieved by more killing and more injustice. It could enable a surge in humanitarian aid. It could
Israel pretended that the blockade was about security, lead to immediate de-escalation in the region. It could
but it harmed only innocent civilians. It pretended its help preserve whatever faith is left in our multilateral
walls and military rules were about security, but their system. But Netanyahu does not care about the lives of
true colonial nature is evident to all who are willing to Palestinians or even of the hostages. He does not care
see. It pretended that every war would be the last and about international law or human decency. He cares
would achieve deterrence, but each one simply laid the only about his own political survival. What, then, will
seeds for another war a few years later. the Security Council do to ensure that he is not the one
Successive Israeli Governments have been saying calling the shots? Here I am addressing the Council
since 1948 that they had got rid of the Palestinian directly. What will it do to stop that lunatic from
problem once and for all, starting with the Nakba, continuing this genocidal war on the Palestinian people?
one of the most terrible attempts to uproot an entire In recent weeks there have been collective statements
nation in modern history. After that, Israeli leaders stressing that the decisions of the International Court of
pretended that they had never heard of Palestine or Justice are binding and must be respected, defending
the Palestinians, denying the very existence of the the independence of the International Criminal Court
people they had killed and expelled. In 1967, they were and rejecting attacks on it. There have been shared
certain that by occupying whatever was left of the commitments on the United Nations Relief and
land of historical Palestine, they had eliminated the Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
problem altogether. In 1982, they explained that if they East — commitments to which all Council members,
invaded Lebanon and forced the Palestine Liberation present and incoming, subscribed, together with more
Organization to move far from Palestine’s borders, that than 100 countries around the world. There is a global
would be the end of the Palestine question. In 1988, consensus in support of the Palestinian people’s right
when the Palestinian rebellion erupted in Palestine to self-determination and a two-State solution, in line
itself in a peaceful way, Israel explained that breaking with United Nations resolutions and international law.
the bones of the demonstrators — literally breaking There is more convergence on the Palestine question
them — would deter them. In 2000, it explained that than on any other matter on the international agenda.
the best way to deal with the second intifada was And there is one isolated, fanatical Government that
more walls, more oppression and more occupation. In rejects that international consensus and attacks every
2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022, it institution entrusted with upholding the international
explained that a blockade of more than 2 million people, law-based order, accusing the representatives of that
repeated military assaults and firing on demonstrators order of terrorism and antisemitism and of killing,
would eventually lead to subjugation and surrender. detaining, torturing, harassing and intimidating them.
It has been a century of military responses to a How long will we go on pretending that its Government
political question, a century of sheer violence against is anything other than what it proclaims itself to be?
an entire nation, aimed at avoiding the only possible How long will its whims trump international will?
solution — freedom for the Palestinian people and
Our people will live in freedom and dignity on
peace for all. But there is a reason that Israel behaves
their ancestral land. They will accept nothing less
this way. Everything in its history tells Israel that it
and nothing else. But exercising that right should not
will get away with that behaviour. It is betting that this
come at such a price. There is a parallel world in which
time will be no exception. But this time must be the
the international community upheld the rules and all
exception. And change must start right now.
nations gathered and took concrete steps to ensure
The Security Council adopted resolution 2735 compliance and deter violations, to stop the war and
(2024) to achieve an immediate ceasefire leading to a advance peace. In that parallel world, no Palestinian

24-211525/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

or Israeli civilians, no Palestinian or Israeli children Mr. Erdan (Israel): Tomorrow will mark 30 years,
are harmed. In that parallel world life has prevailed, to the day, since a joint Iran and Hizbullah terrorist
with two States, Palestine and Israel, living side operation attacked a Jewish community centre in
by side in peace and security. Palestine is free, and Buenos Aires, murdering 85 people and injuring
future generations take for granted the peace we hundreds of others. This should be a stark reminder of
have achieved. In that parallel world, historians work two things.
together to tell the story of our painful journeys with First, it should remind us that Iran has been obsessed
honesty and respect; mutual recognition is self-evident; with killing Jews everywhere, not only in Israel.
shared humanity is recognized; no one denies the
existence of the other, discriminates against the other Secondly, it should remind us that Iran has global
or denigrates the other; and our region has unleashed its reach and is exporting its bloodshed and destruction
full potential, because our destinies no longer collide to the four corners of Earth. This has been going on
now for decades. Nevertheless, as we meet today to
but can move forward together.
once again discuss the security situation in the Middle
Being killed, maimed, oppressed, detained, starved East, instead of focusing on the root of the problem,
and displaced is not our fate. There is a path that leads the Council will again focus on a symptom and not the
to shared peace and prosperity. It is the Council’s duty cause. It is the same old discussion, which brings us no
to take every step necessary to reach that destination. It closer to peace or security — not for Israel, not for the
must start today by strengthening those who seek peace, Palestinians, and not for the region.
rather than arming those who seek extermination; The true reason for the destruction, devastation
sanctioning those who colonize, rather than allowing and bloodshed is apparently never to be named and
them to punish those who oppose the uprooting and addressed here. It is there for all to see, but there is
displacement of communities; protecting the victims, seemingly a wilful blindness here to name it. The
rather than the perpetrators; and recognizing the Council regularly ignores it. We also heard it today
Palestinian State, rather than witnessing the destruction from the Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General,
of the two-State solution. The Council’s relations with who preferred to focus on Israel, which is always easier.
the parties must be predicated on their compliance There is a country in our region that is a rogue and
with the law and the legitimate requirements of peace. failing State: the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is
The Council must achieve the well-known solution to failing its people and has subjugated its citizens since
this political conflict by ending the Israeli occupation, 1979, when it launched a revolution that only brought
rather than waiting until it is transformed into a never- destruction. If one looks at all of the major conflicts in
ending religious war. the Middle East, one finds the nefarious fingers of Iran.
The people of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and many
In two days, the highest judicial organ on Earth
others have all suffered because of Iran’s attempts to
will render its authoritative opinion on the question
inflame the region. Iran condemns and attack nations
of Palestine and on the illegality of the colonial,
making peace with the State of Israel, as some Arab and
annexationist and supremacist Israeli occupation. I Muslim nations have done in recent years.
am referring to the International Court of Justice.
This expression of the law — nothing less and nothing However, Iran’s leaders still receive the red-carpet
else — should serve as the basis for our collective treatment here due to hypocrisy or political interests.
action in the days to come. Just as all nations refuse Since the beginning of the Islamic revolution, we have
to forego their rights, the Palestinian people will never heard the refrain “death to Israel” and “the Zionist
relinquish theirs. Peace will not be achieved at the regime will be wiped from the pages of history” or
expense of our rights, only through their preservation. “from the face of the Earth” being chanted at rallies,
Upholding our right to life, liberty and dignity is the and they have draped their ballistic missiles with those
genocidal slogans as they parade through the streets.
only path to peace. Let us finally collectively embark
Only one month ago, the Supreme Leader of Iran,
on that journey.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei published on his X account,
The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the “death to Israel”, seven times — a clear call for genocide.
floor to the representative of Israel. Even the Iranian delegation to the United Nations a few

6/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

weeks ago tweeted an open threat for the destruction of groups targeting us have one thing in common, and the
Israel. Recently, Iran launched over 350 missiles and Council knows it — they are being directed from Tehran.
drones at Israel. What more needs to happen? If we reach a situation of full-scale war in Lebanon, it is
only because Hizbullah has shot thousands of rockets at
Iran has taken its annihilationist obsession against
Israeli civilians, with the support and funding of Iran.
the Jewish State to a whole new level with the digital
The Council cannot say that it did not know. All of this
countdown clock in Tehran showing how many days
requires immediate action by the Council.
remain until the destruction of Israel by the year 2040.
Here is a picture of that clock in the centre of Tehran, and The Islamic Republic of Iran is not just an Israel or
it has been ignored for too long. Do not look away; this regional problem. Iran has supplied military equipment
is not a minor issue. It tells everyone the indisputable to be used against Ukraine, as Council members know.
intention of the Iranian regime. It is a disgrace, and Its proxies have turned one of the major global shipping
it will be the Council’s disgrace if it continues to be lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden into no-go
ignored. With the dozens of conflicts raging across the areas for international cargo ships. Council members
globe, there is no other United Nations Member State all know that Iran stands behind those Houthi terror
publicly calling for the countdown to the destruction attacks, but they continue to bury their head in the sand
of another United Nations Member State. Where is the and focus on us. Why?
outrage? Where is the condemnation? Where is the
action? Where are the Council resolutions? Iran is the greatest threat to global stability because
its ambitions and destruction are global. The Islamic
This is a direct attack on the Charter of the United Republic of Iran is the key to security and stability
Nations. If nothing is done about these openly genocidal in the Middle East, and Council members ignore the
obsessions, then the Council will finally lose even its key. The greatest outrage and most urgent issue to
pretension as a force for peace. This clock is a warning for address are our 120 hostages, who are held by Iranian-
Israel, but also a warning for the world. If the world looks supported and -inspired terrorist organizations in Gaza.
away from the open and wanton call for the destruction We demand their immediate and unequivocal release.
of our nation, then another nation could be next. We saw again only yesterday pictures of trembling
I demand action. There should be no more meetings 18-year-old girls with injuries on their bodies and fear
with Iranian officials until they have removed this in their eyes. We do not dare to think what horrors they
clock, stopped supporting and financing terrorism and are experiencing at this very minute. I ask Council
ended calls for my country’s destruction. Without such members — I beg Council members — to look into
action, the State of Israel can only assume that this their eyes and think about the sheer brutality of what
position is, at best, not taken seriously enough and, at Hamas is doing to them.
worst, is privately endorsed by some Council members. The disgraceful situation of the hostages alone is a
These are not mere words, because while the clock crime against humanity, but Hamas continues to exploit
continues to tick, the uranium enrichment centrifuges the Council’s inaction by hiding its commanders among
continue to spin. In April, the head of the International civilians and its military positions in United Nations
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran is weeks Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
away from having enough enriched uranium to develop Near East (UNRWA) schools. Yes, they hide themselves
a nuclear bomb. Last month, the IAEA Board of in UNRWA schools, and Council members continue to
Governors called on Iran to abide by its international ignore that.
commitments and cease the dangerous development of I can tell the Security Council this: the war will
its nuclear programme.
not end until those hostages have been released. We
Today Council members will once again debate will not leave a single hostage behind. With that brutal
the merits of Israel’s justified response to the pogrom kidnapping, Hamas is again copying the example of
against Israel on 7 October. It was a Hamas pogrom their paymasters in Tehran who, starting in November
financed and inspired by Iran, a pogrom that Iranian 1979, as we all remember, held 53 American citizens for
officials openly support. Since 7 October, the State of 444 days against all international norms and humanity.
Israel has been attacked — totally unprovoked — from That was the first warning about the intentions of
Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. All of the terrorist the Ayatollah regime, and now we are merely talking

24-211527/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

about their most recent bloody outrage. For 45 years, conversation on Gaza. They are the central element.
the Islamic Republic of Iran has been fanatical about Without taking meaningful action against Iran, the
exporting its brand of terror and bloodshed near and death and bloodshed will only increase and spread.
far. If the Council continues to ignore the destructive That is the truth about the multiple front war against
role Iran plays in all Middle East conflicts, then sadly the Jewish State. It is time that the Council addressed
there will be war, and the bloodshed will continue the true root cause of the war.
unabated. But if Council members choose to address
The President (spoke in Russian): I shall now make
the issue properly, we can improve the chances of peace
a statement in my capacity as the Minister for Foreign
and security in the region. The choice is urgent. The
Affairs of the Russian Federation.
choice is theirs.
The countless lives of those who will die because The Middle East is facing unprecedented risks to
of the Ayatollah’s grand ambitions for Shiite regional the security, well-being and peaceful lives of its peoples.
supremacy are in their hands. Iran wants to export their The waves of violence are spilling far beyond the Arab-
supremacist Shiite revolution to Council members’ Israeli conflict zone and are destabilizing the situation
nations, and their weapons are armies of terror proxies in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea
causing death in every country they touch. Council and North Africa. A frank and honest conversation is
members must not be fooled by the sham election and needed about how to immediately stop the bloodshed
the reformist new President of Iran. They know that he and suffering of the civilians and move towards a
is merely another puppet of the Ayatollah to try to avoid long-term solution to both long-standing and relatively
diplomatic pressure and put a pleasant mask on evil. new conflicts.
Council members must look at Iranian officials’ deeds Our country has historically maintained good
and not listen to their empty words, which they will relations with all the countries in the region. The Union
probably hear today. Those who continue to accept the of Soviet Socialist Republics was the first State to
fake nice words of Iranian officials know that they are recognize Israel de facto and de jure, having established
just speaking with puppets directed by the Ayatollah. diplomatic relations with it shortly after it declared
The Ayatollah has become used to the Council’s independence in May 1948. Meanwhile, Moscow has
inaction, and he feels that it gives him the green light steadfastly supported the creation of an independent
to attain nuclear weapons and the immunity to continue and viable Palestinian State and the realization of
expanding the terror of his murderous proxies. the Palestinians’ legitimate and fundamental right
I have shown the Security Council the Iranian to self-determination. In 1949, we supported Israel’s
countdown clock to the destruction of the State of application for United Nations membership, provided
Israel. That is a promise for a continuation of conflict that — which I stress — General Assembly resolutions
and war for decades to come. That is a direct threat 181 (II) and 194 (III) on the partition plan for Palestine
and incitement to genocide. Nevertheless, I will face and the right of return of Palestinian refugees were
that threat with a prediction. If the Ayatollah regime in implemented. That was clearly stated when we voted
the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to threaten the in favour of admitting Israel as a Member of the United
region, intimidate its own people, attack its neighbours Nations (see A/PV.207). Likewise, today we support the
and spill blood across the globe, it will find that its membership of Palestine in our Organization. I would
days are numbered. The proud Iranian people have had like to note that its sovereignty as a State has already
enough. The good people of the Middle East have had been recognized by nearly 150 States Members of the
enough, and so have we. They all are waiting for the United Nations.
members of the Council to pinpoint the true cause of
We maintain a position based on the norms of
the conflict and bloodshed in our region.
international law within the framework of various
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a rogue State that international formats for the settlement of the
is exporting its mayhem and destruction to all corners Palestinian-Israeli conflict and, more broadly, the
of the region. They are much bigger and more powerful Middle East conflict. We proceed from the imperative
than the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and with of implementing United Nations decisions, including
near-nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran’s genocidal the aforementioned first resolutions of the General
ambitions are not just a missing element in any Assembly and key Security Council resolutions 242

