President,
The situation in Palestine is catastrophic. We are beyond words to describe the conditions in Gaza. Palestinian civilians are facing starvation, disease and death. The Israeli hostages continue to suffer terribly. This is totally unacceptable. We repeat to all parties: The war must end now.
Norway is extremely concerned about the lack of access to critical aid and basic goods in Gaza. The Israeli government’s aid delivery regime is both highly insufficient and dangerous. Since the end of May, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. This cannot continue. Civilians must be protected.
The restrictions on the flow of aid must be lifted immediately. As the occupying power, Israel must ensure that people have food and medical supplies and enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to do their life-saving work safely, effectively in line with international humanitarian law and with the safety of the civilian population as a priority.
Instead, conditions for the UN are worsening. Thousands of UN aid trucks remain blocked from entering Gaza – stocks that could have fed Gaza’s entire population for three months. Heavy bombardments are reported close to UN installations in Deir al-Balah, with UN installations being damaged or under threat. WHO’s staff residence and main warehouse in Gaza were damaged this week when an attack caused explosions and a fire inside. Humanitarian and health workers must be protected. UN staff in Gaza are fainting and collapsing due to starvation and lack of water while on duty. Desperate pleas from UN staff are being received daily, urging the international community to act.
As Norway has argued in our Statement to the International Court of Justice in April, Israel is required under international law to provide cooperation, facilitation, assistance and protection for the international presence to continue their activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This includes the courageous UN staff working on the ground in Palestine. To quote UN relief chief Tom Fletcher: “They are the best of UN. And all of us.”
President,
As has been underscored in this Council again and again: Reaching a two-state solution is a pre-requisite for durable peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Norway remains committed. Let us use the upcoming UN conference on a two-state solution next week to intensify our efforts to bring this terrible conflict to an end.