As the descendant of two Jewish refugees, I stand before this gathering filled with profound gratitude towards the state of Israel for caring for my grandmother in the aftermath of the Second World War, a time when she lost her husband at the hands of the Nazis.
It is with a heavy heart that I reflect upon the attacks carried out by Hamas on the seventh of October, an act of violence that has deeply shocked us all. However, I also cannot ignore the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank.
The Path to Lasting Peace
There exists a singular pathway to security, freedom, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians: the two-state solution. Regrettably, while there remains an understanding of the necessity for this solution, it is increasingly undermined by the realities on the ground. A stark example of this was the E1 tender that occurred in August of this year.
In response, the UK government, in collaboration with France and Canada, has made a commendable decision to follow the exemplary actions of countries such as Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway. We are not only declaring the occupation of these territories as illegal but are also taking tangible actions based on our economic ties with illegal settlements. This includes the prohibition of imports from these areas and efforts to disrupt the financial and construction supply lines that facilitate settlement expansion.
While these measures are indeed necessary, they alone are insufficient. It is a positive step that we have acted in concert with other nations.
The Role of Palestinian Authority and Future Governance
It is crucial to acknowledge the significance of the Palestinian Authority in establishing a legitimate Palestinian framework for governance. Moreover, it is imperative that Hamas is excluded from any future governing bodies in Gaza. To achieve this, Hamas must disarm and eliminate all forms of terrorism.
Furthermore, we must extend our support towards the U.S.-led 20-point plan, which aims to address these pressing concerns.
However, let us confront the reality: in a year’s time, we could find ourselves once again discussing the importance of the two-state solution amid worsening conditions on the ground.
Urgent Actions Required
So, what steps must we take now? I believe there are two critical actions that could significantly alter the current trajectory and I urge all nations present, as well as those not in attendance, to contemplate them seriously.
Firstly, we must achieve moral clarity regarding the situation at hand. Silence and avoidance of the truth will only hinder our progress. Secondly, we need to apply political pressure on the Israeli government, which is vital for enacting meaningful change. Earlier today, I co-chaired a meeting with Jordan focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The dire circumstances, including the obstruction of essential medical supplies and the tragic deaths of children awaiting treatment, should be a source of shame for us all. This situation should invoke a sense of responsibility within the entire international community, including members of the Israeli government who permit such suffering to continue.
Thus, I implore everyone here to reflect deeply on what actions we can take in the coming weeks and months to prevent a future gathering marked by further suffering and tragedy for the inhabitants of Gaza and the West Bank. Thank you, Councillors.