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TOR WENNESLAND

UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 2334 (2016)

26 March 2024

(As delivered)

Mr. President,

Members of the Security Council,

Before turning to the report, I wish to acknowledge the important message from this Council in yesterday’s passage of resolution 2728 (2024) – we need a ceasefire now; we need the release of all hostages now. The suffering must end.

Mr. President,

This is the twenty-ninth quarterly report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016). It covers the period from 8 December to 18 March.

The resolution calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” and to “fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard.” Nevertheless, settlement activities have continued and intensified.

In total some 4,780 housing units were advanced or approved in settlements in Area C in the occupied West Bank and in East Jerusalem. Of these, the Higher Planning Committee (HPC) advanced approximately 3,420 housing units in three settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 2,400 in Ma’ale Adumim settlement on 6 March. Another 580 housing units were approved in two plans in Area C in Revava and Mevo’ot Jericho. In occupied East Jerusalem, 700 housing units were advanced and approved in Givat Hashaked settlement. In addition to this, tenders for approximately 430 housing units were announced for settlements in Area C in the West Bank.

Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, Israeli authorities demolished, seized, or forced people to demolish 300 structures, displacing 314 people, including 137 children. Sixteen structures were donor funded.

In a continuing trend, 35 Palestinians, including 17 children, left their West Bank communities citing violence and harassment by settlers and shrinking grazing land.

Mr. President,

Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) calls for “immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction.” Unfortunately, the devastating conflict in Gaza has continued, alongside daily violence in the occupied West Bank.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health (MOH), from 8 December to 18 March, at least 14,550 Palestinians were killed, including approximately 4,200 women and 6,000 children, and at least 27,800 were injured. This brings the total reported by the MOH, since 7 October, to more than 31,790 Palestinians killed, a majority of whom are reportedly women and children.

According to Israeli sources 134 hostages are still being held captive, of some 250 taken hostage. Israeli sources also report over 1,461 Israelis and foreign nationals killed by Hamas or other Palestinian armed groups, including at least 338 women, 37 children and 633 members of the security forces, since 7 October, inclusive.

Hostilities remained intense across Gaza, with Israel conducting strikes from air, land and sea, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties, massive displacement of civilians and widespread destruction, including of civilian infrastructure. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold civilians hostage, launch attacks at Israeli forces and fire indiscriminate rockets towards Israel.

The Israeli operation in Khan Younis continued, driving tens of thousands more Palestinians to Rafah, including those already displaced multiple times, where airstrikes have intensified amid concerns of a major Israeli military operation. The fighting has seriously impacted the remaining functioning hospitals in Gaza.

The IDF stated that its operations are targeting Hamas fighters and equipment, as well as tunnel networks and other facilities used for military purposes, including in or under civilian infrastructure.

Law and order are rapidly breaking down in Gaza as desperation grows. On 29 February, more than a hundred Palestinians were killed, and several hundred more injured, in an attack involving Israeli forces during an Israeli-coordinated aid delivery operation in northern Gaza. At least 26 attacks have occurred on people at aid distribution points since mid-January.

Repeated attacks on health-care facilities have been reported in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of health-care workers, patients and internally displaced people sheltering in those locations.

On 15 March, the Prime Minister’s Office announced approval of plans for an Israeli military operation in Rafah, including steps to evacuate civilians from combat zones.

In the reporting period, 39 UN personnel were killed in Gaza, bringing the total number of UN staff killed since October 7 to 171.

Meanwhile, violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continued at alarming levels.

159 Palestinians, including two women and 43 children, were killed by Israeli security forces (ISF) during search-and-arrest operations, armed exchanges, airstrikes, demonstrations and other incidents. One Palestinian was killed by Israeli settlers, and another was killed either by Israeli forces or by settlers. A total of 1,150 Palestinians were injured, including 240 by tear gas inhalation and 394 by live ammunition.

According to Israeli sources, ten Israelis, including two women, one child and three security forces personnel, were killed and another 74 were injured by Palestinians in shooting, stabbing and ramming attacks and in rock- and Molotov cocktail-throwing and other incidents.

Israeli security forces carried out 1,937 search-and-arrest operations in the occupied West Bank, resulting in 2,119 Palestinians detained including at least 72 children. Israel currently holds at least 3,558 Palestinians in administrative detention.

The high number of fatal incidents during the reporting period precludes me from detailing all but allow me to highlight a few.

