President,
The situation in Palestine is precarious. One year after the
ceasefire in Gaza, the promise of a credible path forward remains
unfulfilled. Civilians continue to bear the consequences of stalled
implementation of Security Council resolution 2803. Norway calls
on all parties to fulfil their commitments. Israel has an obligation
to ensure that humanitarian assistance is allowed to reach the
people in need, rapidly and without obstruction. Humanitarian
assistance, the UN Horizon Fund and the World Bank’s Palestinian
Fund for Reconstruction and Development are three pillars of the
international response to Gaza, which should be supported
immediately.
President,
Settlement expansion continues at an alarming pace. The
advancement of plans and tenders in the E1 area is particularly
grave. Norway reiterates that settlements in the occupied
Palestinian territory constitute a violation of international law. The
number of Palestinian homes demolished is also at a record high.
We call on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activity, in
line with Security Council resolution 2334, and to reverse steps
that entrench the occupation and risk de facto annexation.
We cannot turn a blind eye to the unprecedented levels of settler
violence in Palestine. Too often, these attacks occur without
effective intervention or accountability. Israel has an obligation to
protect the Palestinian civilian population, prevent such attacks,
investigate them promptly and impartially, and hold perpetrators
accountable. We must distinguish between the State of Israel and
Occupied Palestinian Territory. Together with others, Norway
intends to introduce national restrictions on trade with
settlements which are illegal under international law. More
countries should join us.
President,
If the foundations for the two-State solution disappear, the likely
alternative is the indefinite continuation of occupation and
conflict, within an increasingly fragmented territory, accompanied
by recurring violence, displacement, discrimination and
radicalization, with further insecurity for Palestinians and Israelis
alike. Such a trajectory would have consequences far beyond
Palestine and Israel. We need decisive action. The New York
declaration from last year should continue to give direction.
Budget support is essential for the survival and strengthening of
the Palestinian institutions and public sector structures in the
whole of Palestine. The Palestinian banking sector is vital for the
reconstruction of Gaza. Mobilizing the substantial resources
required for Gaza’s reconstruction will be considerably more
difficult if donors must also continue to provide emergency
financing simply to keep the PA afloat.
It is regrettable that the elections in Palestine have been
postponed. Although conditions for holding elections are
extremely challenging, we encourage early elections, broad
political participation, and full facilitation by Israel in accordance
with its obligations. Norway will continue to support the national
Palestinian institutions.
President,
our objective remains clear: a unified and independent
Palestinian state, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side
in peace and security, within recognized borders and on the basis
of international law. The Council must act with unity and
determination to preserve that possibility before it is lost.
Thank you.