The United Kingdom has expressed its strong condemnation of the ongoing reckless assaults carried out by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as their escalating actions in Yemen and the broader region. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband voiced the nation’s dismay at the recent attacks targeting King Khalid Airport, extending heartfelt condolences to the families affected by these incidents, both those who have lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries.
In light of these events, it is notable that the Council recently convened to formulate a presidential statement, which is set to be adopted later today. This statement reaffirms the Council’s condemnation of the Houthi attacks while reiterating the United Kingdom’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on Recent Tragedies
Last week marked a significant anniversary, commemorating three years since the abhorrent attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2020, which inflicted suffering on the people of Israel and various other nations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has offered condolences to those who lost their lives and to all who were injured or taken hostage during these tragic events. Many representatives within the chamber had the privilege of attending a memorial event held by Israeli colleagues, where they listened to harrowing testimonies from survivors, including Eliya Cohen, who endured 505 days in captivity alongside his wife, Ziv Abud. Their narrative, alongside that of countless Israelis and Palestinians, serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to break the cycle of violence and pursue a lasting peace for both communities.
The two-state solution remains the only viable path towards achieving this peace, yet it is currently facing significant challenges. A year ago, the United Kingdom welcomed President Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and the subsequent adoption of Resolution 2803. As we reflect on the year that has passed, we continue to endorse this plan and acknowledge the progress that has been made; however, it is clear that further advancements are necessary.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since the ceasefire was established, an alarming average of four individuals have lost their lives each day, including over 300 children. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with civilians braving a fourth winter living in tents and makeshift shelters amidst harsh weather conditions, flooding, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The threat of disease continues to escalate as Gaza’s healthcare system remains in tatters, compounded by ongoing restrictions on essential supplies. Over 8,000 emergency shelter kits that have been pre-positioned outside Gaza are still being denied entry.
During the United Nations’ High-Level Week, Foreign Secretary Miliband, alongside the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Qatar, initiated a Call to Action focusing on the urgent need for humanitarian access and healthcare in Gaza. This Call to Action outlines the requirements from the Israeli Government to facilitate substantial aid and to lift unnecessary restrictions, particularly on items classified as dual-use. It is imperative that the Israeli Government complies with its obligations under international humanitarian law and eliminates the current barriers hindering critical aid delivery.
Political Progress and Governance in Palestinian Territories
In conjunction with these humanitarian efforts, progress must also be made on the political front, aiming to reunify Gaza and the West Bank under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. The United Kingdom is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda, which is essential for enhancing service delivery to Palestinian citizens. It is with great regret that we acknowledge the Palestinian Authority’s decision to postpone legislative and presidential elections until September 2027, a move that deprives Palestinians of their democratic rights and further undermines confidence in democratic institutions. We urge the Palestinian Authority to reconsider this decision and to conduct elections without unnecessary delays.
A viable Palestinian state necessitates not only recovery in Gaza and political progress but also an end to the violence, displacement, and settlement expansion occurring in the West Bank, which threaten the prospects for peace. The rise in settler violence and the ongoing expansion of settlements are particularly alarming. In just one week this past September, the United Nations recorded 51 settler attacks, resulting in injuries and extensive damage to property, including hundreds of olive and fruit trees. As the olive harvest season commences, we implore Israeli authorities to ensure that Palestinian communities can harvest their crops safely, without facing intimidation, violence, or restrictions on access to their land.
Call for Immediate Action on Settlement Expansion
The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the E1 development and insists that the Israeli Government must cease these plans immediately, retract the tender, and halt all settlement expansions. As a staunch advocate for the two-state solution, the United Kingdom continues to collaborate with international partners to uphold the viability of a Palestinian state and to ensure lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.