Most Palestinians were killed by ISF in the context of Israeli operations in Area A, including during subsequent exchanges with armed Palestinians, marked by the use of increasingly lethal weaponry. Incidents include six Palestinians, including a 14-year-old, killed on 8 December, in al-Far’a refugee camp in Tubas; 11 more, including three children, killed during a three-day Israeli operation and ensuing armed clashes from 12 to 14 December in Jenin; and four Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Tulkarem refugee camp, with five others killed in Nablus’ Balata refugee camp on 17 January. On 30 January, inside a hospital in Jenin, ISF killed three Palestinians, one of whom was a patient. The IDF said that the three were planning an attack against Israelis. On 4 March, a 16-year-old was killed in the al Am’ari refugee camp in the largest Israeli operation in and around Ramallah for years.

Settler-related violence continued, including several attacks recorded in the Jordan Valley, where herding communities are at risk of displacement. On 28 February, Israeli authorities extended the administrative detention of a prominent settler by three months.

Violence against Israelis by Palestinians also continued in shooting attacks in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and in Israel. Three Israelis were killed near Ashdod on 16 February; another was killed on 22 February, near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement in a shooting attack on cars; and, on 29 February, two others, including a 16-year-old, were killed near the Eli settlement.

Despite some restrictions, on 15 March, thousands of Muslim worshipers participated in Friday Ramadan prayers in Jerusalem’s Old City, with minimal confrontations.

Mr. President,

Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) calls for the parties to refrain from acts of provocation, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. Nevertheless, such acts continued.

Marking 100 days since its 7 October attack, a senior Hamas official celebrated and vowed to repeat the event, calling it “a scaled-down model of the final war of liberation.” Ahead of the start of Ramadan, Hamas also called on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to escalate confrontations with Israel.

A number of Israeli officials called for the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza and the reestablishment of settlements there, with a minister posting on social media that Israel “should compel them until they say they want it. Continue to pressure them, using force, starvation, [and] difficult conditions.” An Israeli Member of Knesset called on Israel “To occupy, to annex, to destroy all the houses [in Gaza], to build large and spacious neighborhoods, large settlements.”

Mr. President,

Resolution 2334 (2016) reiterated calls by the Middle East Quartet for “affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse negative trends on the ground that are imperiling the two-State solution.” Negative trends continued.

In Gaza, the humanitarian impact of the hostilities has been cataclysmic and is worsening daily.

Nearly 1.7 million people have been displaced, with almost 1 million sheltering in Rafah.

More than one million people in Gaza are projected to face catastrophic levels of food insecurity by the end of May, and famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent according to the latest IPC analysis. Indeed, starvation-related fatalities have already been reported. Most people have no access to adequate food, clean drinking water, or effective sanitation services, amid a decimated health system.

The levels of humanitarian access and safety of humanitarian workers remain alarming, negatively impacting the humanitarian response, alongside operational constraints and pipeline limitations. Near daily Israeli denials and delays of coordinated movement including detentions of humanitarian workers and ineffective deconfliction mechanisms and the lack of approval for adequate communications equipment and armored vehicles make humanitarian work extremely dangerous. Aid convoys continue to face attacks, damaged roads and unruly mobs, amid a security vacuum.

Some progress was made on a maritime corridor from Cyprus, with a first shipment arriving on 15 March, alongside the opening of an access point in the north of Gaza.

On 29 December 2023, the Republic of South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice concerning alleged violations in the Gaza Strip of Israel’s obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. On 26 January, the ICJ indicated provisional measures in the case.

On 29 January, Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh announced a Government reform program centered on improving accountability, reducing deficits, enhancing revenue and upgrading services. Following Prime Minister Shtayyeh’s resignation, President Abbas announced Mohammad Mustafa Prime Minister-designate on 14 March.

On 29 February, per an arrangement agreed to between Norway, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), the PA started to receive the clearance revenues that Israel collects on its behalf. The revenues exclude an amount Israel says the PA transfers to Gaza, which the parties agreed would be held in a trust fund in Norway. The fiscal situation of the PA nevertheless remains extremely precarious with soaring unemployment and poverty rates, in the context of increased movement restrictions.

Intra-Palestinian discussions took place in Moscow on 1-2 March.

During the reporting period, Israel provided information alleging 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks. The employment contracts of the active staff members were terminated and the Secretary-General immediately activated an internal investigation, which has delivered an interim report. He also appointed an independent review group, which visited Israel and Palestine in March, to assess whether the Agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches.

Mr. President,

In resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council called upon all States “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.”

