President,
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to enormous civilian suffering. Norway strongly regrets that the UN Security Council on 20 November again failed to unite on a resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza.
We need an unconditional and permanent ceasefire now. All remaining hostages must be released immediately. Unrestricted provision of necessary humanitarian aid must be provided to the people of Gaza without delay.
Israel's massive warfare has left Gaza in ruins. We see a staggering number of civilians being killed and injured, including women and children, every day. This is completely unacceptable and must stop.
Israeli authorities continue to impede access to food and necessary emergency aid, despite their obligation to secure unimpeded access, both into and internally in Gaza. The risk of famine has been imminent for a long time, especially in the northern part of Gaza. Norway emphasizes in this regard that starvation of civilians as a method of warfare may constitute a war crime.
President,
For more than one year, the Israeli Government has systematically obstructed UNRWA, the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, and other organizations providing aid, in carrying out their work. The Knesset legislation adopted on 28 October aims to prevent UNRWA from working in Palestine, effectively crippling the key actor in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe. Norway condemns these decisions and urges Israel to repeal them.
Through these measures, Israel jeopardizes the lives of countless Palestinians; the stability of the region; and ultimately the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
On behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, Norway will put forward a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly requesting The International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give an Advisory Opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance and other kinds of aid to the Palestinian population, delivered by the UN, international organizations and states.
No country is exempt from its international legal obligations. No country is above the law. If we – the international community – do not stand up against those who deliberately undermine international law [the international system], we are heading down a very dangerous path. We continue to remind Israel of their obligations under international law, including the provisional measures imposed by the ICJ.
President,
In September, here in New York, Saudi Arabia, the EU, and Norway launched the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution. The best way to bring about peace, stability and security - for Israel, Palestine and the region – is through the realization of the Palestinian state and the two-state solution.
Lately, members of the Israeli Government have openly been calling for “applying sovereignty” in the West Bank, a clear step towards illegal annexation. Norway condemns any action and rhetoric aimed at impeding the full realization of the Palestinian state and the two-state solution, including any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip.
Let us commit to taking concrete and irreversible steps towards a two-state solution now.
I thank you.