Statement by representative of the Russian Federation Alexander Repkin at UNSC briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
Mr.President,
We thank Tor Wennesland for the briefing.
The Special Coordinator shared information on the progress of UNSC resolution 2334. In this context, we express concern over the ongoing illegal settlement activity, which is one of the main obstacles to a solution based on the two-state principle.
We are very worried that the pace of issuing permits for construction of new housing units and subtraction of Palestinian property has speeded up recently, thus triggering escalation. In the past month, Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, and Israelis witnessed devastating effects of armed action. 259 Palestinians, including 66 children died. Regretfully, tension in in Eastern Jerusalem, especially in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and around Al-Aqsa mosque does not abate, according to the latest reports. Clashes between Palestinians and Israelis are taking place both there and in other districts in the West Bank. The situation can spiral out of control at any moment.
Therefore we call on the both sides to act in a reserved manner, and on the new Israeli government – to refrain from unilateral steps that create irreversible trends on the ground. We believe it important to consolidate the yet fragile ceasefire under mediation of regional partners, our Egyptian friends in the first place. We emphasize the need to preserve the status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites given the special role of the Jordan monarchy. Provision of humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza and recovery of the devastated infrastructure are the most pressing problems at this point. In this regard, we commend the work of UNRWA and stress that its financing must be stable and predictable.
Mr.President,
In the interests of achieving a lasting stabilization, which will only be possible once there is a just solution to the Palestinian question on the internationally recognized basis (including UN resolutions), we intend to set forth our efforts aimed at launching a direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue. We call on the colleagues in the Quartet of international mediators for the Middle East to consider our initiatives that i.a. propose convening a meeting of the extended format with participation of regional states.
Thank you.