On 7 March, the Norwegian Government issued a statement outlining that “Norwegian businesses should be aware that, through economic or financial activity in the Israeli settlements that violate international law, they risk contributing to violations of international humanitarian law or human rights.”

Resolution 2334 (2016) also called upon “all parties to continue, inter alia, to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations.”

In the context of the current hostilities in Gaza, intense negotiations between international mediators and the parties continued to formulate a deal for the release of the hostages and a ceasefire.

On 1 February, the U.S. issued an Executive Order imposing sanctions on “persons undermining peace, security and stability in the West Bank.” Additional sanctions on two outposts and settlers were announced on 14 March. In total, seven Israeli settlers have been sanctioned under the order. The UK, France and New Zealand also subsequently announced sanctions against settlers.

On 23 February, reverting to U.S. policy announced in December 2016, the U.S. Secretary of State stated that the U.S. views Israeli settlements as “inconsistent with international law.”

On 4 March, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict released findings that there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred in multiple locations during the 7 October attacks in Israel and that there was clear and convincing information that sexual violence has been committed against hostages and reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing against those still in captivity. While the scope of the visit in the occupied West Bank did not include verification, the Special Representative stated that she received information about various forms of sexual violence as well as sexual harassment and threats of rape against Palestinian men and women in detention settings, during house raids, and at checkpoints in the West Bank.

Mr. President,

In closing, allow me to share the Secretary-General’s observations on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).

1. I once again condemn the horrific armed attacks by Hamas and other groups on 7 October. Nothing can justify these acts of terror. The remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. While in captivity, hostages must be treated humanely and allowed to receive visits and assistance from the Red Cross. I am horrified by the findings of SRSG Patten regarding the use of sexual violence during the 7 October attacks and sexual violence committed against hostages, which may well be ongoing. All perpetrators of such acts must be fully prosecuted and held to account. As hostilities continue, I reiterate that there is no justification for the acts of terror that were committed and the deliberate killing, maiming and abduction of civilians and other protected persons and using sexual violence against them. The use of human shields, and the firing of indiscriminate rockets towards Israeli population centers are violations of international humanitarian law and must cease completely.
2. I am appalled by the immense scale of death, destruction, and human suffering wrought by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with civilian killings at a rate that is unprecedented. I condemn the killing of the thousands of civilians in Gaza, a majority of whom are reportedly women, children, and protected personnel.
3. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. I am concerned over what may be violations of international humanitarian law, including possible non-compliance with the requirements of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack. I reiterate that ordering the massive displacement of the population in Gaza without ensuring that basic humanitarian needs can be met raises serious concerns about compliance with the applicable legal requirements. The entry of humanitarian supplies has been far below what is required. Hospitals must be respected and protected by all parties and should never become battlegrounds. International humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. It applies to all parties to a conflict at all times and the obligation to comply with it does not depend on reciprocity. I mourn the UN staff killed in Gaza. Their courage and dedication will not be forgotten. The inviolability of United Nations premises must be respected at all times.
4. The life-threatening conditions facing the more than 1.7 million internally displaced persons within an ever-diminishing space in Gaza must be addressed immediately. I am extremely concerned by the possible nightmare of more than 1 million people being displaced again if Israel proceeds with its planned ground operation in Rafah. The world’s leading experts on food insecurity also clearly document that famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering. I call on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law, including allowing and facilitating the rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza. The UN and humanitarian partners must be able to deliver assistance safely. This means that humanitarian locations, movements, and workers must be protected more effectively, and that the UN be allowed the equipment it needs to increase staff safety.
5. I welcome the opening of a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional humanitarian assistance by sea, but reiterate that for aid delivery at scale there is no meaningful substitute to delivery by land.
6. I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and urge all sides to redouble efforts to reach an agreement that will bring about a needed humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages. I am engaged tirelessly with all stakeholders towards these objectives and stand ready to support the implementation of an agreement. I welcome the efforts, including by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to reach a deal.
7. I am deeply concerned by continued high levels of violence and casualties in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. Intensive Israeli security operations and heavy exchanges with armed Palestinians are leading to rising levels of casualties and decimating many West Bank refugee camps. Security forces must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable to protect life. I call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including with regard to the proportional use of force, and ensure thorough, independent and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force, holding those responsible to account.
8. I am alarmed by attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including in the proximity of Israeli Security Forces. I urge Israel, as the Occupying Power, to take immediate steps to abide by its obligations under international law to protect the Palestinian population against all acts or threats of violence. I note the measures announced by several Council members and other States against extremist settlers. Attacks by Palestinians against Israelis must also cease. All perpetrators must be held accountable.
9. In the spirit of this Holy month of Ramadan, I reiterate the utmost need to uphold the status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, taking into account the special and historic role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. I note that prayers at the Holy Sites have proceeded with some minimal confrontations thus far, and welcome all efforts to preserve calm. All sides must refrain from unilateral steps that would escalate tensions during this sensitive time.
10. I remain deeply troubled by the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The ever-expanding settlement footprint, including outposts, further entrenches the occupation, while severely impeding the exercise by the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination. I reiterate that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law.
11. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, entail numerous human rights violations and raise concerns about the risk of forcible transfer. I call upon the Government of Israel to end this practice, in line with its international obligations, and to allow Palestinian communities to build and address their development needs.
12. I am disturbed by the multiple instances in which officials have engaged in dangerous provocations, incitement and inflammatory language, which must be rejected by all.
13. I am encouraged by steps taken by the Palestinian Authority demonstrating its readiness to reform and welcome the implementation of the arrangement facilitated by Norway and agreed to by Israel and the PA that enables revenue transfer to the PA. However, the Palestinian economic and fiscal situation remains in crisis, putting the PA at existential risk. I urge the international community to extend immediate fiscal relief to the PA and for the PA to continue carrying out crucial reforms.
14. I was appalled by the allegations that 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks. These are being thoroughly and independently investigated, while a review on UNRWA’s neutrality is also ongoing. I underscore that UNRWA remains the backbone of the UN humanitarian response in Gaza. The Agency remains indispensable and irreplaceable, a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, and critical for regional stability. I welcome the resumption of funding by some donors and continue to call on donors to resume funding, as the continuity of UNRWA operations must be guaranteed.
15. The enormity of the humanitarian, security and political challenges we are faced with requires a collective, creative, and immediate response. We must urgently address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. I regret that, despite intensive diplomatic efforts, we have not seen an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
16. It is also important to support efforts to strengthen the PA to enable it to effectively govern across the whole of the OPT. Ultimately, any sustainable solution for Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict is political. It is imperative to set the conditions for an agreed political framework that outlines tangible, irreversible steps towards ending the occupation and establishing a two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, on the basis of United Nations resolutions, previous agreements, and international law, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