8/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

(1967) and 338 (1973), adopted after the end of the Six- has been termed an open-air prison. The statistics of
Day War and the Yom Kippur War, as well as resolutions the death and destruction that have resulted from the
478 (1980) and 497 (1981) on the status of Jerusalem large-scale military operation that Israel is waging
and the Golan Heights. jointly with its American allies are horrifying. For
300 days — let us say, 10 months — almost 40,000
We attach special importance to dialogue with the
Palestinian civilians have been killed and 90,000
Arab States and their neighbours Iran and Türkiye. From
wounded, a majority of them women and children.
the very beginning, we appreciated the constructive
That total is twice as large as the number of civilian
potential of the Arab Peace Initiative, launched by
casualties on both sides of the conflict in south-eastern
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2002. At the same
Ukraine in 10 years. Those 10 months resulted in twice
time, as members know, we respected the decision of
the number of civilian casualties brought about by the
a number of Arab States to normalize their relations
10 years of the conflict in Ukraine, since the coup d’état
with Israel before resolving the Palestinian question.
of February 2014.
We advocated for the inclusion of pan-Arab and Islamic
organizations — the League of Arab States and the According to the Independent International
Organization of Islamic Cooperation — in the collective Commission of Inquiry that examines violations of
efforts of the Quartet of international mediators, which international humanitarian law, Palestinians under
was unfortunately buried under the ruins of the United the age of 18 make up approximately half of Gaza’s
States so-called “deal of the century”. population. That means that they were born and grew
up in conditions of a total blockade. Apart from the
The colonial, mandate-based history of the Middle
current escalation of violence, they have seen other
East and North Africa left a heavy legacy for the
Israeli military operations — Operations Summer Rains
countries of the region that still continues. The Sykes-
and Autumn Clouds of 2006; Operations Hot Winter
Picot Agreement, the Balfour Declaration and the so-
and Cast Lead, in 2008 and 2009; and Operations Pillar
called White Paper of 1939 planted time bombs that
of Defence, in 2012, Protective Edge, in 2014, and
have continued to go off to this day, and the situation has
Guardian of the Walls, in 2021.
been further complicated by new Western geopolitical
experiments. We firmly believe that the countries Today Gaza lies in ruins. Almost all residential
of the region should choose their own paths, free of buildings, schools and hospitals have been turned to
foreign interference, towards stronger sovereignty, rubble and critical civilian infrastructure has been
independence and socioeconomic development rendered inoperable. There is an epidemic of infectious
for the benefit of their nations. That would enable diseases and mass hunger in the Strip, which has
them to strengthen the enormous global historical, become a true humanitarian disaster. There is no safe
civilizational, religious and cultural significance of the and reliable access to the victims and those in need
Middle East and North Africa in the interests of peace amid the ongoing hostilities. The number of casualties
and stability. among the humanitarian staff of the United Nations and
non-governmental organizations is already approaching
The most pressing and acute issue of the day is that
300 — the largest number of losses at one time for the
of Palestine. This is the fourth time in 10 months that
United Nations in modern history. Many of them were
the Council has met at the ministerial level. While it has
killed together with their families, and we want to
adopted four resolutions (resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720
express our condolences to their relatives, loved ones
(2023), 2728 (2024) and 2735 (2024)), the continuing
and colleagues.
bloodshed in the occupied Palestinian territory has
shown that all those decisions remained on paper On 7 May Israel began its clearance operation in
only. Russia has consistently denounced terrorism in the city of Rafah, the last refuge for the 1.5 million
all its manifestations. We unequivocally condemned Palestinians who had fled there from all over Gaza. The
the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Rafah crossing was closed, once again making the Gaza
However, the current developments in Gaza constitute Strip “the only conflict in the world in which people are
an unacceptable collective punishment of the civilian not even allowed to flee”, as Secretary-General António
population. For close to 300 days a military clearance Guterres said in 2009 when he was the United Nations
operation has been going on in the Gaza Strip, the most High Commissioner for Refugees. Nothing has changed
densely populated area in the world, which for years since then. The situation has only deteriorated further.

24-211529/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

The border crossings on the Israeli are operating for that very reason that we abstained in the voting on
intermittently and with major restrictions. The volume resolution 2735 (2024), because we knew that Israel had
of cargo allowed through them is significantly lower already a priori rejected it. By providing diplomatic
than it was even before the current confrontation, support for Israeli actions and supplying weapons and
despite the fact that the needs then were far fewer. ammunition, Washington — as everyone realizes — has
become a direct party to the conflict, just as it has in
The situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
Ukraine. The bloodshed would stop if that support
is also dire, with constant military raids and acts
ended but the United States is either unwilling or unable
of aggression by settlers, leading to casualties on
to do that. It appears that manoeuvres aimed at scoring
both sides. Contrary to resolution 2334 (2024), Israel
points during an election campaign are more important
has not only not slowed its construction of illegal than efforts to save human lives.
settlements but is actually expanding it. In addition
to seizing Palestinian land and demolishing homes, it I would like to outline Russia’s principled
is retroactively legalizing settlement outposts there, approaches once again. We condemn the 7 October
even though they are illegal under Israeli law as well. 2023 terrorist attack, which nevertheless cannot justify
As Mr. Rattray said, such unilateral actions aimed Israel’s current actions and the undermining of the very
at creating irrevocable facts on the ground amount idea of a Palestinian State. We support a permanent and
to a gross violation of Israel’s responsibilities as an comprehensive ceasefire that would enable the release
occupying Power. I particularly want to point out that of the 120 Israeli hostages and the approximately
by an irony of fate, those responsibilities flow from the 9,500 Palestinians who have been arbitrarily arrested
Geneva Conventions, adopted 75 years ago largely to since 7 October 2023. We call for safe and adequate
protect the Jews who had been subjected to inhuman humanitarian access to all who are affected and in need.
suffering during the Second World War and to prevent We reaffirm the key mandate of the United Nations
the persecution of peoples based on their nationality in Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the future. the Near East as a unique body for the provision of
aid to the Palestinians in the occupied territory and
The current unprecedented outbreak of violence in neighbouring Arab countries. We insist on the
in the Middle East is largely a result of the well- immediate cessation of unlawful settlement activities.
known policies of the United States in the region, the
legacy of that same diplomacy that the United States Addressing those urgent issues would create the
representatives who have been demanding that the conditions for a return to peace negotiations on a
Council reduce its efforts have been telling us is so universally recognized international legal basis, in the
effective for the past almost 10 months. And my United interest of establishing an independent and sovereign
States colleague Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Palestinian State coexisting in peace and security with
has made the same appeal. Again and again, they Israel. Only then will the historical injustice done to
have used their right of veto to block the calls for an the Palestinian people be redressed and that people’s
immediate, permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. fundamental right to self-determination upheld.
After the adoption of resolution 2728 (2024), on a It is also very important to restore intra-Palestinian
ceasefire during Ramadan, the United States promptly unity. We have always tried to facilitate that process
said that it was not a legally binding document. In its by providing representatives of various Palestinian
place, we were offered the notorious so-called Biden movements the opportunity to conduct much-
plan, which the Americans wanted to have approved needed dialogue through the Moscow platform.
even before Israel had responded to it. Everyone knew We are convinced that Palestinians are capable of
that the response would be negative, because Israel had independently determining their own future without
no interest whatever in any plan with a hint of peace. external interference, no matter how much anyone
And we became convinced of that once again today. might wish to decide everything for them and against
I wonder if the United States representative had the their will. And that, by the way, also applies to the
feeling, while listening to the Israeli representative’s future of Gaza, as an integral part of the Palestinian
remarks, of being in the wrong room, attending the State. We are all well aware of the behind-the-scenes
wrong discussion, rather than the one that had been contacts that are under way and the plans that are being
announced. I hope she knows what I mean. And it was hatched in an attempt to predetermine the future of

10/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

Gaza and the entire Palestinian State, although there is differences and distrust and joining efforts on a
no mention of the Palestinian State itself in those plans. mutually acceptable basis, the aim being to determine
We believe that everyone must respect the principle of the parameters of their own mutual security without
“no discussion of Palestine without Palestine”. external interference and to speak with one voice, in
order to fulfil the aspirations of the Palestinian people
Our proposal to bring together all external actors
and, more broadly, to build an architecture of stability
who have influence on the various factions in Gaza and
and good-neighbourly relations in the region.
the West Bank — and who can, if they speak with one
voice, help to overcome divisions within the Palestinian Progress on the Palestinian track, in full compliance
ranks — remains on the table. An important step in that with United Nations decisions, and progress towards the
direction was taken in Moscow in February, when all the normalization of relations between the Gulf countries
Palestinian factions sent their delegations to Moscow in could constitute important contributions to the ongoing
order to reaffirm their support for restoring unity on the process of forging a common Eurasian architecture
basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization platform. based on the principles of the indivisibility of security,
equal collective responsibility, mutual respect and a
Today we all have a responsibility to stop the human balance of interests.
tragedy that is unfolding. In addition to the military
operation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel’s I resume my functions as President of the Council.
other neighbours are also at risk of being drawn into I shall now give the floor to those members of the
a major confrontation with Israel. Tensions along the Council who wish to make statements.
Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel are growing by
the day. Israeli officials have publicly announced plans Mr. Brülhart (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I
to open a northern front. Hizbullah is also prepared thank Mr. Rattray for his briefing.
to join the fray and warns of its readiness to repel the Switzerland is alarmed by the situation throughout
invasion. The Israeli Air Force has increased attacks the occupied Palestinian territory and on both sides of
across Syria, including the areas around Damascus, the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. We must
Aleppo, Latakia and the Golan Heights. The strikes work tirelessly to restore peace and security in the
have hit key airports and a seaport that played an Middle East. Switzerland has strongly condemned
important role in the delivery of urgent humanitarian the acts of terror and hostage-taking perpetrated by
aid, including as part of the response to the devastating Hamas on 7 October 2023. Those acts were followed
earthquake of 2023. by a deadly war in Gaza and unprecedented levels of
Ending the violence in Gaza and the West Bank violence in the West Bank.
could create the conditions not only for finding a During a recent trip to the region, I once again
lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, witnessed the extent of the suffering inflicted on
but also for tackling other crisis hotspots throughout civilians on both sides. They continue to pay the heaviest
the vast expanse of the Near and Middle East, in price for the violations of international law committed
accordance with Security Council resolutions, instead by all parties. That includes the thousands of children
of furthering certain geopolitical ambitions or rules who have been killed or maimed. Furthermore, the lack
that the West is trying to use to replace the Charter of of implementation of the four resolutions adopted by
the United Nations. the Security Council since 7 October 2023 (resolutions
Pan-Arab and pan-Islamic organizations, the 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024) and 2735 (2024))
is unacceptable. We must intensify our efforts to break
activities of which we support — as we do the
the spiral of violence and return to the principles
efforts of all truly responsible members of the global
of humanity that have been flouted for too long in
community — have an important role in upholding the
this conflict.
rights of the Palestinian people. In particular, I would
like to note the importance of the Gulf States. Now, after Switzerland calls for an immediate ceasefire and the
the early elections in Iran and the initial statements by immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.
the new Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, there We encourage the parties to conclude and implement
is hope for rapprochement among all the countries of an agreement to that effect as quickly as possible. We
the Gulf, in the interest of overcoming long-standing thank the mediators for their tireless efforts. All persons

