United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland’s Remarks at the Meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)

[As delivered]

On behalf of the Secretary-General, allow me to thank all of you for your consistent and long-term engagement in this forum and your commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict, ending the occupation and building the foundations for an independent Palestinian state.

To move forward in a better direction, we have to do some things differently – all of us – the parties, the donors, the UN and other international institutions.

First, Israeli and Palestinian leaders need to urgently address the conflict drivers and cease the unilateral steps that are moving us further from our shared goal of a more peaceful future with two States. This will require not only economic and security steps, but political moves as well. Serious political talks, supported by the international community, should begin to address key territorial and security issues, including those related to settlements and settler violence.

Second, the parties - with support from the international community - should restore the mechanisms that facilitate more regular, institutional and sustained contacts between both sides to address key issues, including economic issues like updating the Paris Protocol.

Third, the international donor community needs to strengthen its strategic coordination and its structures for engagement with the Palestinian Authority (PA). It should do so alongside providing bridge financing to the PA for a timebound and transitional period to facilitate key reforms and improve fiscal stability.

Finally, let us, urgently stabilize the institutions and progress we have today and demonstrate renewed commitment to a future by preserving our shared vision for two States. To do so, the UN proposes a coordinated package of short-term investments to (i) restore Palestinian access to basic services in education, health, and social support; (ii) create employment opportunities for youth and women; (iii) repair basic infrastructure; and (iv) to strengthen the fiscal stability of the PA. We will also continue to implement and seek to expand efforts to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian needs of Palestinians in the Strip, and improve livelihoods.

Madam Chair, as always, the goal remains supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements in pursuit of a two State solution.