Thank you.

Full transcript of Secretary-General's remarks at press encounter with

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

24 March 2024

Assalam alaikum,

My dear friend, Minister [Sameh] Shoukry, thank you very much for your warm welcome.

Egypt is a global pillar of peace – and today I had the opportunity to discuss a number of vital issues with both President Sisi and the Foreign Minister Shoukry.

This includes the dire conditions in Gaza, but also the volatile situation in the occupied West Bank, and issues affecting the broader Middle East, Sudan and beyond.

My visit is part of a Ramadan solidarity mission that I undertake every year to Muslim communities in distress.

And I want to tell you that yesterday, I had a moment of deep sadness.

During this Ramadan solidarity visit I fast, out of respect for the beliefs of the communities I am visiting. And we had an Iftar with Sudanese refugees here in Cairo to express my solidarity also with the Sudanese people.

And immense sadness came when we were having our Iftar close to the Nile, to know that many - probably the majority of the people in Gaza - were not able to have a proper Iftar.

Yesterday I travelled to the Rafah crossing to put a global spotlight on the plight of Palestinian children, women and men struggling to survive the nightmare in Gaza.

The whole world recognizes that it’s past time to silence the guns and to ensure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

I also had an unforgettable visit with injured Palestinians from Gaza at the Al Arish hospital who are recovering from wounds from the brutal war – and I thank Egypt’s generosity here as well.

Let me be clear. Nothing justifies the abhorrent October 7 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking in Israel.

But nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

And I want to recognize the vital political and humanitarian role of Egypt.

Al Arish airport and the Rafah crossing are essential arteries for life-saving aid into Gaza.

But those arteries are clogged.

On one side of the border there are blocked humanitarian trucks as far as the eye can see.

On the other, we have a real-time humanitarian catastrophe stretching even further.

Looking at Gaza, it almost appears that the four horsemen of war, famine, conquest and death are galloping across it.

That is why the time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is now.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The suffering must end.

Palestinians in Gaza desperately need what has been promised -- a flood of aid.

Not trickles. Not drops.

Some progress has been made, but much more needs to be done.

Making that happen takes very practical steps.

It requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief.

It requires more crossings and access points. All alternative routes are – of course - welcome. But the only efficient and effective way to move heavy goods is by road.

