Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East (UNSC Resolution 2334)
Mr. President,
We thank the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (ОPT)regarding the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334. Unfortunately, as your briefing makes clear, we still have no grounds for optimism. We are witnessing not merely a failure to implement the resolution, but its flagrant violation.
The plans announced by the Israeli authorities in mid-August to revive the settlement construction plan in the E1 zone of the West Bank jeopardize the viability of the two-State solution. If this billion-dollar project, which implies the construction of 3,412 housing units, new roads and infrastructure, moves forward, the West Bank would be divided in two, severing East Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian territory. Intentions of the plan’s proponents were most precisely described by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who stated with a glow of pride, “This buries the very concept of a Palestinian state.”
Furthermore, those who now assert that the illegal settlement activity is a response to the October 7th terrorist attacks are being disingenuous. This is all part of a long-term strategy that religious ultranationalists have consistently advanced for many years, justifying their violations of international law with references to the Old Testament. In their worldview, Israel has a sacred right to these lands, while the Palestinians are merely an inconvenience, and they have no place in what they call Judea and Samaria.
Therefore, it is not surprising that since 2009, 900 Palestinians from the E1 zone alone have been forcibly displaced, and more than 500 homes have been demolished, including 200 built with donor funds. Justifying the threats of annexation by citing the recent wave of recognitions of Palestine by several Western states is equally absurd. These recognitions responded directly to West Jerusalem’s deliberate policy of undermining the two-state solution, and not vice versa.
Mr. President,
The planned construction of new settlements would be impossible if it were not for rabid settlers eager to commit any form of violence against the Palestinian population. We should not delude ourselves into thinking that they act independently. These settlers receive unconditional support from the authorities, with Israeli law enforcement either turning a blind eye to their crimes or actively partaking in them. Moreover, the Israeli government allocates millions of dollars to equip and arm settlers, enabling them to exile Palestinians from their land.
Russia strongly condemns the illegal construction of settlements in the OPT, violence by extremist settlers, and hate rhetoric. We demand that Israel return to strict compliance with Security Council resolution 2334 and abandon further plans to annex the OPT.
Last week, the international community clearly demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, which was clearly seen both at the High-Level International Conference and in statements during the general debate. Furthermore, during his meeting with high-ranking delegates from a number of Arab-Muslim states on the sidelines of the UNGA High-level Week to discuss the Middle East settlement, US President Donald Trump stressed that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. We do hope that these words will be followed by concrete action.
To reverse the tragedy unfolding before our very eyes, it is vital that Washington be engaged in international efforts to resolve the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of internationally acknowledged legal framework. After all, it is precisely the unconditional support of the United States that has allowed Israel to do whatever it wants and get off scot-free. As history shows, Israel has only agreed to peace agreements when there was a strong and principled leader in the White House, one disposed to take bold decisions in the interests of achieving peace. We hope that the current US administration will indeed make the necessary efforts to put an end to Israel's unlawful actions.
Mr. President,
Russia's position on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement is principled in nature and immune to the swings of political fancy. We consistently advocate for an immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive ceasefire; the release of hostages and forcibly detained persons; the provision of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in accordance with established guiding principles; and the resumption of the peace process on a universally recognized international legal basis rooted in the two-state solution that protects the fundamental rights of Palestinians to self-determination and return, and addresses their lawful aspirations to have their own independent and viable state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel.
The Palestinians deserve to have a state of their own as much as the Israelis do. Respecting the rights of Palestinians is the only possible option for any conscientious member of the international community. Ignoring this would be detrimental to Israel itself, and to its attempts to ensure its own security. This is the task that cannot be accomplished at the expense of the interests of the Palestinians and Israel's Arab neighbors; and the sooner West Jerusalem recognizes this, the better.
Thank you.
