Security Council Briefings

Secretary-General's message to the UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East

16 November 2021

Welcome to the 2021 United Nations International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East.

This year’s event also marks the 30th anniversary of the Madrid Peace Conference, a historic moment that led to dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and established a crucial foundation of peace upon which we must seek to build.

But over the last years, we have witnessed more setbacks.

Many are questioning the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.

We cannot lose hope.

We must explore every opportunity to revitalize the peace process.

I urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to demonstrate the political will necessary to revive and resume dialogue.

The two‑State solution, as defined by UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements remains the only path to ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis can both realize their legitimate aspirations: an end to the occupation and the realization of two independent, sovereign states, living side‑by‑side in peace and security, based on the 1967 lines, and with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

The United Nations remains committed to working with Israelis and Palestinians, and with our international and regional partners, including through the Middle East Quartet, to realize this goal.

I also want to recognize your crucial role. Free and independent journalism is a cornerstone of building peaceful societies.

I wish you a successful seminar. Thank you.

Watch the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoJDDuFnYCk

UN Agencies[1] and the Association of International Development Agencies[2]

stand by civil society organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The decision on 7 November of the Military Commander in the West Bank to declare by Military Orders the six Palestinian NGOs as unauthorized in the West Bank deepens the concern of the UN Agencies and the Association International Development Agencies (AIDA), working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The decision is a further erosion of civic and humanitarian space and stands to significantly constrain the work of the six organisations which have worked with the international community, including the UN, for decades, providing essential services to countless Palestinians.

“These allegations are taken very seriously. To date, none of the UN agencies nor AIDA organisations have received written documentation which could serve as a basis for the allegations”, said United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the OPT, Lynn Hastings. She added that “we will continue to engage with all relevant partners for more information”.

Counter-terrorism legislation must be in accordance with obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which include full respect for the rights to freedom of association and expression. It cannot be applied to legitimate human rights and humanitarian work; the breadth of the Israeli 2016 Anti-Terrorism legislation and its impact on the presumption of innocence present serious concerns under international law.

With our strong commitment to the indispensable role of civil society in democratic life and in finding peaceful solutions to conflict, many of us work with and some financially support these organizations. Past allegations of misuse of our funds by Palestinian civil society organization partners have not been substantiated. We will continue to stand by international law and civil society organizations that promote international humanitarian law, human rights and democratic values.

Contacts:

AIDA: Joseph Kelly, (972) 54-6703864, director@aidajerusalem.org

UNSCO: Murad Bakri, (972) 54-5627815, bakri1@un.org

[1] encompassing development and humanitarian entities, agencies funds and programs

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Israeli settlement announcements

Jerusalem, 24 October 2021

“Today, the Israeli authorities announced tenders for the construction of more than 1,300 housing units in the occupied West Bank.

I am deeply concerned by continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, remain a substantial obstacle to peace, and must cease immediately.”

[ENDS]