It requires an exponential increase in commercial goods.

And, I repeat, it requires an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

The current horrors in Gaza serve no one – and are having an impact around the globe.

The daily assault on the human dignity of Palestinians is creating a crisis of credibility for the international community.

It is challenging the values we proclaim as universal.

It is challenging international law.

It is challenging core humanitarian principles.

It is challenging our basic humanity.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

We face trials and tests on many fronts.

Yesterday evening, as I mentioned, I had the honour of breaking the fast at an Iftar with refugees who fled from the conflict in Sudan.

I was deeply moved by their heartbreaking stories of unspeakable suffering and perilous journeys – and was also profoundly inspired by their enormous resilience.

It is outrageous to see the war raging during the holy month of Ramadan, despite global appeals for a ceasefire.

Since the war erupted in Sudan a year ago, Egypt has generously welcomed more than 500,000 Sudanese refugees, and I know that you have already five million other ones.

I thank Egypt for hosting these and so many other vulnerable migrants and refugees and urge the international community to step up its support for Egypt’s efforts.

I also want to take this opportunity to urge all countries to ensure the integrity of the international refugee protection regime and the rights of all persons on the move.

Once again, dear Foreign Minister, I pay tribute to your country’s leadership in these difficult times – and, through you, allow me to salute the people of Egypt for their generosity and commitment to the values of compassion, peace, and solidarity – the values of Ramadan.

Thank you.

Question [from Arabic]: Three months have passed since UNSC Resolution 2720 was passed, that states that Sigrid Kaag is assigned to work as a humanitarian coordinator and reconstruction. Until today she can’t fulfill her assignment. Do you intend to brief the Security Council regarding that. Then what is your message regarding the starvation in Gaza, and what would you say about the allegations against UNRWA?

SG: We all know that we have geopolitical divisions that make it very difficult for the Security Council to approve meaningful resolutions. At the same time, we all know that the superpowers are at odds with each other. And when the superpowers are at odds with each other, there is a sense of impunity, there is lack of respect, and we see that even the resolutions of the Security Council tend not to be respected. And indeed, there is a lot to be done in relation to the unfettered access, unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza to allow for the Security Council resolutions to be fully respected.

Your last question was sorry.

Question: Your message regarding UNRWA.

SG: So, I have to say that we are working hard, in order on one hand to guarantee that there is donor support to UNRWA, that is the backbone of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.

And at the same time, we were very clear, we have an inspection that is working in order to detect any areas of infiltration that might exist. We want UNRWA to be fully based on UN values agency, and we are working in a determined way for that.

And on the other hand, we have a review that is being conducted in order to improve the capacity of UNRWA to fully respect those values.

But I think it's important to say that UNRWA plays a vital role, and it's important to pay tribute to all the staff of UNRWA. 171 members of the staff of UNRWA were killed in Gaza. This should deserve the respect of everybody. And UNRWA should be recognized as an essential factor in humanitarian aid, not only in Gaza, but playing a vital role in Jordan, in Syria, in Lebanon and in the West Bank.

Question: Israel yesterday accused you, accused the UN, of being an anti-Israeli entity. They are accusing UNRWA of working with Hamas. How are you intending to deal with these incidents, how does it effect to support the Palestinians. And about the Catherine Colonna report.. [interrupted by moderator]

SG: What is your question?

Question: So, my question is, how this is affecting your ability to support Palestinians and how you are? How do you…

SG: No, the Colonna report, what is the question?

Question: The Colonna report, in the initial report they talk about measures to be taken, are these in any way related to the Israeli claims against UNRWA?

SG: In relation to the first question, to what extent these kind of accusations have an impact on our work, my answer is very simple; there is no impact at all, we are not against anybody. We are in favour of principles and values; principles and values that are the UN Charter; principles and values that are in international law; principles and values that are in international humanitarian law; principles and values that have to do with the right of self-determination; and namely the right of the self-determination of the Palestinian people, and the right to exist - a Palestinian State.

These are the reasons why we work. And it's based on these principles, that we do what we do. If someone feels that this is against someone, that is not our problem. We will stick to the values that I believe are the universal values that should guide us all.

At the same time, naturally we regret when there are situations of harassment when there are blockages, when there are all kinds of difficulties, but again, that will not impact negatively on our determination to go on supporting the Palestinian people in distress.

Now, in relation to UNRWA, any organization has the possibility that at a certain moment [will] suffer an filtration.

