“The Israeli authorities approved over the past two days the advancement of some 2,400 housing units in settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank.

Mr. President,

Members of the Security Council,

"I am deeply concerned by yet another dangerous escalation in Gaza and the tragic loss of life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all those who were killed, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

In a newly published report, the United Nations noted that despite the relative temporary calm between Gaza and Israel since the end of March, the scope of the challenges facing the Palestinian people and government is unprecedented.

For the past year the United Nations has engaged constructively with Egypt and all concerned parties to avoid escalation, relieve the suffering of people in Gaza, lift the closures, and support intra-Palestinian reconciliation.

“On this International Women’s Day, the United Nations acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of Palestinian women to the development of their communities.