The below reports are prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and are presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at its bi-annual meeting.
The reports provide an assessment of the efforts of the Palestinian Government toward state-building and an update on the situation on the ground.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Excerpts from the Noon Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres on the Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to authorize nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Excerpts from the Noon Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres
Monday, 13 February 2023
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli Security Cabinet that it has decided to authorize nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.
If these measures are implemented, they would further undermine prospects for a viable two-State solution. He reiterates that all settlements are illegal under international law and a substantial obstacle to peace.
He calls for unilateral actions that erode the prospects for a political solution on the basis of United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements to stop.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the High-Level Conference on Supporting the City of Jerusalem and its Population, in Cairo
SG/SM/21684
12 FEBRUARY 2023
Status of Jerusalem Cannot Be Altered by Unilateral Actions, Secretary-General Stresses in Message to Cairo Conference
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the High-Level Conference on Supporting the City of Jerusalem and its Population, in Cairo today:
Excellencies, Secretary-General Aboul Gheit, ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome the initiative of the League of Arab States in convening this conference to focus on the challenges faced by the Palestinian population in Jerusalem. I share your deep concerns.
Jerusalem — Al-Quds is not only a treasured home for so many — it also holds a unique place in the hearts of millions of Muslims, Jews and Christians the world over.
As we have seen time and again, what happens in Jerusalem reverberates globally — and tensions, incitement and violence often spill into wider instability.
It is therefore imperative that all parties exercise restraint and refrain from provocations, inflammatory actions and rhetoric. I am very concerned by the unilateral initiatives that we have seen in recent weeks.
The position of the United Nations is clear: The status of Jerusalem cannot be altered by unilateral actions, including settlement activities in occupied East Jerusalem; it can only be resolved through negotiations between the parties.
Jerusalem’s demographic and historical character must be preserved — and the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The United Nations remains committed to help Israelis and Palestinians chart a credible path forward: Towards an end of the occupation; towards two States living side by side with Jerusalem as the capital of both; towards lasting security, peace and dignity for all. Thank you. Shukran.
- Reports of the Secretary-General 01
- Reports of the Secretary-General 01