24-2115211/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely and but necessary process and in supporting all efforts to
receive visits from the International Committee of the reopen the path to peace.
Red Cross.
Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield (United States of
Humanitarian access must be provided throughout America): I thank Chef de Cabinet Rattray for his
the Gaza Strip via all possible crossing points and in briefing on behalf of the Secretary-General.
a safe, rapid and unhindered manner. The situation
In 1950, Ralph Bunche won the Nobel Peace Prize
is urgent. According to the Integrated Food Security
for his work helping sow peace in the Middle East
Phase Classification, 96 per cent of civilians are at
between Israel and its neighbours. In his lecture in
risk of starvation. That is unacceptable. The civilian
Oslo, he said something prescient, something that rings
population, persons hors de combat and civilian true three quarters of a century later. He explained that,
property, such as residential buildings, schools and
hospitals, must not be attacked. We condemn all attacks “[t]he world and its peoples being as they are, there
of that kind in the strongest possible terms, whether they is no easy or quick or infallible approach to a secure
take place in Gaza or elsewhere in the world. Respect peace. It is only by patient, persistent, undismayed
for the principles of distinction, proportionality and effort, by trial and error, that peace can be won”.
precaution in the conduct of hostilities is an obligation As the Council knows well, nothing about securing
under international humanitarian law, and that also peace is easy, and progress is certainly not as quick as
applies in the context of the fight against terrorism. In we all wish it would be. We see that in the ongoing talks
resolution 2730 (2024), the Council reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire with a hostage release in
for the protection of personnel and property employed Gaza. And yet the United States, Qatar, Egypt and so
in humanitarian operations. many of our other partners remain persistent. We have
A ceasefire in Gaza will make a major contribution worked tirelessly to facilitate the deal that the Council
to regional de-escalation, but that is not enough. To endorsed in resolution 2735 (2024), a deal that would
return to the path of peace, compliance with international bring about an immediate ceasefire with the release
law in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is of hostages, would surge aid to Palestinians in need
essential. To that end, Israel must refrain from taking and create a path to longer-term peace and stability in
measures that would introduce permanent changes, in the region.
particular demographic and administrative changes, in Because of our unity and because the Council was
the occupied territory. However, we note with concern able to speak with one voice and back a concrete, realistic
the transfer of civil governance in the West Bank and the plan, there has been progress: Israel and Hamas have
recent announcements of the construction of housing now both agreed to the ceasefire framework endorsed
units in the settlements. Those measures contribute to by the Council in resolution 2735 (2024). There are still
the prevailing coercive environment, leading, in turn, gaps to be closed, and the Council must keep pressure
to the forced displacement of Palestinian communities on Hamas to accept the deal outlined in resolution 2735
and the weakening of the Palestinian Authority. (2024) and to begin implementing it, without delay and
The settlements are illegal under international without conditions. That is what we all want here in the
law. They are a major obstacle to peace and to the Council. It is what the Palestinians in Gaza want. But
implementation of the solution of two democratic these negotiations are trending in the right direction,
States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and we are working in close cooperation with Egypt
and Qatar in order to get this deal done and bring an
within secure and recognized borders. Only a political
end to this war.
solution will bring lasting peace to the Middle East. The
way forward begins with compliance with international It is also vital that the United Nations and
law and dialogue between the parties to the conflict, humanitarian agencies have the resources and support
the States of the region, the members of the Security needed to surge additional aid, some 600 trucks’ worth,
Council and other key players. My recent discussions every single day, into Gaza as soon as that deal takes
in the region and beyond have confirmed that such a effect. Until then, it remains the view of the United
path requires the support of us all. Switzerland is ready States that Israel must take additional immediate steps
to play its part alongside the Council in this difficult to eliminate barriers to the delivery of aid at scale.

12/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

We thank the countries of the region, including While the world’s eyes may be on Gaza, Lebanon
Egypt, Jordan and Cyprus, that have enabled aid and the Red Sea, we cannot forget about the situation
delivery to Gaza through their territory, and we hope in the West Bank. We remain concerned about the
that all of them can do more to help meet the staggering significant uptick in deadly violence against Palestinian
need in this critical moment. civilians by violent extremist settlers in the West Bank
and condemn that activity in the strongest terms.
While we have seen progress addressing long-
standing requests from the United Nations and Just last week, we announced another round of
humanitarian organizations, other requests, particularly designations, naming three Israeli individuals and
those related to communications equipment vital for five entities connected to acts of violence against
deconfliction processes, remain unresolved. We urge civilians or instability in the West Bank. We urge the
the Government of Israel to work with the United Government of Israel to take immediate steps to hold
Nations to overcome these and other roadblocks. those individuals and other entities accountable.

Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction We also reiterate our concern about Israel’s recent
Coordinator for Gaza Kaag briefed us about the announcement expanding settlements, declaring
catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Palestinian expansive State lands and legalizing outposts. Unilateral
civilians are living in hell. Over and over, they have had actions, like the Government of Israel’s settlement
to flee from one place to another in search of safety. As programme, are inconsistent with international law and
the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification detrimental to a two-State solution.
report made devastatingly clear, hundreds of thousands We welcome reports that Israel will extend the
live in fear that they will not be able to find their correspondent banking relationship for four months
next meal. And so many people have lost parents and and release a portion of the clearance revenues of the
siblings, children and friends, including in a recent Palestinian Authority (PA). And we call on Israel to
Israel Defense Forces strike on a United Nations- extend correspondent banking for at least 12 months, as
supported school in Nuseirat camp. well as release all of the withheld clearance revenues.
The viability of the Palestinian Authority is essential
Finalizing and implementing the ceasefire deal on
to stability in the West Bank; steps that weaken it only
the table is the best way to alleviate the suffering. We
undermine Israel’s security.
are also hopeful that a ceasefire in Gaza would assist
diplomacy aimed at de-escalating the situation along Finally, we encourage Israel to join members of the
the Blue Line, which is necessary in order to enable Council in supporting the PA’s reform programme.
displaced people in Israel and Lebanon to return In that same Nobel lecture that I mentioned earlier,
home. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Ralph Bunche admitted that “it is not easy to speak of
is playing an invaluable role in that work. We support peace with either conviction or reassurance.” And yet
a straightforward extension of its mandate and are to speak of peace, to work towards peace, is urgently
prepared to immediately begin work on a narrow needed. And it is the task before every one of us in
resolution towards that end. the Council — not to point fingers and certainly not to
Hizbullah, of course, is not the only Iran-backed seed divisions.
group in the region seeking to take advantage of the The United States therefore remains steadfast in our
situation in Gaza in order to undermine regional peace efforts to pressure Hamas to take the steps necessary
and security. The Houthis continue to brazenly violate to close gaps at the negotiating table and finalize the
international law with their attacks on commercial ceasefire deal endorsed by the Council; to bring the
and merchant vessels in the Red Sea that have affected hostages home, including the eight Americans still held
us all. These attacks must cease, and Member States by Hamas for over 280 days; to support humanitarian
must stop arming and enabling the Houthis. We remain access into and across the entire Gaza Strip and to meet
gravely concerned about the fate of personnel of the the urgent protection needs of Gaza’s most vulnerable;
United Nations, the diplomatic and private sector and to promote regional security and continue to work
non-governmental organizations detained by the Houthis towards a two-State solution, where Israelis and
since early June. They must be released unharmed. Palestinians alike can live in peace and in dignity; and

24-2115213/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

to commit to patient, persistent, undismayed effort so Palestinian civilians are residing. It is therefore nearly
that peace can be won. impossible to transport aid via that route owing to
security concerns. We must also recall that the overall
Mrs. Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana): I thank the
security situation in the Gaza Strip remains precarious
delegation of the Russian Federation for organizing this
owing to the indiscriminate bombardment and the
open debate and express my appreciation to Chef de
general breakdown of law and order — a breakdown
Cabinet Rattray for the Secretary-General’s statement.
entirely attributable to the desperation engendered by
The silence has been deafening on a possible solution the prevailing circumstances.
to end the war in Gaza. Guyana had hoped that with
For months we have seen targeted attacks against
the adoption of resolution 2735 (2024) five weeks ago,
key civilian infrastructure, including health-care
supporting the efforts of the United States, Egypt and
facilities and schools. Refugee camps have not been
Qatar, that the bombs and bullets that continue to rain
spared. Indeed, attacks against camps have intensified.
down on Gaza would have been silenced. We commend
In recent weeks, Al-Mawasi, Bureij and Nuseirat have
the United States, Egypt and Qatar for their continued
all been attacked. Yet we hear that a ceasefire agreement
efforts and must remain optimistic. We, however, recall
cannot be reached owing to red lines. What red lines
that it is the responsibility of the Council to continue to
are there that allow for the continuous killing of women
do all in its power to bring an end to the war.
and children and the bombing of schools, refugee camps
The multilayered catastrophe in Palestine and hospitals? Guyana condemns that wanton violence
worsens with each passing day. The dimensions of the in the strongest terms and calls on Israel to adhere
catastrophe stretch across every facet of Palestinian life to its obligations under international law, including
both in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, international humanitarian law. We also demand that
including East Jerusalem. Its principal characteristics other States Members of the United Nations uphold
are oppression and repression, indignity and impunity, their duty to ensure that those obligations are upheld.
destruction, deprivation and death. Yet, even in their The Charter of the United Nations and international
seemingly unending suffering, Palestinians look to legal instruments are not an à la carte menu from which
the United Nations to bring the catastrophe to an end. we choose at our convenience.
Guyana’s appeal, therefore, is for a collective mustering
We are also seeing a ramping up of attacks against
of political will to advance the peace process and to give
the United Nations both in rhetoric and in physical
the Palestinian people real hope of a secure and stable
bombardments against United Nations staffers and
future. That is the only prospect which can equally
facilities. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency
secure a stable future for Israel and the Middle East.
for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Nine months of Israel’s barbaric war on Gaza has facilities are being destroyed by Israel. Seventy
birthed a severely mutilated population, driven from per cent of UNRWA’s schools have been bombed.
corner to corner of the Strip while bombs incessantly UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza has been decimated.
rain down on their severely weakened bodies. The Nearly 200 UNRWA staffers have been killed in the
death toll is now nearing 40,000, with the majority war. And the situation in the West Bank has also heated
being women and children. What really is life in the up considerably. That is an extremely dismal reality,
Gaza Strip? Bombs, starvation, inadequate health care and we must extinguish that inferno.
and essential goods and services have seen the civilian
Guyana calls for an immediate and unconditional
population robbed of everything necessary for its
ceasefire and urges the parties to prioritize the
survival. The continued impediments to the entry of
protection of civilians, as dictated by international law.
humanitarian aid, in contravention of legally binding
We also call for the immediate and unconditional release
decisions of the Security Council, represent a complete
of all hostages and Palestinians detained without trial
disregard of international law obligations, particularly
in Israeli prisons. We urge adherence to the various
international humanitarian law. Guyana notes, for
resolutions of the Security Council.
example, that though the Kerem Shalom/Karem
Abu Salem crossing is open, only a trickle of aid has Guyana also calls for the scaling up of humanitarian
entered through that crossing because there is an active assistance into Gaza. We stress in particular that the
combat zone between the crossing and the place where type of food assistance reaching the civilian population

