SC: The Situation in the Middle East

Statement in the Security Council delivered by Permanent Representative Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested

President,

Let me join others in welcoming the long overdue ceasefire agreement in Gaza. We express our sincere gratitude to Qatar, Egypt and the United States for their tireless efforts to make it happen. It is now crucial that all parties respect all parts of the agreement, that weapons are laid down, that hostages are released, and that enough life-saving aid reaches the people of Gaza.

President,

The ceasefire agreement is a first important step. Still, even if it holds, it does not provide lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The coming three months will be critical for Gaza. Access to Gaza with delivery of assistance and services is essential. Gaza is a part of Palestine and must be governed and rebuilt by the Palestinians under one unified and legitimate Palestinian government. We, the international community must support the Palestinian government in this endeavor. We need to support the PA in their efforts to reform and streamline governmental services and in building the Palestinian state.

Now is the time to expedite our work towards lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Last week, 85 countries and organisations met in Oslo for the third follow up meeting of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution to do exactly that. Facilitating the realization of the two-state solution is the only way to bring about peace, stability and security - for Israel, Palestine and the region.

President,

The war after the terrorist attacks on October 7 2023 has left Gaza in ruins. The brutal warfare, combined with the lack of sufficient access to life-sustaining aid, has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous dimensions.

In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli military action, ill-treatment and settler violence continue to inflict harm on Palestinian communities.

In just a few days, the Knesset legislation preventing UNRWA from working in Palestine is expected to come into effect. If implemented, the laws will effectively cripple the key humanitarian actor in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, jeopardise the provision of crucial services in the West Bank, and further increase the risk of regional instability. Norway condemns these laws by the Knesset and urges Israel to repeal them.

Just before the end of the year, the GA adopted a resolution which asked the International Court of Justice to clarify Israel’s obligations to ensure and facilitate the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to the Palestinian civilian population.  The overwhelming support for the resolution, put forward by Norway on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, sends a clear message that the international community will protect the operations of the UN, of international organizations, and of third States, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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 disrespect international law [the international system], we are heading down a very dangerous path. We will continue to remind Israel of their obligations under international law, including the provisional measures imposed by the ICJ.

President,

A new year marks a new beginning.  We saw in Syria how quickly the situation may change. The ceasefire in Gaza creates a momentum.

In these times of uncertainty, let us act with determination to ensure the respect for international law and prevent further suffering in the region.

I thank you.