United Nations: The ceasefire in Gaza is long overdue and the time has come for a better future for Palestinians and Israelis

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khayari, was speaking before the Security Council meeting today about the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.

Chiari said he was still bothered by the presence “Reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be exposed to ongoing sexual violence and abuse.” He stressed that there is no justification for the intentional killing, mutilation, torture and abduction of civilians and other protected persons – nor the use of sexual violence against them.

The UN official said: “The use of human shields and the launching of indiscriminate rockets towards Israeli population centers constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and must stop.”

In parallel, Khiari said that the continuing bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces, the large number of civilian casualties, the comprehensive destruction of Palestinian neighborhoods, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation are all horrific. And he said: “The widespread destruction and deprivation resulting from Israeli military operations in northern Gaza – especially around Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun – make life conditions intolerable for the Palestinian residents there.”

The UN official condemned Israel’s use of high-impact explosive weapons in densely populated areas, the widespread killing and wounding of civilians, and the deprivation of necessities for survival. He expressed his concern about “What may amount to violations of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities, including non-compliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks and against the effects of attacks.”

And he said: “International humanitarian law always applies to all parties to a conflict, and its application does not depend on reciprocity. The protection of civilians is crucial. There must be full accountability for any atrocity crimes committed.”

Continuing settlement expansion

Mr. Khiari touched on the situation in the West Bank, where he expressed his concern about “Continuing Israeli settlement expansion” Including in East Jerusalem, “Which inflames tensions, impedes Palestinian access to their lands and threatens the viability of an independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state in the future.”

He said he was deeply concerned about the systematic promotion of policies by the Israeli government to enhance the participation of civilian officials in controlling the occupied West Bank, while some government officials were calling for the annexation of areas there.

He urged the Government of Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities, as well as to demolish and confiscate Palestinian-owned buildings, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, and prevent the displacement of Palestinians, in accordance with its international obligations under international law.

Legislation does not change obligations

The UN official also expressed deep concern about the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of two laws related to UNRWA, which, if implemented, may prevent the agency from continuing its work in the occupied Palestinian territory, which will have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees.

And he said: “I once again urge Israel to act consistently with its obligations under… United Nations Charter Its other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and those relating to the privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot change these obligations.”

For a better future

Mr. Khiari called on the international community to provide immediate support to the Palestinian government to address its financial challenges, enhance its governance capacity, and prepare it “to resume its responsibilities in Gaza.”

And he said: “We must create political and security frameworks capable of addressing the humanitarian catastrophe, beginning early recovery, rebuilding Gaza, and laying the foundation for a political process to end the occupation and establish a viable two-state solution as soon as possible.”

He stressed that any attempt to establish settlements in Gaza must be strongly rejected, adding: “There should be no attempt to reduce or annex the territory of Gaza, in whole or in part.”

He said: “The devastation and misery we witnessed last year once again underscored a simple truth: Palestinians and Israelis can no longer wait to establish a viable political horizon. Now is the time to lay the foundations for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region.”