14/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

must be of high nutritional value considering the dire Israel had accepted the ceasefire agreement. However,
State of food insecurity and nutrition. We underline the more than a month has passed, and the Israeli military
obligation of Israel, as the occupying Power, to ensure operations in Gaza have continued to expand with
that the population has access to humanitarian relief. recent attacks on several refugee camps, including
We call on Israel to uphold that obligation and echo Al-Mawasi and Nuseirat, causing massive casualties.
the demands of the International Court of Justice in At this moment, what Gaza needs is hope for peace.
that regard. Military operations will only cause more casualties
among innocent civilians and will not create conditions
Guyana further calls for the protection of United
conducive to the rescue of hostages. We urge Israel to
Nations and humanitarian personnel. The attacks
immediately cease all military operations in Gaza and
on UNRWA must stop immediately and functioning to stop the collective punishment of the people of Gaza.
deconfliction and notification mechanisms must Countries with major influence should make earnest
become operational. and responsible efforts to press the parties to come
We also call for actions to reduce the tensions in up with the political will to implement the relevant
the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Council resolutions.
to reduce the heightened violence between Palestinians An expansion of humanitarian access is urgently
and Israelis. We further call for good-faith efforts needed to ease the current situation. The humanitarian
aimed at reducing tensions in the region. catastrophe in Gaza is a man-made disaster. Hunger
A hitherto impoverished Gaza has been set back by should not be weaponized, nor should humanitarian
many more years. The Council cannot afford to slip into issues be politicized. The closure of the floating pier
malaise on the Palestinian question but must continue has once again made it clear that land transportation
to proactively work towards a permanent solution to the routes, for which there is no substitute, are the most
matter. The two-State solution remains the only viable effective means to expand humanitarian access at scale.
option, and stringent efforts are needed, particularly by Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations
those with influence in the region, to move the needle Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
on its implementation. Guyana is committed to doing Near East, have implemented what is the last lifeline for
its part to end what is perhaps the longest ongoing the people of Gaza.
injustice against a people. We condemn the attacks on humanitarian agencies
Mr. Fu Cong (China) (spoke in Chinese): I and their personnel and call for a thorough investigation
thank Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for presiding of related incidents and accountability. China urges
over today’s meeting and Chef de Cabinet Rattray Israel to fulfil its obligations under international
for delivering the statement on behalf of Secretary- humanitarian law by lifting the blockade and opening
General Guterres. all land crossings into Gaza so as to ensure the rapid,
safe and large-scale entry of humanitarian supplies
Since its outbreak more than nine months ago, the into Gaza and their safe and orderly distribution, while
Gaza conflict has caused more than 38,000 civilian cooperating fully with the United Nations and other
deaths, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian humanitarian actors.
catastrophe. The situation continues to deteriorate with
millions of Gazans repeatedly being forced to move. The two-State solution is the only viable way to
Schools and refugee camps have been under constant resolve the question of the Middle East. Over the past
decades, the Palestinian-Israeli situation has been
bombardment. The red lines of international law and
repeatedly mired in turmoil and tension. The root
international humanitarian law have been breached
cause of it all is the fact that the two-State solution
time and again. The international community must pool
has not been implemented and the Palestinian people’s
all its efforts to promote a ceasefire in order to save
national rights to independent statehood have not been
lives and alleviate the ongoing disaster without delay.
realized — Gaza belongs to Palestine and the Palestinian
An immediate and lasting ceasefire is a necessary people. Discussions on the post-war governance of Gaza
precondition for saving innocent lives. When pushing must be based on reaching a political solution, rather
for the adoption of resolution 2735 (2024) within the than on engaging in piecemeal crisis management. It
Council, the United States repeatedly claimed that is vital to respect the will of the Palestinian people

24-2115215/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

and address the legitimate concerns of the countries and promoting stability in the West Bank and the wider
of the region. China firmly supports the establishment region — a fundamental building block for lasting
of an independent State of Palestine, governed by peace. It is essential that UNRWA be able to operate on
Palestinians, and calls for the convening of a larger, a sustainable financial basis and be able to deliver on
more authoritative and more effective international its mandate.
peace conference and the establishment of a concrete
Secondly, we express our serious concern at the
timetable and road map for the implementation of the
escalating violence perpetrated by settlers in the West
two-State solution.
Bank. We condemn the recent Israeli expansion of
The current conflict in Gaza is having a growing settlements. We reject decisions by the Government
spillover effect. The situation in the Middle East is of Israel to declare 2,357 hectares of land in the West
increasingly precarious and worrisome. China calls on Bank as State lands thus far this year — the largest of
all parties to exercise calm and restraint, refrain from such declarations of State lands since the Oslo Accords.
actions that exacerbate tensions and work together to Such acts are not only illegal under international law
prevent a conflagration that could engulf the entire but also undermine prospects for a two-State solution.
Middle Eastern region. Together with others, China We demand a halt to those illegal activities.
will continue to work tirelessly to bring an early end
to the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian Thirdly, there is no military solution to the conflict.
catastrophe and implement the two-State solution. Pursuing military options will only deepen divisions
and perpetuate the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis.
Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): The civilian death toll in Gaza is unacceptable. Reports
I would like to thank Chef de Cabinet Rattray for of civilian casualties following Israeli strikes near
delivering the Secretary-General’s briefing. schools and designated humanitarian zones in Gaza in
Nine months since the 7 October 2023 attacks, recent weeks were appalling — as the Foreign Secretary
at least 120 hostages, alive and dead, remain held in said, urgent measures are needed to protect civilians.
horrific conditions. Innocent Palestinians continue to We are appalled by the impact of the conflict on
suffer and die in Gaza. A devastating humanitarian women and children. The United Nations estimates that
crisis is worsening by the day. There is an imminent there are more than 17,000 unaccompanied children in
risk of famine. And we are deeply concerned about the Gaza, and more than 5,000 women have been confirmed
risk of regional escalation, in particular along the Blue as killed, with many more unidentified or missing.
Line between Israel and Lebanon. Many of those killed and missing are mothers. Children
In one of his first acts as Prime Minister of the are especially vulnerable to being killed, maimed and
United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer set out the urgent separated from their family, and suffering trauma,
need for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release acute malnutrition, violence and exploitation. Women
of all hostages and an immediate surge of humanitarian and girls in Gaza face a desperate struggle to access
aid into Gaza. We strongly support the ongoing efforts food and ensure basic hygiene, health and dignity in
of Egypt, Qatar and the United States to that end. The the face of unfathomable sanitary conditions, rape and
deal on the table, endorsed by the Security Council in conflict-related sexual violence.
resolution 2735 (2024), is the best chance to support that. Peace will be sustainable only if both Israelis and
We urge both sides to show flexibility in negotiations Palestinians recommit to a renewed peace process
and demonstrate a clear and firm commitment to ensure resulting in a two-State solution, with a safe and secure
implementation of the deal. Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian
First, we are calling on Israel to protect civilians, to State — the undeniable right of the Palestinian
allow unfettered aid into Gaza and to ensure the United people. The visit by the Foreign Secretary of the
Nations and humanitarian actors have the access and United Kingdom to the region this week signifies our
equipment necessary to safely get aid to those who need unwavering commitment to that end. The Prime
it most. We reaffirm our support for the United Nations Minister of the United Kingdom has spoken with Prime
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Minister Netanyahu, President Abbas and other leaders
the Near East (UNRWA) and the vital role it plays in in the region, underscoring the United Kingdom’s
saving lives in Gaza as well as providing basic services commitment to play its full diplomatic role in securing

16/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

a ceasefire deal and creating the space for a credible We are also deeply alarmed by the ongoing
and irreversible pathway towards a two-State solution. deterioration of the situation in the West Bank. Since
The world needs a safe and secure Israel alongside a its adoption in 2016, resolution 2334 (2016) has not
viable and sovereign Palestinian State. been implemented, as Israel has expanded settlement
activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Mr. Hwang (Republic of Korea): I thank Chef
It is particularly alarming that, thus far this year,
de Cabinet Rattray for his briefing on behalf of the
Israel has seized more land in the West Bank than
Secretary-General.
in the past 20 years combined, reflecting a trend of
For more than nine months, civilians in Palestine accelerating settlement expansion. Military operations
and Israel have experienced enormous suffering. That by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the worsening settler
catastrophe must come to an end now. As resolution violence and the demolition of Palestinian homes are
2735 (2024) demands, Hamas must accept the deal increasingly troubling, as they are carried out with
without further delay or more conditions, and both near impunity. Inflammatory rhetoric and actions by
parties must faithfully implement it. high-level Israeli officials are adding fuel to the fire.
We strongly urge Israel to stop all settlement activity,
A series of dismaying incidents have been repeatedly respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people
occurring, including an Israeli strike on a so-called safe and hold perpetrators accountable.
zone in Al-Mawasi, which reportedly killed more than
90 Palestinians. Those recent attacks demonstrate, once The entire Middle East is on the precipice of even
again, that nowhere in Gaza is safe. We urge Israel to more dangerous hostilities. The situation across the
cease all attacks that lead to civilian casualties. When Blue Line is of utmost concern, with daily exchanges
civilians are routinely killed and civilian infrastructure of fire between Israel and Hizbullah increasing in
is routinely targeted, Israel is not doing what it describes scope and intensity, in total disregard of resolution
as everything to protect civilians. 1701 (2006). Hizbullah’s armed presence in southern
Lebanon is an ongoing violation of that resolution and
As repeatedly stressed by all members of the Security Israel’s traumatic experience of 7 October 2023 may
Council, Israel must abide by its obligations under have enhanced the hard-line approach taken by the
international law, including international humanitarian Israel Defense Forces across the Blue Line.
law. Israel must implement measures to abide by the
rules of distinction, precaution and proportionality. That, in turn, is further worsening the political and
Under no circumstances must hospitals, schools, places economic crisis in Lebanon, where 5 million Lebanese
of worship and humanitarian facilities be targeted. That share their small land with approximately 2 million
is all the more important as such facilities are being refugees, including 1.5 million Syrians. The recent
used as shelters for innocent and helpless civilians, worsening of public sentiment in Lebanon due to the
many of whom have been forcibly displaced multiple large number of Syrian refugees is another concerning
times as a result of Israel’s recurrent evacuation orders. factor that exacerbates regional instability. Continuous
At the same time, Hamas must also cease endangering exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, amid repeated
Palestinian and Israeli civilians through its use of warnings against a full-fledged war between Lebanon
densely populated areas in Gaza as bases for launching and Israel, are also threatening the safety of the United
rockets that target Israel. Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, including the
Republic of Korea’s peacekeeping personnel.
Humanitarian aid must not be hindered as famine
spreads. Despite the operationalization of the mechanism In addition, ongoing attacks against vessels by the
Houthis in the Red Sea and repeated attacks between
established pursuant to resolution 2720 (2023),
Israel and Syria also illustrate the dangerous escalation
enhancing the management of humanitarian aid to Gaza,
in the region. The entire world should exert the utmost
the delivery of aid inside the Strip is nearly impossible,
effort to avert a full-scale regional war. We call for
and this is largely attributable to Israel’s negligence in
maximum restraint by all parties in the region, both
ensuring that law and order are maintained in Gaza.
national and non-State actors.
Israel should open all available land crossings, exert
every effort to maintain public order in Gaza and Mr. Gaouaoui (Algeria): At the outset, I would
protect humanitarian aid workers. like to thank the Russian Federation for organizing this

24-2115217/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

meeting. I also extend our gratitude to Mr. Courtenay a crucial question: does international law apply
Rattray for his insightful briefing. selectively? The Israeli occupation acts with impunity,
as if above the law.
For more than nine months, the Israeli occupation’s
aggression against the defenceless Palestinian people The time for unity is now. Let us put aside
has persisted, resulting in a devastating toll of casualties. differences and work towards an immediate ceasefire
Approximately 130,000 Palestinians have been in Gaza and a lasting, just solution for Palestine. That
martyred or wounded. The international community solution must be based on international consensus,
appears powerless to stop the relentless killing machine upholding the Palestinians’ right to self-determination
that targets innocent people in the streets of Gaza. The and to the establishment of their independent State
suffering of the people of Gaza worsens daily. on their ancestral land — a fate that they must decide
The Israeli occupying forces displace Palestinians for themselves.
from their homes, destroy their communities and inflict To conclude, as affirmed by the President of
death with impunity. We call for accountability. It is not the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria,
an option, it is a must, and it matters. Unfortunately, the which paid a high price to restore its sovereignty and
international community has yet to implement effective independence, will remain steadfast in supporting the
measures to stop those atrocities. This weekend’s attacks Palestinian people until they obtain their full rights.
on displaced people in Al-Mawasi and Al-Shati — safe The horrific images of killing and destruction that we
zones that became death zones — along with the see today in the occupied territories must mark the
continued deliberate targeting of United Nations Relief last chapter of Palestinian suffering. The lives lost and
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near the blood shed must pave the way for an independent
East (UNRWA) schools are clear evidence that Israeli Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
occupation forces blatantly disregard the sanctity of
human life. Mr. Kanu (Sierra Leone): I thank the Russian
Federation’s presidency of the Security Council for
The international community seems paralysed, convening this high-level open debate. I also thank the
held hostage by war criminals in the Israeli occupation Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing, read
Government. Those people thrive on Palestinian out by the Chef de Cabinet, Mr. Courtenay Rattray.
suffering and violate international law and humanitarian
norms, using aid as a tool for pressure and bargaining. It has been 283 days since the 7 October 2023 attacks
Palestinians now face famine, as confirmed by United by Hamas and other armed groups on Israeli civilians
Nations reports. That is a war crime. The Security and the subsequent response by the Israel Defense
Council must take the necessary steps, as outlined Forces (IDF) with bombardment and ground operations
in resolution 2417 (2018). The Israeli occupation’s in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 1,200 people died on
violation of international law cannot be addressed with the 7 October 2023 attacks, approximately 8,730 people
mere statements. It requires decisive sanctions to hold were wounded, and 240 people, most of them Israelis,
the occupation authorities accountable. were taken as hostages. Approximately 120 are still
being held as hostages.
The provisional measures ordered by the
International Court of Justice were clear: the occupation The Special Representative of the Secretary-
authorities must immediately provide essential services General on Sexual Violence in Conflict reported
and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Instead, that, based on the information gathered by her
the occupation authorities have responded with more Office’s mission team from multiple and independent
obstacles, targeting aid trucks and preventing UNRWA sources, there are reasonable grounds to believe that
from carrying out its vital work. The Rafah crossing, conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the
which, per the Court’s order, must remain open, has 7 October 2023 attacks in multiple locations around the
been completely destroyed by the occupiers. Gaza periphery.
The ongoing policy of ethnic cleansing and The narration of the facts surrounding the 7 October
collective punishment against Palestinians mocks the 2023 attacks is followed by even more brutal human
Security Council’s inability to enforce its resolutions. tragedy. Lest we forget, go quiet or grow numb, the
Those resolutions remain words on paper, raising number of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip since

