AHLC and other reports

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Rafah

Jerusalem, 27 May 2024

“I condemn last night’s Israeli airstrikes which hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and have tragically led to the reported loss of more than 35 Palestinian lives, including women and children, and dozens of injuries.

While the IDF said it struck a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants in the strikes, I am deeply troubled by the deaths of so many women and children in an area where people have sought shelter.

I call upon the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account, and take immediate steps to better protect civilians.

All parties in the conflict must refrain from actions that set us further away from achieving an end to hostilities and further jeopardize the already fragile situation on the ground and the broader region.

I reiterate the Secretary-General's call for an immediate ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages to end the suffering of civilians.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at ending the hostilities, reducing tensions, and advancing the cause of peace.”

[ENDS]

26 May 2024, New York

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes today's passage of life-saving humanitarian assistance and fuel from Egypt into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

With more than 800,000 people displaced from Rafah due to hostilities and evacuation orders since 6 May, the Secretary-General stresses that civilians must be protected and their essential needs met – including access to food, shelter and clean water.

With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the Secretary-General emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom to those in need. He underscores the need for all crossing points to be open in line with Security Council resolution 2720 (2023) and for humanitarian organizations to have full, safe and unhindered access to reach all civilians in need across Gaza.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages to end the suffering of civilians. He’s dismayed by the lack of implementation of the recent orders of the International Court of Justice regarding the situation Gaza. He reminds the parties that decisions of the Court are binding.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Gaza | United Nations Secretary-General

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE PRESS - ON THE MIDDLE EAST

New York, 7 May 2024

We are at a decisive moment for the Palestinian and Israeli people and for the fate of the entire region.

An agreement between the Government of Israel and the leadership of Hamas is essential to stop the unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and of the hostages and their families.

It would be tragic if weeks of intense diplomatic activity for peace in Gaza, yield no ceasefire. No release of hostages. And a devastating offensive in Rafah.

I reiterate my appeal for both parties to show the political courage and spare no effort to secure an agreement now.

To stop the bloodshed. To free the hostages. And to help stabilize a region which is still at risk of explosion.

This is a crucial opportunity that the region – and indeed the world – cannot afford to miss.

Yet things are moving in the wrong direction.

I am disturbed and distressed by the renewed military activity in Rafah by the Israeli Defence Forces.

The closure of both the Rafah and Karem Shalom crossings is especially damaging to an already dire humanitarian situation. They must be re-opened immediately. Just to give an example; we risk running out of fuel this evening.

I urge the Government of Israel to stop any escalation, and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic talks.

After more than 1,100 Israelis killed in the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October … after more than 34,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, haven’t we seen enough?

Haven’t civilians suffered enough death and destruction?

Make no mistake – a full-scale assault on Rafah would be a human catastrophe.

Countless more civilian casualties. Countless more families forced to flee yet again – with nowhere safe to go.

Because there is no safe place in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the repercussions will be felt far beyond, in the occupied West Bank, and across the region.

Rafah is the epicenter of humanitarian operations in Gaza.

Attacking Rafah will further upend our efforts to support people in dire humanitarian straits as famine looms.

International humanitarian law is unequivocal: civilians must be protected – whether they leave Rafah or stay in the city.

International humanitarian law must be respected by both parties.

I also remind Israel of its obligation to facilitate the safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid and staff into and across Gaza.

Even the best friends of Israel are clear:

An assault on Rafah would be a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare.

I appeal to all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to help avert even more tragedy.

The international community has a shared responsibility to promote a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in life-saving aid.

It is time for the parties to seize the opportunity and secure a deal for the sake of their own people. Thank you.

[END]

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the situation in the Middle East

The Secretary-General reiterates his pressing call to both the government of Israel and the leadership of Hamas to go the extra mile needed to make an agreement come true and stop the present suffering.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the indications that a large-scale military operation in Rafah may be imminent. We are already seeing movements of people – many of these are in desperate humanitarian condition and have been repeatedly displaced. They search safety that has been so many times denied.

The Secretary-General reminds the parties that the protection of civilians is paramount in international humanitarian law.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the situation in the Middle East

The Secretary-General reiterates that it is high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East.

The Secretary-General condemns any act of retaliation and appeals to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region and beyond.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

New York, 14 April 2024

[as delivered]

Madam President,

Excellencies,

The Middle East is on the brink.

The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.

Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate.

Now is the time for maximum restraint.

This emergency session has been convened upon an urgent request by the Permanent Representative of Israel, who noted in his letter dated 13 April to the President of the Security Council, that Iran had launched – and I quote -- “a direct attack from within its territory of more than 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel in clear violation of the UN Charter and international law.” [unquote]

Yesterday, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran also addressed a letter to the President of the Security Council, stating that – and I quote -- “in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives.” [unquote]

He stated that the action was taken – and I quote -- “in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defence as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1 April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises” – unquote.

According to the latest reports, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted.

Several missiles reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country.

And overall, a few civilians were injured.

Madam President,

When the nature of the attack became clear, I stated the following last night and I quote:

“I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening.

And I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.” [unquote]

I remind all Member States that the Charter of the United Nations prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

Furthermore, the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law, as I stated when condemning the 1 April attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Madam President,

It’s time to step back from the brink.

It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.

Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price.

And we have a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation.

As the Friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under international law.

We have a shared responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

We have a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.

We have a shared responsibility to work for peace.

Regional – and indeed global -- peace and security are being undermined by the hour.

Neither the region nor the world can afford more war.

Thank you.

[END]

Statement by the Secretary-General regarding attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting Israel

I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.

I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.

I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.

[END]