I was living my life, my first life, as a politician in Portugal, and before there was a period of dictatorship, and at that time, I remember the secret police of the state was infiltrating the opposition parties. And it's perfectly possible that in any entity, in UNRWA, there might have been infiltrations from Hamas, and we recognize that those infiltrations led with a certain credibility to participation of some of these elements in the events of October 7^th. We recognized that, and we took measures.

Those that we have credible, credible perception that it was true, were immediately separated. We put a team of investigators working hard to detect any other possible source of infiltration. And at the same time, we asked Catherine Colonna and a group of Institutes of the Nordic countries to do an analysis of the conditions in which UNRWA operates, and how to strengthen its capacity to abide by the UN humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, as all humanitarian entities must abide by.

And obviously, nobody's perfect. UNRWA is not perfect, the UN is not perfect. Any other organization is not perfect. We will look seriously into the recommendations that will be presented and we want to strengthen the UNRWA in its capacity to deliver to the Palestinian people, and in its capacity to be fully in line with the UN values as it is the firm determination of the leadership of UNRWA that is represented here by Philippe Lazzarini.

Question [from Arabic]: Is the UN restricted when dealing with Israel? Did you try to go into Gaza, and you were prevented from that?

SG: I'm not sure if I understood well, because of the difficulty [in the audio]. But if I'm not responding well, you will please ask again.

It is clear for me that the basic principle of international humanitarian law is the protection of civilians. And when one looks at the way the military operations have been conducted in Gaza, it is obvious that protection of civilians was not a concern. And it was always that there were violations of international humanitarian law, as to take hostages is a violation of international humanitarian law. But it is clear to me that the way the military operations have been conducted are in violation of international humanitarian law.

It is also clear that humanitarian aid and humanitarian access must be always guaranteed and there are Security Council resolutions on top of that, that insist on that fact. To obstruct humanitarian aid is also a clear violation of essential principles.

Question: Did you try to go into Gaza, and was prevented by Israel?

SG: No, I didn't ask to enter Gaza because two days before, the head of UNRWA had asked to enter Gaza and that request was refused.

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING

Rafah Crossing, 23 March 2024

Every year going back to since I served as High Commissioner for Refugees, I have undertaken a solidarity mission during the holy month of Ramadan to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress.

This Ramadan, I have come to the Rafah crossing to spotlight the hardship and pain of Palestinians in Gaza – and the obstacles to easing their plight.

This morning, I met with injured Palestinian civilians and their families at the General Hospital in Al Arish, and was extremely moved by their stories, experiences and all the hardships they have endured, and by the generosity and solidarity of Egypt and the Egyptian people.

I say again: nothing justifies the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7^th.

And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Now more than ever, it is time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It is time to silence the guns.

Palestinians in Gaza -- children, women, men – remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare.

Communities obliterated. Homes demolished. Entire families and generations wiped out. With hunger and starvation stalking the population.

Ramadan is a time for spreading the values of compassion, community, and peace.

It is monstrous that after so much suffering over so many months, Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan with Israeli bombs still falling, bullets still flying, artillery still pounding, and humanitarian assistance still facing obstacle upon obstacle.

Fasting with you on Ramadan, I am deeply troubled to know so many people in Gaza will not be able to have a proper Iftar.

Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all.

A long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates.

The long shadow of starvation on the other.

That is more than tragic. It is a moral outrage.

Any further onslaught will make everything worse.

Worse for Palestinian civilians. Worse for the hostages. And worse for all people of the region.

All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate ceasefire, I say it again.

It’s time for an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages.

I also urge every member of the United Nations to support our life-saving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, UNRWA.

We look forward to continuing to work with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, and deeply appreciate the full Egyptian engagement in support of the Gaza people.

And I want Palestinians in Gaza to know: You are not alone.

People around the world are outraged by the horrors we are all witnessing in real time.

I carry the voices of the vast majority of the world who have seen enough. Who have had enough. And who still believe that human dignity and decency must define us as a global community.

It’s our only hope.

It’s time to truly flood Gaza with life-saving aid.

The choice is clear: either surge or starvation.

Let’s choose the side of help – the side of hope – and the right side of history.

I will not give up. And all of us must not give up in doing all we can for our common humanity to prevail in Gaza and around the world.

Thank you.

[END]

After thirteen years of conflict in Syria, and despite a year of new diplomatic avenues, the tragic reality is that developments are all going in the wrong direction – including in the security, humanitarian, human rights, economic and political spheres. I am alarmed at the trajectory of events, and the lack of progress in reversing them.