18/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

the IDF ground operations and bombardments began Justice’s ordering of provisional measures in the case
is more than 38,000, of which more than 15,000 are South Africa v. Israel.
children. More than 89,000 Palestinians have been
Despite all the actions mentioned, nine months on,
injured, and 10,000 have gone missing. In an area of 141
the narratives from the Gaza Strip remain horrendous.
square miles, there are 1.9 million internally displaced
We have witnessed the refusal by the parties to the
persons, with an estimated 9 out of 10 people having
conflict to implement the Council’s resolutions and the
been internally displaced multiple times.
binding orders of the International Court of Justice and
As of 14 July, 197 staff members of the United to comply with their obligations under international
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine law. Sierra Leone joined the other Council members
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have been that voted in favour of resolution 2735 (2024) in good
killed, along with approximately 274 humanitarian faith, on the assurance that a deal had been reached
aid workers and 500 health-care workers. There have or was imminent. Since the adoption of resolution
been 458 incidents reported on UNRWA premises, and 2735 (2024) on 10 June 2024, approximately 1,300
189 UNRWA installations have been damaged. Full more Palestinians have been killed, with civilians
and unhindered access to humanitarian aid remains a and protected objects, in particular schools, directly
challenge, owing to denials and delays by the IDF in targeted in missile strikes. The massive destruction
coordinating movement and criminal gang attacks on of physical and critical infrastructure throughout the
humanitarian convoys. The Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Gaza Strip, including water, sanitation and energy
Shalom crossing, which has been designated as the facilities, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and
primary crossing for humanitarian cargo, is not fully residential homes, means that even after a ceasefire
operational owing to active fighting and insecurity is achieved, the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza
around the crossing, with a breakdown of public order will be a prolonged endeavour. That will pose an
due to the absence of law enforcement personnel. additional challenge for the Palestinian authorities and
the international community in restoring law and order
An estimated 30,000 pregnant women are facing
and strengthening good governance.
acute levels of hunger, more than 10,000 are on the
verge of famine and almost 7,000 are in famine There are — and there will be — no winners in the
conditions. There exist major concerns regarding Israel-Palestine conflict. The continuation of the war
waste management, sewage control and the high risk in the Gaza Strip runs the risk of breeding a generation
of outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The situation that is traumatized, uneducated, maimed, orphaned,
of women and children is characterized by a lack of homeless and more dangerously, aggrieved. There is also
privacy and dignity, the increase in sexual-based a generation that has been scarred by the unimaginable
violence and domestic abuse and shortages of food, horrors of 7 October 2023 and overwhelmed with
water and sanitary essentials. With the collective nightmares of the tunnels of Hamas. Changing that
punishment, bombardment and acute levels of hunger, narrative requires us to take collective and immediate
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been robbed of their action to secure lasting peace, but also to end impunity
inherent human dignity. and ensure accountability for the atrocity crimes being
committed in the conflict.
The situation in the Middle East, including the
Palestinian question, has been top of the Council’s Increased settler activity and violence, military
agenda for months, with a focus on ending the conflict raids and detentions in the West Bank and East
in Gaza. The actions of the Security Council to adopt Jerusalem, heightened tensions between Israel and
resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024) and Lebanon across the Blue Line and reported incidents in
2735 (2024) followed or were concurrent to, respectively, the Red Sea linked to the situation in Gaza further risk
the Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99 of the a regional spillover, with dire implications for global
Charter of the United Nations; the General Assembly’s peace and security.
adoption of resolutions, including resolution ES-10/22,
In proffering a way forward to improve the current
which called for an immediate ceasefire, immediate
situation, we would like to make three points.
and unconditional hostage release, humanitarian access
and compliance by all parties with their obligations First, Sierra Leone reiterates the demand for an
under international law; and the International Court of immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip

24-2115219/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

and the entire occupied Palestinian territory, a legitimate Secretary-General underlined that the hostilities had
call that has been echoed by the Council repeatedly. A caused appalling human suffering, physical destruction
ceasefire at this point will greatly improve the security and collective trauma across Israel and the occupied
situation in the Gaza Strip, curtail lawlessness and Palestinian territory. He urged the Council to avert a
social disorder, guarantee the protection of civilians humanitarian catastrophe. It is not that we have not tried.
and facilitate the unhindered passage of humanitarian We adopted four resolutions (resolutions 2712 (2023),
relief to the millions of people in urgent need. 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024) and 2735 (2024)), none of them
was adopted unanimously, and none of them changed the
Secondly, as emphasized in resolution 2573 (2021),
situation on the ground.
we underline the primary responsibility of the parties
to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian objects, I am certain that a deep reflection on the role of
including humanitarian personnel and civilians engaged the Council in this crisis is taking place among its
in duties related to the operation, maintenance or members. Undoubtedly, several of us are reflecting on
repair of civilian infrastructure critical to the delivery the disregard of international law, blatant violations
of essential services to the civilian population in the of international humanitarian law and human rights
Gaza Strip. law. One of the many ways we have been deceived is
through assurances, in recent months, of so-called safe
We therefore condemn the recent attacks on
zones. Instead of a humanitarian tool that provided
UNRWA’s headquarters and schools housing displaced
minimum protection standards, safe zones became
civilians from Khan Younis and elsewhere, and the
recurring targets.
attack on Al-Mawasi refugee camp, where it was
reported that 90 Palestinians were killed, fatefully in a We repeat what we said a few weeks ago (see
place considered to be a safe zone. S/PV.9678): neither Hamas nor Israel cares about
civilians. Hamas is hiding among the internally
Additionally, for accelerated and safe delivery of
displaced persons and thus endangering the lives
humanitarian relief to Gaza via all possible routes, we
of their fellow Palestinians. While on the other side,
support calls for the establishment of effective, credible
Israel is showing complete disregard for the suffering
and predictable deconfliction and coordination systems
of civilians in pursuit of Hamas. There is no moral
across Gaza.
equivalence between Hamas and Israel. However, the
Third and lastly, addressing the fundamental conduct of both actors against civilians is deplorable
issues fuelling this conflict requires political will and and constitutes a crime.
commitment from Israel and Palestine to meaningfully
While we are still struggling to prevent further
engage in dialogue and negotiations towards a peaceful
deterioration of the humanitarian catastrophe, we need
settlement to the dispute. While the political horizon of
to pave the way for the restoration of the political horizon
a two-State solution is the ultimate end, we continue to
towards the two-State solution. We need to prevent
urge the parties, as an immediate solution, to maintain
future humanitarian catastrophes. There is a Gaza
good faith and a positive attitude throughout the
beyond a ceasefire. So, let me offer some reflection on
current negotiations brokered by the Egypt, Qatar and
what the Council’s steps could be in that regard.
the United States in order to ensure that an agreement
is reached in the shortest possible time. Our first step includes an immediate ceasefire. All
relevant Security Council resolutions and International
The fighting has been long. The suffering of the
Court of Justice orders on provisional measures must
people has been long. The recovery, reconstruction and
be fully implemented. They are all binding and have
restoration of human dignity to the victims may take
clear demands for action, including the release of
long. But it is time to give peace a chance, which must
hostages and aid delivery at scale. That will ensure the
be persistently pursued.
beginning of the end of colossal human suffering. We
Mr. Žbogar (Slovenia): I also want to thank Chef continue to offer full support, and we commend the
de Cabinet Rattray for delivering, as always, a very mediators — Egypt, Qatar and the United States — for
clear message from the Secretary-General. their efforts.
In his December letter invoking Article 99 of Our second step could be a renewed political
the Charter of the United Nations (S/2023/962), the process leading to the two-State solution. Despite the

20/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

absence of it — or perhaps because of it — the Council safe-zone in Al-Mawasi reportedly killed at least 90
must reflect on the structure of the political process. people, and that the headquarters of the United Nations
Only a coherent approach backed by strong political Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
will can provide a clear path forward. An international in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza was destroyed
peace conference under the United Nations auspices the following day. Let me reiterate that all United
would provide a platform for a revitalized exchange Nations facilities, including UNRWA premises, must
that would lead to a clear blueprint for the Middle be protected at all times. These are just two notable
East peace process. This step is not only in the hands examples of the many horrors happening regularly on
of the Security Council or the broader international the ground.
community. Upholding the Charter is a responsibility
All parties must strictly abide by the principles of
of every United Nations Member State. The appalling
international law, especially the protection of civilians.
situation in Gaza is overshadowing the one in the West
Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields. We
Bank, including East Jerusalem, where we follow
also have grave concerns about the nearly 2 million
heightened tensions, coupled with a rising death toll,
internally displaced Palestinians, many having been
a surge of settler attacks and a dramatic settlement
displaced multiple times, with little or no access to
policy drive. In the light of steps contradicting the
food, clean water, medicine and other basic human
two-State solution, we all need to take steps in its
needs. In that vein, it is alarming to see yet another
defence — collectively and individually.
evacuation order by Israel for Khan Younis and
Our third step is rebuilding —as in the reconstruction Gaza City. There are no safe places in Gaza. The killed,
of Gaza, as in returning structure and public order to maimed, displaced and struggling people are all human
Gaza, as in supporting the return of the Palestinian beings, not just numbers. Each of them has a life, a
Authority to Gaza. For that to happen, we need a strong family, dreams and dignity.
Palestinian Authority that is able to carry out its internal
Japan takes note of Israel’s claim that it has
reform processes and able to access its tax revenues and
made some progress on reducing civilian casualties
bank accounts. And we need the United Nations Relief
and facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
and acknowledges Israel’s cooperation with Senior
East to support the transition period.
Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid
The Council has to focus on the interest of those Kaag and other humanitarian agencies. But more
who matter the most and pay the highest price: people must be done. Effective deconfliction mechanisms,
on the ground, civilians. There is no viable alternative reopening the Rafah crossing, full use of Ashdod
to the renewed political process and the prevention port and guaranteeing access and safety for United
of a regional spiral of violence. With that in mind, Nations and other humanitarian workers are all vital to
we also call on all parties to show restraint along the accelerate necessary aid into and across Gaza.
Blue Line and to commit to full implementation of
The reality is that the breakdown of order is
resolution 1701 (2006). Parties must use the liaison
making all aid operations extremely difficult or nearly
and coordination mechanisms of the United Nations
impossible. Last month, the Security Council adopted
Interim Force in Lebanon, leverage the good offices of
resolution 2735 (2024) endorsing the three-phase
international actors and fully commit to de-escalate.
proposal which would pave the way for the release of
Mr. Yamazaki (Japan): I thank Chef de Cabinet hostages and a sustainable ceasefire.
Rattray for his briefing.
Japan strongly supports the critical and tireless
More than nine months have passed since the mediation of the United States, Egypt and Qatar and is
outbreak of the devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip encouraged to see a renewed diplomatic push towards
following the brutal acts of terror by Hamas and an agreement. We sincerely hope that both parties seize
other militant groups. Japan deeply regrets the heavy the precious momentum and reach a much-needed deal
civilian casualties and destruction caused by the without further delay.
ongoing hostilities.
Beyond Gaza, Japan condemns the recent decisions
We are appalled that on Saturday, air strikes by the Government of Israel regarding settlement
conducted by the Israel Defense Forces on a so-called expansion in the West Bank, as well as the rise in

