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Mr. President,
We thank the German Presidency for convening this open debate.
Discussions on this agenda item invariably leave us with an ever-increasing sense of despair at the deteriorating situation in the region. Escalating violence, worsening humanitarian crisis and untold human suffering have seriously undermined the long-cherished vision of a peaceful Middle East.
Mr. President,
This situation has been aggravated by the emergence of a dangerous trend: the systematic erosion of the established norms of international law and principles of the UN Charter, which is worsening an already fragile regional environment.
Inclusive political processes, founded on respect for international law are being abandoned in favour of military solutions, plunging the region into deeper instability and chaos. Competing interests pursued by external powers are further accentuating regional fault lines.
Another grim manifestation of this trend is evident in the attempts to erode the long-standing international consensus on the status of Jerusalem, as well as the unilateral decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Syrian Golan. These measures have dealt a blow to the rule of law and international norms, besides frustrating the international community's efforts to finding a long-term and peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Mr. President,
Concern about the plight of Palestinians has resonated in this Chamber for over seven decades now. Regrettably, the suffering of the people of Palestine continues to this day, with no hope of any abatement.
Demolition of Palestinian homes continues across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Israel's illegal settlements are expanding in blatant disregard of international law and numerous Security Council resolutions. Israeli control of and restrictions on access to Islamic and Christian holy sites has further inflamed tensions. In the midst of these disturbing developments, the threat of the annexation of the West Bank now looms large.
In the besieged Gaza strip, civilian lives, particularly those of children and youth, remain under threat amid another intensifying cycle of violence that risks a broader escalation of the conflict.
These infringements of the collective will of the international community are taking us farther from the goal of a two-State solution, which underpins the vision of a peaceful Middle East.
The Secretary-General has often reiterated that "there is no Plan-B". A viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, remains the only sustainable guarantee for enduring peace in the region.
On the humanitarian front, mobilization of resources to ensure sustainable funding of UNRWA remains critical for over 5 million Palestinian refugees.
Mr. President,
The Palestinian question, along with the Kashmir issue has remained on the agenda of the UN almost since its inception. It is indeed regrettable that the international community and the UN have been unable to realize just and lasting solutions to these problems. As a result, the people of occupied lands in Palestine and Kashmir have endured prolonged repression and the denial of their legitimate right to self-determination.
Lack of progress on the Palestinian issue has not only frustrated the hopes and aspirations of generations of Palestinians, it has also resulted in endless hostility and dissonance in the region.
The continued erosion of international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter seriously undermine the Council's credibility and further highlight its incapability to resolve longstanding disputes.
Lasting peace in the Middle East and elsewhere cannot be accomplished without fully respecting the principles of international law and embracing the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter, which remains our sole instrument of hope against injustice and oppression.
We call on the international community to uphold these principles and play its part in realizing the shared goal of a peaceful Middle East.
I thank you.