24-2115221/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

extremist settler violence. We call on Israel to reverse forced displacement and the aggravation of the
its decisions and prevent further violence immediately. humanitarian situation of the Palestinians.
In addition, while Japan takes note of the most recent
Mozambique welcomes the diplomatic efforts by
transfers of parts of clearance revenues by Israel to
the United States, Arab countries and the international
the Palestinian Authority, it urges Israel to release all
community at large in the search of solutions to the
withheld revenues and take necessary measures to
protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip and in Palestine.
maintain economic stability in the West Bank.
We call on Israel to comply with all Security
Meanwhile, the escalation of hostilities along the
Council resolutions and the International Court of
Blue Line is also a matter of serious concern. Japan
Justice orders on the matter.
calls on both parties to exercise full restraint and cease
hostilities, in accordance with resolution 1701 (2006). We express our full support to the United Nations
In conclusion, only a two-State solution, with Israel Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, Near East, as it remains a pillar in assisting millions of
will finally resolve the decades-long conflict. Japan Palestinian refugees. We call on all donors to provide
remains steadfastly committed to achieving that goal. the Agency with the necessary and predictable financial
resources to operate and fulfil its mandate.
Mr. Afonso (Mozambique): Mozambique
commends the Russian Federation presidency for Mozambique remains firm in its position of
convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian
East, including the Palestine question, as a signature people to self-determination, political independence
event of its presidency of the Security Council. We are and sovereignty, anchored in the Charter of the United
grateful to the Secretary-General for his briefing to the Nations and in the principles and norms of international
Council on the subject, delivered to us by the Chef de law. We reiterate the need for the implementation of a
Cabinet, Mr. Courtenay Rattray. two-State solution — a solution of two independent
and sovereign States, Israel and Palestine, living side
Reports on recent events in the Middle East deepen by side in peace and security, both as members of the
our concerns about the aggravation of the already United Nations.
dramatic situation in Gaza and the region. The repeated
attacks into Gaza by the Israeli armed forces in which Mrs. Frazier (Malta): I thank Chef de Cabinet
civilians, medical personnel, humanitarian workers Rattray for delivering the Secretary-General’s briefing.
and journalists have been killed deserve the Council’s The Middle East is going through an unprecedented
strong condemnation. period. As the war in Gaza rages on, it is having a ripple
We strongly believe the war must end now. It is effect across the entire region, endangering civilians
time to bring it to a halt. To that end, we reiterate our and upending any prospects for peace. That is why,
call on the parties to effectively implement resolutions following the horrific 7 October attacks by Hamas and
2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024), 2724 (2024) and other armed groups, Malta has unfailingly called for
2735 (2024) without further delay. Urgent action must an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We
be taken for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in continue to unequivocally condemn those heinous terror
Gaza, for the release of all hostages and for the delivery attacks and to call for the urgent and unconditional
of humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinians release of all remaining hostages in Gaza.
in need. It is imperative that Hamas and Israel accept and
We are concerned about the reports of constant implement the ceasefire proposal outlined in resolution
evacuation orders for the population in Gaza. That 2735 (2024). The implementation of all relevant Council
gravely contravenes international law, including resolutions and the full, immediate and effective
international humanitarian law and international implementation of the orders of the International Court
human rights law. of Justice remain essential.
We are concerned that, besides the Council’s Despite those clear obligations, we continue to
redoubled efforts, the situation on the ground is not witness further suffering in Gaza and beyond. Just
improving. Attacks continue to cause civilian deaths, last week, Israel ordered the forced displacement

22/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

of all Palestinians from Gaza City. The recurring Hizbullah across the Blue Line. De-escalation, restraint
displacement of the population exacerbates the peril and diplomacy are key.
already faced by Palestinians. It also forces them into
Israel’s illegal unilateral actions in the West
smaller areas, where their safety, even in supposedly
Bank, including the recent announcement of further
designated humanitarian zones, cannot be guaranteed.
settlements, and the continued dispossession and
Malta is gravely alarmed at the effect the war is violence imposed on Palestinians also need to cease.
having on women. Harrowing accounts from the ground Those actions exacerbate tensions and threaten the
clearly show that we must do a lot more to ensure their viability of a two-State solution. Military raids in West
dignity, privacy and safety. Bank refugee camps, along with a surge in extremist
Children are also suffering in a disproportionate settler violence, further impede progress towards peace.
manner. Israel’s bombing of schools and hospitals, in Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority must enjoy
which those most vulnerable seek refuge and treatment, the full support of the international community on its
is unconscionable. Strikes on facilities sheltering path towards revitalization for effective governance
internally displaced persons have led to the killing of
over a unified West Bank and Gaza as an independent
children. That is unacceptable. Children must never
Palestinian State. It also has a crucial role to play in
be considered as justifiable collateral damage. Young
recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
children and pregnant women are at additional acute risk
of disease and malnourishment owing to a decimated Challenges towards ensuring peace for Israelis and
health-care system, persistent food insecurity and no Palestinians persist, but we must not let that extinguish
access to clean water. Those conditions put children, all hope. A ceasefire in Gaza is the first step towards
newborns and pregnant women in significant peril paving the way for a credible political horizon. Malta
and are not in line with their unique protections under affirms that that must be then followed by irreversible
international law. actions towards the comprehensive realization of a
All parties have an obligation under international two-State solution along the pre-1967 borders, while
law, including international humanitarian law, to addressing the legitimate aspirations of both sides, with
protect civilians. Accountability for violations of those Jerusalem as the future capital of two States living side
obligations must be ensured. Furthermore, we reiterate by side in peace and security, in line with all relevant
that humanitarian access into and across the Gaza Strip Security Council resolutions and internationally
must be drastically improved. Land crossings must be agreed parameters.
re-opened and fully utilized. An effective and respected
Mr. De La Gasca (Ecuador) (spoke in Spanish): I
deconfliction system remains a priority.
would like to thank the Chef de Cabinet, Mr. Courtenay
Let us never forget that humanitarians risk their Rattray, for the briefing presented this morning on
lives on a daily basis and must be protected at all times. behalf of the Secretary-General and, once again, to
It is the duty of the Council to ensure that they are express my country’s support for his work. I also
provided with the tools and protection they need to at welcome the presence of ministers and high-level
least mitigate the extreme risks they face. representatives participating in this open debate today.
We commend the efforts of the United Nations More than nine months have now passed since
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the the terrorist acts of 7 October 2023. Violence and
Near East (UNRWA) and other humanitarian actors, destruction have been a daily occurrence since then.
which continue to provide support at all costs. UNRWA The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical
has a vital role to play in the humanitarian response in despite the efforts made. A few days ago, last weekend,
Gaza and the West Bank and in regional stability. In the there was further shelling inside a designated safe area,
face of threats to its facilities and mandate, financial in Al-Mawasi, leading to dozens of casualties and many
and political support to the Agency is vital. wounded. It is worth recalling the obligation of all parties
Preventing a spillover of escalation in the Middle to respect the principles of international humanitarian
East is paramount. That is crucial in the face of law, including proportionality and distinction, and to
increasingly alarming skirmishes between Israel and make every effort to protect the civilian population.

24-2115223/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

In early June, the Council adopted resolution Macron has said, there is an urgent need to reach an
2735 (2024), endorsing a ceasefire proposal that is agreement on a ceasefire that guarantees the protection
still under negotiation, despite the call for the parties of all civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and the
to accept and implement it without delay and without release of all hostages. The resolutions adopted by the
conditions. If an agreement had been reached by now, Council must finally be implemented. France reiterates
hostilities would have stopped, hostages would have its solidarity with the Israeli people following the
been released, humanitarian aid could have arrived in terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 and its commitment
a safe, sufficient and timely manner and we would not to Israel’s security.
be mourning more casualties. Unfortunately, it has not
France expresses its outrage following the Israeli
yet been possible to reach such an agreement and — at
strikes that targeted a school of the United Nations Relief
this meeting — I must insist on messages that are as
familiar as they are necessary. and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
East and the Al-Mawasi camp for displaced persons
I therefore reiterate Ecuador’s condemnation of the on 14 and 15 July. We continue to call on Israel to do
acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October, the its utmost to protect civilians in conducting military
acts of violence against civilians and the violations of operations and to respect international law, in particular
international humanitarian law. I also repeat, hopefully the principles of proportionality and distinction.
for the last time, the demand for an immediate ceasefire
and the unconditional and immediate release of all Settlement activity, which violates international
hostages. I also reiterate my support for efforts to reach law, and the cycle of violence in the West Bank must
an agreement, and I thank the United States, Qatar and end. Settlers who commit attacks against the Palestinian
Egypt for their willingness and perseverance. I urge population must be held accountable. France condemns
the parties to also demonstrate their willingness and the recent decisions by Israel on settlement activity, in
flexibility to finally stop the violence and start on the particular the recognition of five new settlements and
path to peaceful coexistence. the building of more than 5,000 additional housing units.

That path to peaceful coexistence is threatened The pursuit of a political settlement to the Israeli-
not only by the war in Gaza but also by acts and Palestinian conflict on the basis of a two-State solution
decisions that undermine the viability of the two-State is a matter of urgency. We are resolved to a play our full
solution, such as the legitimization of settlements in part in efforts to that end.
the West Bank or the obstruction of the financing and France is also gravely concerned at the continuation
functioning of the Palestinian Authority. It is therefore of clashes along the Blue Line between Lebanon and
necessary to reiterate once again the call to respect and Israel. We call on all parties to exercise restraint in order
fully implement resolution 2334 (2016) and all Council to avert a regional conflagration, the consequences of
resolutions. If the parties, instead of demonstrating which would be catastrophic. The Council should be
restraint and good faith, choose to exacerbate the able to unanimously call for de-escalation. France also
conflict and undermine paths to a peaceful solution, recalls that the clashes represent a threat to the United
they will only perpetuate mutual mistrust and Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and its capacity to
increase insecurity. act and to provide security must be maintained. We
I conclude with another oft-repeated but equally reiterate our commitment to the security of Lebanon,
necessary message — a message of support for a Israel and the region, the sovereignty of Lebanon and
peaceful, negotiated, definitive and just solution for the the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). We
parties, with the existence of two States, Palestine and will pursue our efforts to promote a diplomatic solution.
Israel, on the basis of the 1967 borders and the relevant
In Yemen, the Houthis must end their attacks in the
resolutions — a message of support for those who
Red Sea, which are a violation of international law, and
believe in a peaceful future.
engage in good faith in the peace process, under the
Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): The auspices of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General
most recent developments in the Near and Middle for Yemen. We urge Iran, which funds and arms the
East remind us of the urgent need to halt the current Houthis, to cease its destabilizing actions. We call for
escalation. In Gaza, as French President Emmanuel the immediate and unconditional release of United

24/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

Nations and non-governmental organization staff who and exacerbates the already chaotic situation in that
are being held by the Houthis. sensitive region, which could spiral out of control.
In this Chamber, I would like to issue a strong
In Syria, only a political solution on the basis of
warning against any venture by the rogue regime
resolution 2254 (2015) will be capable of bringing
and its consequences. Undoubtedly, any aggression
peace, amid mounting tensions throughout Syria, the
against Lebanon — an independent State Member of
resurgence of Da’esh, the growth in Captagon trafficking
the United Nations — by the Zionist regime will, to
and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Against
its disappointment, be met with a decisive response
the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East,
from the international community, the nations in the
France is engaging for a rapid de-escalation alongside
region and the resistance groups. It is evident that the
our regional and international partners.
responsibility of the United States, as the strategic ally
The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the and main supporter of the regime in the region, cannot
floor to the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of the be denied in the case of any potential aggression by the
Islamic Republic of Iran. regime against Lebanon.
Mr. Bagheri (Islamic Republic of Iran) (spoke in The recent support from countries of the region
Farsi; English text provided by the delegation): I would to the Palestinian resistance stems from the inhumane
like to thank the Russian Federation for organizing this crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza, which have been
timely open debate. ongoing since 1948. More than nine months of massive
attacks by the Israeli regime on Gaza and the West
Over the past 285 days, the Israeli occupying regime
Bank have proved that the destruction of the Palestinian
has been committing extensive international crimes in
resistance and Hamas, as a liberation movement
Gaza. The regime, through a campaign of brutality
established against occupation and aggression, is
and terror, continues to massacre innocent people,
nothing more than an illusion. The support of all
mostly women and children. In that deadly campaign,
nations of the region and freedom seekers of the world
approximately 20 people are killed or injured every
to the praiseworthy resistance of the Palestinian nation
hour. The Israeli regime has destroyed more than 80 per
has also proved that this nation is not at all alone in
cent of residential areas and all infrastructure, including
realizing its inherent right.
hospitals, mosques, churches and educational centres,
and historical sites in Gaza. The regime has brutally Israel is not a legitimate State. It is only an occupying
weaponized starvation as a means of war by blocking regime, and the passage of time does not, and will not,
aid routes. The bombings of the refugee camps in Rafah lend it legitimacy because, according to well-known
and the attacks on displaced people in Khan Yunis are principles of international law, the occupation of a land
just two examples of those recent inhumane crimes. or territory is temporary, even if it lasts for decades.
Despite the global condemnation of the genocide The only way to restore peace is to put an immediate,
and war crimes committed by the Israeli regime complete and permanent end to the occupation,
in Gaza and the unanimous and united call of the aggression and crimes committed by the regime. The
international community for an immediate end to Security Council has the responsibility to achieve
the genocide and massacre of Gaza’s people, an this goal, and, regrettably, the Security Council’s
immediate and permanent ceasefire and the delivery inaction and lack of ability for almost 80 years now has
of humanitarian aid — as reflected in four Security emboldened the Israeli regime to commit more crimes
Council resolutions and numerous statements by against the oppressed people of Palestine.
international organizations, three provisional measures
We issue a strong call for a rectification of those
by the International Court of Justice and widespread
historical failures and fulfilment of the Council’s legal,
protests — the Zionist occupying regime is continuing
political and human duty, especially by its permanent
its brutal crimes against Palestine with full impunity.
members. In that context, the United States bears an
Recently, the warmongering leaders of the regime even greater responsibility. That country, with its
have been under the illusion that expanding the war approximately 50 vetoes and extensive support to the
to Lebanon can save them from the quagmire of Israeli regime, has not only played a role in this major
Gaza. That is an absurd and dangerous miscalculation failure by the Council but has also been a primary

24-2115225/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

accomplice in the crimes and aggression committed a campaign of lies and misinformation. The Security
by that notorious and criminal regime through Council must hold the rogue and rebellious Israeli
comprehensive financial, military and intelligence regime accountable and put an end to the roots of war
support. Therefore, the claims of the United States and genocide in Gaza and insecurity in the region.
to be promoting peace and stability in the region
In conclusion, I reaffirm the inalienable right of the
and its mediating efforts to establish a ceasefire
nations of the region, including the Palestinian people,
are hypocritical.
to defend and resist occupation and aggression. The
The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its call Islamic Republic of Iran maintains that a comprehensive,
for decisive action by the Security Council. We urge fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian question
the Council to take the necessary measures on the will only be possible through ending the occupation
basis of its duties under the Charter of the United of all Palestinian territories, allowing the Palestinian
Nations, including the adoption of a comprehensive people to realize their right to self-determination
and legally binding resolution under Chapter VII of the through the holding of a referendum among all the
Charter to compel the Israeli regime to immediately original inhabitants of Palestine and establishing an
and unconditionally end the genocide and aggression independent and unified State of Palestine. This is the
against Gaza, implement a permanent ceasefire in Gaza only viable way to establish durable peace and security
and open border crossings for the rapid and unhindered in the West Asia region.
delivery of humanitarian aid. The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the
The Security Council must also compel the Israeli floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
regime to immediately, fully and unconditionally Mr. Al Zayani (Bahrain) (spoke in Arabic): At the
withdraw its military and security forces from Gaza, outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation
lift the siege of Gaza, stop the forced displacement of for devoting this meeting to discussing the situation in
people, halt illegal settlement activities and provide full the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
and immediate compensation for all damage inflicted I thank you, Mr. President, for inviting me to speak
on, inter alia, the people, infrastructure and residential before the Security Council on behalf of my country,
areas in Gaza and other Palestinian territories to the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is presiding over the
facilitate the rapid reconstruction of Gaza. current session of the League of Arab States.
The regime must also withdraw from all occupied Over recent decades, the Middle East region has
Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese territories and refrain suffered from destructive wars and bitter conflicts
from any military attacks on Lebanon or other countries and disputes, which have caused great loss of lives
in the region. Furthermore, the international community and damage to property and infrastructure, leaving
and competent international organizations must ensure behind painful humanitarian tragedies and violating
that all the commanders, perpetrators and supporters of international laws and conventions. They have become
Israel’s crimes in Gaza and other Palestinian territories a major threat to regional security and stability and
are prosecuted and punished. portend serious risks to international peace and security.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been a It is incumbent upon the international community and
positive element in regional developments, stabilizing the Security Council in particular to intensify efforts to
sustainable peace and security, including in the fight arrive at sustainable solutions to all protracted conflicts
against terrorism. In contrast, the Israeli regime has and disputes in the region, and to work on establishing
been the main source of regional insecurity, and the a just and lasting peace that preserves the rights of all
peoples to life, freedom, dignity and coexistence in a
malicious activities of that regime have always posed a
climate of tolerance and human coexistence.
serious threat to regional and global peace and security.
The nature and essence of the occupying Israeli Despite the commendable efforts made by the
regime are based on aggression, occupation, terror and international community to achieve peace in the Middle
genocide. The regime and its notorious Prime Minister, East, including through resolutions adopted by the
for whom the International Criminal Court (ICC) has Council and the General Assembly, the Madrid Peace
requested an arrest warrant on charges of war crimes, Conference, the Oslo Accords, the Camp David summit
have always attempted to accuse others by resorting to and the Arab Peace Initiative, peace and stability in

26/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

the region have unfortunately not been achieved, and of the Council to reaffirm the full solidarity of the Arab
the peoples of the region continued to suffer greatly States and their unwavering commitment to peace. The
from bloodshed, displacement and from being deprived Bahrain declaration adopted by the Summit affirmed the
of the necessities of life. The hope for a better future unified Arab position and called for a peaceful, just and
is fading. comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question,
and for irreversible steps to be taken to implement the
The painful tragedy experienced by Palestinian
two-State solution, in accordance with the resolutions
civilians in the Gaza Strip over the past nine months
of international legitimacy, and to guarantee the
is immense and intolerable, not only because of the
legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish
lives lost, but also as a result of their deprivation of
their independent, sovereign and viable national State.
food, water, medicine, health care, education and the
most basic services. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is The Bahrain Summit represented a message of
a moral stain on the entire world, and it must end. That peace and solidarity to the entire world. It adopted a
must occur in a way that provides immediate assistance number of important initiatives, most notably the call
to civilians in Gaza and ensures the release of hostages for the convening of an international conference for
and detainees, leading to lasting peace and security in peace in the Middle East to resolve the Palestinian
the region. question on the basis of the two-State solution. The
Kingdom of Bahrain expressed its readiness to host
As the war on the Gaza Strip continues, the entire
such a conference, in addition to supporting the full
Middle East region today stands at the crossroads. One
recognition of the State of Palestine and its admission
path leads to a deepening and expansion of the conflict
to full membership in the United Nations, providing
across the region. It is a path that draws some State and
educational and health services to those affected by
non-State actors into an open-ended and multifaceted
conflicts and disputes in the region, in cooperation
conflict that will only bring about more destruction,
and coordination with international and regional
misery and wasted potential. The other path is one that
organizations, and developing Arab cooperation in
calls for a desired solution that does not simply lead to
the field of financial technology, innovation and
an immediate ceasefire, the provision of humanitarian
digital transformation.
assistance and the release of hostages and detainees,
but that is a comprehensive, sustainable solution that A peace process involving only the direct parties, or
takes into consideration other essential matters such with a limited number of States, cannot achieve broader
as reconstruction, administrative governance and regional engagement, which is essential to establishing
security arrangements after the ceasefire. That should a stable and sustainable environment in the Middle East
take place within the context of efforts made to reach a that brings peace, security, prosperity and opportunity
comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian- to all its States and peoples.
Israeli conflict, a solution that would naturally deliver
From this international forum, I would like to
peace, security and stability for all the countries and
commend the announcement by His Majesty King
peoples of the Middle East.
Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
The thirty-third Summit of the League of Arab and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth
States, which was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain in his inaugural speech to the British Parliament this
in May under the presidency of His Majesty King morning, namely, that the British Government will
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of work on playing its part and guaranteeing peace and
Bahrain, reaffirmed the steadfast Arab position on security on the long term in the Middle East, and that it
the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and proved beyond any is committed to the two-State solution whereby Israel
doubt that Arab States have collectively adopted the would live within secured borders, side by side with a
second path, the path of a just and lasting peace, as an sovereign Palestinian State.
irreplaceable strategic option if we want our human
We are convinced that the international community
will to prevail in the battle for peace.
today faces a genuine, historic opportunity to achieve
In its capacity as the current President of the peace, security and stability in the Middle East and to
thirty-third Summit of the League of Arab States, the successfully fulfil its responsibilities and commitment
Kingdom of Bahrain is participating in today’s meeting in our region, as has occurred in other similar conflicts

24-2115227/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

in the world. Working with the Security Council, the East. It will be transboundary in nature and will lead to
General Assembly and Member States individually, a new displacement crisis — from which Europe will not
I believe that we are capable of establishing an be spared — involving people not only from Lebanon
international coalition of nations willing to achieve and Israel, but also from neighbouring countries, as
genuine peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle people flee missiles, drones and warplanes. War will
East. At this difficult historical juncture, we can unite also lead to destruction, devastation and misery for the
efforts not only to overcome the immediate challenge entire region and a lack of opportunities for a dignified
and end the horrific violence and suffering in the Gaza life for its peoples and inhabitants, which means further
Strip, but also to shape the future that the Middle East migration and displacement.
and its peoples deserve. Therefore Lebanon, a geographically small State
Accordingly, in the context of the urgent need but a State with an expansive global reach, culture
for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the and history, is increasingly committed to international
provision of full humanitarian assistance to the civilian legitimacy and protected by its resolutions. For
population and for the release of hostages and detainees, Lebanon, the United Nations will remain the line of
and in the context of the affirmation of the common defence that shelters us and the last refuge from the
Arab commitment to peace as a strategic option based illogic of occupation, brutality and violence. Today we
on the two-State solution, I would like to urge the are in dire need of the United Nations Organization as
Council and the international community as a whole a refuge for peace-loving small countries, including my
to work seriously and effectively with the Arab States homeland, Lebanon.
to end that long-standing conflict and deliver a better At the Security Council meeting on the situation
future for the Middle East region and all its peoples. in the Middle East held on 23 January (see S/PV.9534),
The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the we put forward an integrated framework for sustainable
floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants calm on Lebanon’s southern border. Today we reiterate
of Lebanon. our call for a ceasefire to move forward towards
full and undiminished implementation of resolution
Mr. Bouhabib (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): We 1701 (2006), which has proven its ability to establish
are meeting again today in the Security Council, at the relative stability in southern Lebanon from the end of
kind invitation of the Russian Federation, to discuss the the July 2006 war until 7 October 2023. The shortest
volatile situation in the Middle East, which has lasted way for tens of thousands of displaced persons from
more than nine months. The conflict has widened, both sides to return to their homes is not through
conditions have deteriorated, and the ball of fire rages the threat of war or the opening of another front, but
on, following the international community’s inability through the full and comprehensive implementation of
thus far to implement United Nations resolutions resolution 1701 (2006) as part of an integrated package
aimed at a ceasefire in Gaza, the exchange of prisoners with clear and declared international guarantees to
and hostages and the entry of aid, medicine and promote sustainable security and calm in southern
life-sustaining food into the Gaza Strip. Lebanon, as per the following.
In recent months, Lebanese officials have received First, we should facilitate the swift and safe return
several warnings about the risk of the war spreading of displaced persons from the border areas from which
to Lebanon. We have also heard dozens of statements they were displaced after 7 October 2023 and ensure the
by senior Israeli officials threatening to burn Lebanon, return to normal life in all border villages and towns.
to destroy it and to return it back to the Stone Age.
Secondly, there must be a definitive cessation
From this Chamber, we reiterate our warning against
of Israeli violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and
miscalculation, brinkmanship and attempts to drag
internationally recognized borders by air, land and sea,
the entire region into a conflagration. Also from this
which have exceeded 35,000 since the year 2006.
Chamber, we reiterate our rejection of the war and our
tireless efforts, through contacts and meetings, to avoid Thirdly, there must be a halt to cyberattacks that
falling into the trap of Israeli recklessness, which seeks threaten the safety and security of networks, devices,
to continue the war and expand its geographical scope. applications and electronic data in vital Lebanese
Such a war, if it occurs, will shake the entire Middle facilities, especially Rafik Hariri International Airport,

28/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

which threatens public safety and adversely affects Palestine will remain the key to stability in the Middle
their work. East. Despite the tragedy in Gaza today, we need to
cooperate and create a historic opportunity to chart a
Fourthly, the United Nations and friendly countries
future that is better for the coming generations in all
should support the Lebanese Government in deploying
the countries of the region. It has been 76 years since
the Lebanese army south of the Litani River and provide
the United Nations resolution was adopted to establish
it with the necessary equipment and support to bolster its
two States in historic Palestine. Only one of those two
ranks so that there will be no weapons there other than
States has been established. Peace in our region will
those approved by the Lebanese Government, as well as
not be achieved until the promised Palestinian State
no authority except that of the Lebanese Government,
is established in line with the relevant United Nations
in accordance with resolution 1701 (2006).
resolutions, particularly resolutions 242 (1967) and
Fifthly, the internationally recognized borders 338 (1973), as well as the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted
between Lebanon and Palestine as demarcated in 1923 at the 2002 Summit of the League of Arab States, held
must be enacted, as underscored in the Lebanese-Israeli in Beirut, and based on the principle of land for peace,
armistice agreement signed on the Greek island of that is, the two-State solution. The recognition of the
Rhodes in 1949 under the auspices of the United rights of the Palestinian people to a free and decent
Nations. That should be done by completing the process life on their territories is the key to peace, security and
of agreeing on the 13 disputed border points. As such, prosperity for all the countries of the Middle East.
Israel must withdraw from all Lebanese territories to
Double standards in the application of international
the internationally recognized borders that it continues
law and resolutions, especially those adopted by
to occupy.
the General Assembly, the Security Council and
Sixthly, there must be adherence to the United specialized international organizations, constitute
Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as it has an existential challenge to our global system, its
been since inception a factor for calm and stability in foundation and pillars. With regard to the occupied
southern Lebanon. We underscore the importance of Palestinian territories, namely, East Jerusalem, the
its constructive role in maintaining peace and security West Bank and the Gaza Strip, we deplore the fact
for decades despite the major sacrifices it has made that the international will and the way United Nations
and the challenges it has faced, particularly in the resolutions are implemented are being taken lightly, in
recent months. Accordingly, last month we submitted addition to the flagrant violations of international law
a request for the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate without and human rights law.
any modification. We look forward to working and
The right of Palestinians to live in dignity and
cooperating with all members of the Security Council to
freedom and enjoy the right to medicine, education,
achieve that, given the central role played by UNIFIL.
housing and food are basics of human life in the
We have demanded, and demand anew, an end to twenty-first century. How can an entire people be
the war in Gaza and an end to the escalation in southern left to the whims of the occupier to die from hunger,
Lebanon. To date, Israel continues to refuse a ceasefire thirst and disease? Hundreds of thousands of innocent
on Lebanon’s southern border, has sought to keep the Palestinians, including children, women and elderly,
front as hotspot and continues to expand the scope of have committed no fault except that they were born and
its aggression, burning thousands of ancient olive trees live and die daily under occupation.
and polluting agricultural land with white phosphorus
In conclusion, we are committed to optimism and
so that it becomes unsuitable for cultivation for many
hope, to ensuring free and dignified coexistence and
years, thereby depriving farmers in southern Lebanon of
to the constant pursuit of achieving stability, peace
their main — and perhaps only — source of livelihood.
and security, no matter how long it takes. We are not
All of that serves to fuel hatred, extremism, violence
seeking cancellation, killing and displacement. We
and the culture of cancelling the other at a time when
in Lebanon have paid the highest price as a result of
we are in dire need for achieving calm, de-escalation
the wars that we have suffered. We have tasted their
and overall stability.
bitterness. We have paid the highest price to defend and
The inflamed front on the southern border of advocate for the rights of Palestine and its people. We
Lebanon exists because of the continued war in Gaza. are still paying the highest price, sometimes beyond our

24-2115229/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

capacity. We come here today to call on the Council to Palestinian people, along with its systemic and barbaric
give peace a chance after decades of occupation and practices, have gone beyond all international norms and
conflict. Are not 76 years of wars, killing and tragedies limits, even the law of the jungle, and clearly violate
enough? Are we not going to learn from the bitter past? all international conventions and laws. My country
Is it not time to give peace a chance? Let us start this strongly rejects what our brothers in Palestine are
long journey of 1,000 miles by implementing the last being subjected to in terms of killing, destruction and
four United Nations resolutions on the war in Gaza, the displacement. We reject the double standards being
most recent of which is resolution 2735 (2024), in order practiced by some in dealing with the Palestinian
to stop the machine of violence and destruction, return question and the fact that they ignore the ugly and
to the path of peace and find a just and final solution heinous crimes perpetrated against the Palestinians.
to the Palestinian question. Is it not yet time to end the Some have even offered justifications and participated
sufferings and tragedies and to build a better future for in and encouraged those crimes by furnishing the
all of the peoples of our region? occupying State with weapons to kill unarmed
civilians. Human values and international law cannot
The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the
be separated and cannot be tailored to meet the interests
floor to the representative of Libya.
of the stronger and to crush the weak and the helpless.
Mr. Elbaour (Libya) (spoke in Arabic): At the
Despite the fact that the Security Council adopted
outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President,
a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire to save
on your assumption of the presidency of the Security
the lives of innocent people and calling on all parties
Council for this month and to thank you for inviting us
to abide by it and by international law, the absence
to take part in today’s meeting.
of political will has made it impossible to stop the
Despite the repeated calls and the many meetings bloodshed. At the same time, we reject and warn
that have been convened by the international community against expanding the scope of the war to Lebanese
and the United Nations, the world continues to witness territories, and we condemn in the strongest terms the
on a daily basis new massacres perpetrated by the use of internationally banned weapons.
occupying State in populated areas. Those attacks have
My country joined South Africa and a number
killed many elderly persons, children and women, under
of other States in the legal case submitted to the
the pretext of targeting Hamas locations, its leaders and
International Court of Justice to bring justice to
related resistance factions.
the Palestinian people and defend their right to live
Reports indicate that the recent massacre at peacefully on their own land. We once again demand
Al-Mawasi, which had been identified as a humanitarian that the Security Council abide by the implementation
area that shelters displaced people, resulted in hundreds of its own resolutions and the relevant resolutions on
of killed or wounded persons and many more missing, establishing a ceasefire and providing urgent and
according to the World Health Organization. More unconditional aid. We call on it to resolve the Palestinian
than nine months have passed since the start of the question in accordance with the initiatives by the
Zionist aggression. It is shameful that resolutions of League of Arab States and the most recent initiative,
the Security Council, the international community and which underscore the need for a lasting peace by way
the Human Rights Council, along with the orders of the of the Two-State solution.
International Court of Justice and demands made by the
In conclusion, there is no doubt that the Palestinian
international community, continue to be merely words
people have the right to determine their own destiny,
on paper and have not deterred the Zionist entity from
just like other peoples. The Palestinian people have
perpetrating its crimes as it continues its barbaric acts
every right to defend themselves. Their cause is just, and
and daily attacks. The massacres against the Palestinian
years of struggle and attempts at reaching a settlement
people have now become ordinary news items. The
in accordance with international resolutions and terms
international community stands by and watches, merely
of reference have proven that a solution can be achieved
issuing statements of condemnation that have changed
only by addressing the root causes of the Palestinian
nothing on the ground.
question and acknowledging the Palestinian people’s
It is known that the genocide and ethnic cleansing inalienable rights, foremost of which is their right to
being perpetrated by the occupying State against the establish an independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif

30/32 24-21152
17/07/2024 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question S/PV.9687

as its capital. We reiterate and stress the right of the Palestinian national scheme. That is a war crime and a
State of Palestine to full membership in the United crime against humanity.
Nations as a step towards a just and comprehensive
The State of Kuwait reiterates its strong
solution that achieves equality among the countries and
condemnation of those crimes and acts of aggression. We
the peoples of the world.
underscore our firm support for the Palestinian people
The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the on their land. We always demand that the international
floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. community take all the measures necessary to put an end
Mr. Al-Yahya (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At to the aggression, which has claimed tens of thousands
the outset, I would like to reiterate my gratitude to of innocent victims, and to put an end to displacements.
the Russian Federation for its tireless efforts while That is ethnic cleansing. We call for unconditional
presiding over the Council at a delicate time and for humanitarian relief to be delivered to the people of
organizing this important meeting to discuss the serious Gaza. In that regard, we reiterate the importance of
developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. I the pivotal role of the United Nations Relief and Works
also thank the Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. That
for his valuable briefing and appreciate his role and role is essential in supporting the Palestinian people in
constructive efforts in that regard. their darkest and most difficult times.
Our meeting today is being held as we witness The State of Kuwait has repeatedly warned of the
with great pain the continued military operations by repercussions of the way in which the international
the Israeli occupation forces against our Palestinian community is addressing the Palestinian question,
brothers. The Israeli aggression against the Gaza namely, with double standards. It has been unable to
Strip is now in its tenth month. That reveals a state of reach a just, comprehensive and definitive solution to
destruction in humanitarian terms, with nearly 40,000 that question. It must deter the occupying authority
killed and more than 88,000 injured, mostly women and from committing its criminal practices and continued
children. The total number of victims under the rubble violations of international law and of its unilateral
is unknown. actions to alter the legal and historic status quo on the
The catastrophic humanitarian losses in the occupied territories. The Security Council’s inability
Gaza Strip have been accompanied by unprecedented to assume its responsibilities and the international
destruction. The incursions by the occupying authority community’s ignoring of the Council’s resolutions have
and its strikes throughout occupied Palestinian led to a situation of frustration and despair in the minds
territories have ruined houses and turned schools of Palestinian generations that, like all other peoples of
into battlefields and hospitals into places of pain and the world, want only to live a dignified and safe life in
powerlessness. Despite the repeated international calls their own homeland.
to stop that flagrant aggression, the occupying authority
In conclusion, the State of Kuwait reiterates its
continues to ignore all calls for a ceasefire. It continues
to cut short lives without any distinction. Its operations principled and firm position of solidarity with the
clearly have no military objectives. Rather, its aim is brotherly Palestinian people in their quest to exercise
to systematically destroy and terrorize Palestinians and their legitimate rights, including establishing an
wipe out their existence and bring their question to an independent State within the 4 June 1967 borders. We
end. That is a barbaric act that calls into question all are committed to the choice of a just and comprehensive
meaning of humanity. peace within the parameters of the terms of reference
and relevant international resolutions. We support all
The continued Israeli aggression, while ignoring international efforts and initiatives to arrive at a just
all international laws and regulations, in particular and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, leading
international humanitarian law, seeks to besiege the
to peace, security and development in the region and
Palestinian people and places them before a tragic
for its peoples.
reality of either accepting the violence and renouncing
their territory and national legitimate rights, or facing The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the
genocide, ethnic cleansing and total elimination of the floor to the representative of Thailand.

24-2115231/32
S/PV.9687 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 17/07/2024

Mr. Jalichandra (Thailand): I wish to thank We emphasize the need to ensure uninterrupted
the Russian Federation for convening this quarterly humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We wish to
open debate. commend Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and
Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, and her team for
It has been 10 months since the conflict in Gaza
their unwavering dedication and efforts to facilitate and
began. Thailand remains gravely concerned about support the work of all humanitarian partners on the
the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the ground to alleviate the plight of the Palestinians. We
area. During these months, we have seen widespread reiterate our continued support for such efforts.
hunger and famine, the collapse of the health-care
and educational systems and the loss of more than We also commend the work being done by the
34,000 innocent civilian lives. As hostilities continue United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
intensively, the already dire humanitarian crisis has Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as the backbone of
worsened in Gaza. There has been a high cost in human aid response in Gaza. Recognizing the irreplaceable role
lives. We repeat our call for the immediate, full and of UNRWA, Thailand joins the Secretary-General and
complete ceasefire. other Member States in appealing to the international
community to resume or continue to support UNRWA.
We are also concerned about the heightened risk Thailand recently provided an additional $50,000
of conflict taking on a more regional dimension. It is financial contribution to the second UNRWA flash
therefore an urgent issue for the Security Council to appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering
prevent that. In that regard, the adoption of the resolution the peri-od from April to December 2024. We will also
2735 (2024) in June this year was a major step forward. donate another $100,000 to the Egyptian Red Crescent
We appeal to all parties to implement the resolution as to support humanitarian assistance for Palestinian
well as other relevant Security Council resolutions. refugees. Thailand hopes that our contributions will
help enable UNRWA to continue its mandate for the
We also urge all sides to comply with their obligations
benefit of the Palestinian refugees in response to the
under international law, including international current humanitarian situation.
humanitarian law. That entails ensuring the protection of
civilians and civilian objects, humanitarian access, the Thailand reaffirms our support for genuine
protection of humanitarian personnel and their freedom dialogue to find a mutually agreed peaceful solution to
of movement and the unimpeded provision of urgently the issue, in accordance with the two-State solution, by
needed basic humanitarian services and assistance. which the States of Israel and Palestine live side by side
in peace and security, within secure and recognized
The protection of civilians must be a priority at borders, and consistent with the relevant Security
all times. We oppose all forms of violence and attacks Council resolutions.
against civilians, regardless of their nationalities. We
also call for the protection of United Nations staff and The President (spoke in Russian): There are still
premises, hospitals and public buildings. We reiterate a number of speakers remaining on the list for this
our plea for the immediate and unconditional release meeting. Given the lateness of the hour, I intend, with
the concurrence of the members of the Council, to
of all remaining hostages, including Thai nationals,
suspend the meeting until 3 p.m.
as well as their proper treatment and care, pending
their release. The meeting was suspended at 1.25 p.m.

32/32 24-21152